[TIPS] How to Recruit Team Members and Find a Team
Finding the right team or someone who shares your vision can be challenging, especially if you’re new to game jams. To make this process easier, I’ve put together a quick guide based on my own experiences.
Whether you’re looking to join a team or recruit members for your own, these tips should help you get started.
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How to Write a Team Recruitment Post
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Start with an Introduction
- Introduce yourself! Share your name, age, and a bit about your interests in games or media. Be clear about what you’re looking to do during the jam—and what you’d prefer not to do. The more specific you are, the better chance you’ll find like minded people.
Example:
- “Hi, I’m Catfood and I love narrative driven games like Disco Elysium and Oxenfree. I’m looking to create a storyheavy game for this jam, but I’m not interested in working on platformers or FPS games.”
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Define Your Role
- What can you bring to the team? Are you a programmer, artist, composer, or something else? Be clear about your skills and what role you’d like to take on.
Example:
- “I’m a 2D artist specializing in pixel art, and I can also help with UI design. I’d love to take on the role of lead artist for the team.”
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Share Your Game Idea (Optional)
- If you already have a rough concept or theme in mind, share it! This isn’t mandatory, but it can help attract people who are excited about your vision. If you don’t have a specific idea, mention the types of games you’d like to make.
Example:
- “I’m thinking of a topdown mystery game where players solve puzzles. If you’re into atmospheric, storydriven games, let’s chat!”
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List the Roles You Need
- Be clear about what roles you’re looking to fill. Do you need a programmer, writer, sound designer, or something else? This helps potential teammates know if they’re a good fit.
Example:
- “Right now, I’m looking for a programmer familiar with Unity and a composer who can create ambient, eerie music.”
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Showcase Your Work (If Possible)
- If you have a portfolio, share it! This could be a link to your ArtStation, GitHub, SoundCloud, or even a Google Drive folder. Seeing your previous work helps others understand your style and skill level.
Example:
- “Here’s a link to my portfolio: [Your Link]. You can find examples of my pixel art and UI designs there.”
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General Advice for Finding or Building a Team
Communicate Clearly
Good communication is key to a successful team. Make sure everyone is on the same page about roles, deadlines, and the overall vision for the project.
Start Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to find a team. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to find the right people and plan your project.
Have Fun!
Game jams are about creativity and collaboration. Even if things don’t go perfectly, focus on learning and enjoying the process.