Game design is a booming industry, with millions of gamers worldwide and new games being released every day. But while game designers put in countless hours to create these immersive worlds, can they really make money from their creations? The answer is yes, but it’s not always easy. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways game designers can monetize their work, from traditional game sales to subscription models and microtransactions. We’ll also delve into the economics of the gaming industry and how it impacts the livelihoods of game designers. So whether you’re a budding game designer or just curious about the industry, read on to discover the exciting world of game design and the money that can be made in it.
Understanding the Game Design Industry
The Growth of the Game Design Industry
Revenue and market size
The game design industry has experienced a remarkable growth in recent years. According to a report by Newzoo, the global games market is projected to reach $159.3 billion in 2020, with mobile gaming accounting for a significant portion of this revenue. This growth can be attributed to the increasing popularity of gaming across demographics, as well as the emergence of mobile gaming and indie developers.
Popularity of gaming across demographics
Gaming has become a popular pastime for people of all ages and backgrounds. According to a study by the Entertainment Software Association, 64% of American adults play video games, with 45% of women and 55% of men playing. The rise of mobile gaming has made it easier for people to access and play games, contributing to the industry’s growth.
Emergence of mobile gaming and indie developers
Mobile gaming has been a significant driver of the game design industry‘s growth. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, mobile gaming has become a popular platform for gamers. Indie developers have also played a significant role in the industry’s growth, with many successful indie games challenging traditional game developers. The rise of indie developers has led to increased competition and innovation in the industry, further fueling its growth.
Types of Game Design
The game design industry encompasses a wide range of disciplines, each with its own unique set of skills and challenges. Some of the most common types of game design include:
Art and Animation
Art and animation are crucial components of any game, as they help to create a visually appealing and immersive experience for players. Game artists and animators may be responsible for designing characters, environments, and objects, as well as creating concept art and storyboards.
Sound and Music
Sound and music are also essential elements of game design, as they help to create a sense of atmosphere and tension, and can also be used to reinforce gameplay mechanics. Game sound designers and composers may work closely with other designers to create a cohesive audio experience that enhances the overall gameplay experience.
Programming and Engineering
Programming and engineering are critical to the development of any game, as they involve writing code and building the underlying technology that makes the game work. Game programmers and engineers may work on everything from the game’s physics engine to its network architecture, ensuring that the game runs smoothly and is stable.
Writing and Narrative Design
Writing and narrative design are important aspects of game design, as they help to create a compelling story and engaging characters. Game writers and narrative designers may work closely with other designers to develop the game’s storyline, create dialogue, and write character descriptions.
User Experience and Interface Design
User experience (UX) and interface design are crucial to the success of any game, as they help to ensure that the game is easy to use and understand. Game UX and interface designers may work on everything from the game’s menus and controls to its in-game prompts and feedback mechanisms, ensuring that the game is intuitive and enjoyable to play.
Opportunities for Game Designers to Make Money
1. Salaried Employment
Game designers have a variety of opportunities to make money through salaried employment. This type of employment involves working for a game development studio as a full-time employee. In this section, we will discuss the pros and cons of salaried employment, industry trends, and job opportunities.
Pros of Salaried Employment
One of the primary advantages of salaried employment is a steady income. Game designers who work for a studio receive a regular paycheck, which can provide financial stability. Additionally, salaried employment can offer benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
Another advantage of salaried employment is the opportunity to work on large-scale projects with a team of professionals. Game designers can collaborate with other designers, artists, programmers, and producers to create innovative and engaging games. This collaborative environment can foster creativity and learning opportunities.
Cons of Salaried Employment
One of the primary disadvantages of salaried employment is the lack of autonomy. Game designers who work for a studio must adhere to the company’s vision and direction. This can limit the designer’s ability to create their own projects or pursue their own creative goals.
Another potential downside of salaried employment is the potential for long hours and high stress. Game development can be a demanding process, and designers may be required to work overtime to meet deadlines or address production issues. This can lead to burnout and negatively impact work-life balance.
Industry Trends and Job Opportunities
The game development industry is constantly evolving, and there are various trends that can impact job opportunities for game designers. For example, the rise of mobile gaming has led to an increased demand for mobile game designers. Additionally, the growth of esports and competitive gaming has created opportunities for game designers to create new and innovative esports titles.
There are also various job opportunities for game designers in different sectors of the industry. For example, some designers may choose to work on AAA console games, while others may prefer to work on indie games or mobile games. Additionally, there are opportunities for game designers to work in related fields such as game journalism, game criticism, or game education.
In conclusion, salaried employment can be a viable option for game designers who want to work on large-scale projects with a team of professionals. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as lack of autonomy and potential for long hours. Understanding industry trends and job opportunities can also help game designers make informed decisions about their career paths.
2. Freelance Work
As a game designer, freelance work can be an attractive option for making money. Freelancing allows designers to work on a project-by-project basis, which can provide flexibility and the ability to take on multiple clients at once. Here are some benefits of freelancing:
- Flexibility: Freelancing allows designers to choose the projects they work on and the clients they work with. This can be particularly appealing for those who want to balance their work with other commitments, such as family or other interests.
- Variety: Freelancing can also provide designers with the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, which can help them develop their skills and experience.
- Control over workload: As a freelancer, designers have more control over their workload, which can be particularly helpful for managing their time and work-life balance.
However, freelancing also comes with its own set of challenges and risks. Finding clients and contracts can be difficult, and there may be periods of time where there is little or no work available. Additionally, freelancers are responsible for their own marketing, billing, and administrative tasks, which can be time-consuming and challenging.
To find clients and contracts, designers can use a variety of methods, such as networking, online job boards, and personal websites or portfolios. It’s also important for designers to carefully consider their rates and negotiate contracts that are fair and beneficial for both themselves and their clients.
Overall, freelance work can be a valuable option for game designers looking to monetize their skills and experience. With careful planning and management, freelancing can provide designers with the flexibility and variety they need to build a successful and fulfilling career.
3. Creating and Selling Games
As a game designer, one of the most straightforward ways to monetize your work is by creating and selling games. This can be done through independent game development or by publishing your games on various platforms. Here are some ways you can make money by creating and selling games:
Independent game development
Independent game development is when a game designer creates a game without the support of a publisher or a large studio. This route requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and resources, but it also offers more creative freedom and a larger share of the profits. Independent game developers can distribute their games through various channels, such as online marketplaces, mobile app stores, and even their own websites.
Some popular platforms for independent game development include:
- Steam: A popular digital distribution platform for PC games, owned by Valve Corporation.
- Apple App Store: A digital distribution platform for iOS and macOS games, owned by Apple Inc.
- Google Play Store: A digital distribution platform for Android games, owned by Google.
Platforms for publishing indie games
In addition to distributing games through your own channels, there are various platforms that cater specifically to independent game developers. These platforms provide support and resources to help indie game developers publish and market their games. Here are some popular platforms for publishing indie games:
- Itch.io: A platform for indie game developers to distribute and promote their games. Itch.io takes a small percentage of sales revenue, and developers can set their own prices and release their games for free.
- IndieDB: A community-driven platform for indie game developers to showcase their games and connect with players. IndieDB also offers marketing tools and resources for indie game developers.
- Kongregate: A platform that allows indie game developers to publish and monetize their games through advertisements and in-game purchases. Kongregate also offers a developer portal with tools and resources for indie game developers.
Success stories and case studies
There have been many success stories of independent game developers who have made a name for themselves in the industry. For example, Jonathan Blow, the creator of the puzzle game “Braid,” funded the game’s development through his own savings and later sold the game to various platforms. Another example is Team Cherry, the developers of the action-adventure game “Hollow Knight,” who self-published the game and became a commercial success.
These success stories show that independent game development can be a viable way to monetize your work as a game designer. However, it’s important to note that independent game development requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and resources. It’s not a guaranteed path to success, but it can be a rewarding one if you’re passionate about creating games.
4. Teaching and Training
As a game designer, one of the ways to monetize your work is by sharing your knowledge and skills with others. Teaching and training can be a lucrative and rewarding career path for game designers who enjoy imparting their expertise to others.
Game design courses and workshops
One way to make money through teaching is by offering game design courses and workshops. These can be held in-person or online, and can cover a range of topics such as game mechanics, level design, and game engines. Game design courses and workshops can be offered through academic institutions, community centers, or online platforms.
In-person courses and workshops can be a great way to meet other game designers and build a network of peers. They can also provide a steady stream of income, as courses and workshops can be offered on a regular basis.
Online platforms for teaching game design
Online platforms offer game designers the opportunity to reach a wider audience and earn a passive income. Platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare allow game designers to create and sell their own courses. These platforms typically handle the marketing and payment processing, leaving game designers to focus on creating the course content.
Revenue potential and job opportunities
The revenue potential for game design courses and workshops varies depending on the platform and audience. Some game designers may earn thousands of dollars from a single course, while others may earn a few hundred dollars. However, with the growth of the game design industry, the demand for qualified game designers is increasing, and the potential for job opportunities in game design education is also growing.
In addition to teaching game design courses and workshops, game designers can also find work as game design consultants or as game design mentors. These positions can provide a steady stream of income and allow game designers to share their expertise with others in a more personalized setting.
Overall, teaching and training can be a valuable way for game designers to monetize their work and share their passion for game design with others. With the growth of the game design industry, the demand for qualified game designers is increasing, and the potential for job opportunities in game design education is also growing.
5. Consulting and Advising
Offering game design consulting services
As a game designer, one of the most effective ways to monetize your skills is by offering consulting services. These services can include:
- Designing game mechanics and systems
- Playtesting and iterating on game designs
- Advising on user experience and player psychology
- Providing feedback on game balance and pacing
By offering your expertise as a consultant, you can help game development studios create successful games that resonate with players.
Advising game development studios
Another way to monetize your game design skills is by advising game development studios. This can involve:
- Providing feedback on game design documents and pitches
- Assisting with the production of game assets and content
- Helping to manage and coordinate game development teams
- Advising on marketing and monetization strategies
By sharing your industry knowledge and expertise, you can help game development studios navigate the complex process of creating and launching successful games.
Industry knowledge and expertise
Having a deep understanding of the game design industry can be incredibly valuable, both for yourself and for others. By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you can:
- Help other game designers navigate the industry and find success
- Provide valuable insights and feedback to game development studios
- Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the industry
By leveraging your industry knowledge and expertise, you can position yourself as a valuable resource for game designers and development studios alike.
6. Merchandising and Licensing
Game designers can generate additional revenue by leveraging their intellectual property through merchandising and licensing. This involves selling game-related merchandise and licensing game designs and intellectual property to third parties. By capitalizing on the popularity of their games, designers can create new revenue streams and expand their reach in the market.
Selling Game-Related Merchandise
One way for game designers to monetize their work is by selling game-related merchandise. This can include T-shirts, posters, action figures, and other collectibles featuring the characters and designs from their games. By offering exclusive merchandise, designers can create a sense of exclusivity and attract fans who want to show their support for their favorite games. Additionally, merchandise sales can help reinforce the brand identity of the game and keep it top-of-mind for potential players.
Licensing Game Designs and Intellectual Property
Another way for game designers to monetize their work is by licensing their game designs and intellectual property to third parties. This can include licensing the rights to produce spin-off games, merchandise, or even movies and television shows based on the game’s characters and storyline. By licensing their intellectual property, designers can generate additional revenue streams and expand the reach of their game beyond the gaming industry. Additionally, licensing deals can also help establish the game’s brand as a cultural phenomenon and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Potential Revenue Streams and Opportunities
Merchandising and licensing can create significant revenue streams for game designers. By leveraging their intellectual property, designers can generate additional income and expand their reach in the market. Additionally, these opportunities can also create new partnerships and collaborations that can lead to further growth and innovation in the gaming industry. For example, a successful merchandising campaign can lead to new product lines and partnerships with retailers, while a successful licensing deal can lead to new opportunities for expansion and innovation in the game’s design and gameplay. Overall, merchandising and licensing can be a valuable tool for game designers looking to monetize their work and create new opportunities for growth and innovation in the gaming industry.
Challenges and Risks for Game Designers
Competition in the Industry
- The crowded game development market
- The game industry is a rapidly growing market, with a large number of developers competing for the attention of players.
- With so many games available, it can be difficult for new developers to stand out and attract a dedicated player base.
- Standing out as an indie developer
- Independent developers, or indie developers, face unique challenges in the market.
- While indie developers have more creative freedom, they also have less resources and funding than larger development studios.
- As a result, indie developers must be strategic in their marketing and distribution efforts to gain exposure and attract players.
- Balancing quality and commercial appeal
- In order to be successful, game designers must balance the creative and artistic elements of their game with the commercial appeal that will attract players and generate revenue.
- This can be a difficult balance to strike, as designers must consider the preferences of players while also staying true to their own vision for the game.
- Ultimately, designers must carefully evaluate the market and player feedback to determine the best approach for their game.
Intellectual Property and Legal Issues
Game designers face various intellectual property and legal issues that can significantly impact their ability to monetize their work. Protecting game designs and ideas, understanding copyright and trademark laws, and avoiding legal disputes and infringement claims are crucial challenges that designers must navigate to safeguard their creations and ensure fair compensation.
Protecting Game Designs and Ideas
Protecting game designs and ideas is a significant concern for game designers. Unlike other forms of intellectual property, such as literature or music, game designs and ideas are not automatically protected under copyright law. To protect their work, game designers must take additional steps to establish and enforce their intellectual property rights.
One common method of protecting game designs and ideas is through the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). NDAs are legal contracts between two or more parties that outline confidential information shared between them. By requiring potential collaborators, publishers, or investors to sign NDAs, game designers can protect their game designs and ideas from being shared or used without permission.
Another method of protecting game designs and ideas is through the use of patents. Patents are legal protections granted to inventors or creators for their original and non-obvious ideas. However, the process of obtaining a patent can be complex and expensive, and game designs may not be eligible for patent protection in some jurisdictions.
Understanding Copyright and Trademark Laws
Understanding copyright and trademark laws is crucial for game designers to ensure they are not infringing on the intellectual property rights of others. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including video games, from being copied or distributed without permission. Game designers must ensure that their games do not infringe on the copyrights of others, such as using copyrighted music or artwork without permission.
Trademark law protects distinctive signs, words, or symbols used to identify a product or service. Game designers must ensure that their game titles, logos, and other branding elements do not infringe on the trademark rights of others. This is particularly important in the highly competitive video game industry, where brand recognition is crucial for success.
Avoiding Legal Disputes and Infringement Claims
Avoiding legal disputes and infringement claims is essential for game designers to maintain their reputation and financial stability. Legal disputes can be costly and time-consuming, and can significantly impact a game designer’s ability to monetize their work.
To avoid legal disputes and infringement claims, game designers must be diligent in protecting their intellectual property rights and ensuring that their games do not infringe on the rights of others. This includes conducting thorough research and due diligence before using third-party content, such as music or artwork, in their games.
Additionally, game designers should consider working with legal professionals, such as intellectual property attorneys, to ensure that their games are compliant with copyright and trademark laws and to protect their intellectual property rights.
Managing Finances and Business Operations
As a game designer, managing finances and business operations can be a significant challenge. Developing and marketing a game requires a significant investment of time and money, and designers must be able to manage these resources effectively in order to be successful. Here are some key considerations for managing finances and business operations in game design:
Budgeting and Pricing for Game Development Projects
One of the most important aspects of managing finances in game design is budgeting and pricing. Designers must be able to estimate the costs of developing a game accurately and set prices that will generate sufficient revenue to cover those costs and turn a profit. This requires a deep understanding of the game development process, as well as the market for games in general.
To develop an accurate budget, designers must consider a wide range of factors, including the cost of equipment and software, the cost of hiring developers and artists, and the cost of marketing and promotion. They must also consider the length of time it will take to develop the game and the potential revenue it may generate.
Once a budget has been established, designers must set prices that will generate sufficient revenue to cover those costs and turn a profit. This requires an understanding of the market for games and the willingness to adjust prices based on feedback from players and other stakeholders.
Marketing and Promoting Games
Another important aspect of managing finances in game design is marketing and promotion. In order to generate revenue, designers must be able to effectively market their games to potential players. This requires a deep understanding of the target audience and the types of games they are interested in, as well as the ability to create engaging marketing materials and campaigns.
Marketing and promotion can be expensive, and designers must be able to balance the cost of these activities with the potential revenue they may generate. They must also be able to measure the effectiveness of their marketing efforts and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Navigating the Business Side of Game Design
Finally, game designers must be able to navigate the business side of game design effectively. This includes managing contracts and agreements with publishers and other stakeholders, as well as negotiating terms and conditions that are favorable to the designer.
Designers must also be able to manage business operations effectively, including accounting, legal issues, and other administrative tasks. This requires a strong understanding of business operations and the ability to work with professionals in related fields, such as accountants and lawyers.
Overall, managing finances and business operations is a critical aspect of game design, and designers must be able to navigate these challenges effectively in order to be successful. By developing strong budgeting and pricing strategies, creating effective marketing campaigns, and managing business operations effectively, designers can ensure that their games are successful both financially and creatively.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
The demanding nature of game development
Game development is a demanding process that requires a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. Designers often work long hours, juggling multiple tasks and deadlines, which can lead to a challenging work-life balance.
Managing stress and burnout
Game design is a high-pressure field, and designers may experience stress and burnout due to tight deadlines, challenging projects, and high expectations from players and stakeholders. It is crucial for designers to prioritize self-care and find ways to manage stress and avoid burnout.
Finding time for personal life and hobbies
Game designers often sacrifice personal time and hobbies to meet project deadlines, leading to a lack of work-life balance. It is essential for designers to prioritize self-care and ensure they have time for personal life and hobbies to maintain their overall well-being.
Future Trends and Opportunities in Game Design
Emerging Technologies and Platforms
The world of game design is constantly evolving, and new technologies and platforms are emerging that offer designers new opportunities to monetize their work. Some of the most exciting emerging technologies and platforms for game design include:
- Virtual reality and augmented reality: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are technologies that are rapidly gaining popularity in the gaming industry. VR and AR games offer players an immersive experience that is unlike anything else, and they can provide designers with new ways to monetize their work. For example, designers can charge players to access exclusive VR or AR experiences, or they can sell their games on VR and AR platforms.
- Cloud gaming and streaming services: Cloud gaming and streaming services allow players to access games on demand, without the need to download or install them on their devices. This offers designers a new way to monetize their work, as they can charge players to access their games on these platforms. Cloud gaming and streaming services also offer designers the opportunity to reach a wider audience, as players can access their games from anywhere with an internet connection.
- The impact of social media and mobile gaming: Social media and mobile gaming are two of the most popular forms of entertainment today, and they are increasingly influencing the way that people play and engage with games. Designers can monetize their work by creating games that are specifically designed for social media platforms, or by developing mobile games that can be played on smartphones and tablets. Social media and mobile gaming also offer designers the opportunity to reach a wider audience, as their games can be shared and played by millions of people around the world.
Growth of Indie Developers
- The rise of indie game development
- Indie game developers have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many individuals and small teams creating innovative and unique games that challenge traditional gaming norms.
- This growth can be attributed to several factors, including advances in game development technology, the rise of digital distribution platforms, and a growing demand for more diverse and experimental games.
- Support from game development communities
- Indie game developers often rely on support from game development communities to help them create and market their games.
- These communities provide access to resources, feedback, and networking opportunities, which can be invaluable for indie developers looking to break into the industry.
- Opportunities for niche and experimental games
- The growth of indie developers has also led to an increase in opportunities for niche and experimental games.
- These games often cater to specific audiences and may explore unconventional gameplay mechanics or storytelling techniques, providing players with a unique gaming experience.
- Additionally, the rise of crowdfunding platforms has provided a new avenue for indie developers to secure funding for their projects, allowing them to bring their creative visions to life.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Game designers can collaborate and form partnerships with other designers and studios to create successful games. Here are some ways designers can benefit from such collaborations:
- Partnering with other game designers and studios: Collaborating with other designers and studios can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table. This can help designers overcome creative blocks and improve the quality of their games. In addition, working with a larger team can help designers manage their workload and meet deadlines more efficiently.
- Cross-promotion and marketing opportunities: Collaborating with other designers and studios can also create opportunities for cross-promotion and marketing. For example, designers can promote each other’s games on social media or include each other’s games in bundles or promotions. This can help increase visibility and reach new audiences.
- Combining skills and expertise for successful games: Collaborating with other designers and studios can also help designers combine their skills and expertise to create more successful games. For example, a designer with strong artistic skills can collaborate with a designer who has strong programming skills to create a visually stunning and technically impressive game. By pooling their resources and skills, designers can create games that are more polished and appealing to players.
Importance of Diversity and Inclusion
In the world of game design, it is becoming increasingly important to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. This not only means creating games that are representative of a wide range of cultures and experiences, but also addressing issues of inclusivity and accessibility in the design process. By embracing different perspectives and experiences, game designers can create more engaging and meaningful games that resonate with a wider audience.
Here are some ways that game designers can promote diversity and inclusion in their work:
- Creating diverse characters and storylines: In order to create games that are representative of a wide range of cultures and experiences, game designers need to include diverse characters and storylines. This means creating characters that are not just white, male, and heterosexual, but also include people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. By doing so, game designers can create more engaging and meaningful games that resonate with a wider audience.
- Addressing issues of inclusivity and accessibility: In addition to creating diverse characters and storylines, game designers need to address issues of inclusivity and accessibility in the design process. This means ensuring that games are accessible to people with disabilities, as well as taking into account issues of gender, race, and sexual orientation. By doing so, game designers can create games that are more inclusive and welcoming to a wider range of players.
- Embracing different perspectives and experiences: In order to create games that are truly representative of a wide range of cultures and experiences, game designers need to embrace different perspectives and experiences. This means seeking out feedback and input from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, as well as being open to new ideas and approaches. By doing so, game designers can create games that are more engaging and meaningful to a wider range of players.
Overall, promoting diversity and inclusion in game design is essential for creating games that are more engaging and meaningful to a wider range of players. By creating diverse characters and storylines, addressing issues of inclusivity and accessibility, and embracing different perspectives and experiences, game designers can create games that are more inclusive and welcoming to a wider range of players.
FAQs
1. Can game designers make money from their work?
Yes, game designers can make money from their work in several ways. Some designers work as employees for game development studios, while others work as freelancers or contractors. In these cases, the designer may receive a salary or hourly rate for their work. Additionally, some designers may create their own games and sell them through digital distribution platforms, such as Steam or the App Store. They can also earn money through in-game purchases, microtransactions, and advertising.
2. How much money can game designers make?
The amount of money that game designers can make varies widely depending on their experience, skills, and the success of their games. Some designers may earn a modest income from their work, while others may earn a significant amount of money from their games. For example, the creators of the mobile game “Flappy Bird” earned an estimated $50,000 per day at the game’s peak of popularity. However, it’s important to note that the vast majority of game designers do not achieve this level of success, and many struggle to make a living wage from their work.
3. What factors can affect a game designer’s earning potential?
Several factors can affect a game designer’s earning potential, including their experience, skills, and the success of their games. Designers who have worked in the industry for many years and have a strong portfolio of successful games may be able to command higher rates for their work. Additionally, designers who specialize in a particular area, such as art or programming, may be able to earn more money than those who have a broader range of skills. Finally, the success of a designer’s games can have a significant impact on their earning potential, as games that are popular and well-reviewed are likely to generate more revenue.
4. What are some common ways for game designers to monetize their work?
There are several common ways for game designers to monetize their work, including:
- Selling games through digital distribution platforms, such as Steam or the App Store
- Earning a salary or hourly rate as an employee of a game development studio
- Working as a freelancer or contractor and charging a fee for their work
- Creating and selling digital assets, such as 3D models or sound effects, to other game developers
- Earning money through in-game purchases, microtransactions, and advertising
5. Are there any challenges or risks associated with making money as a game designer?
Yes, there are several challenges and risks associated with making money as a game designer. One of the biggest challenges is the highly competitive nature of the industry, which can make it difficult for new designers to break into the field. Additionally, the success of a designer’s games is often unpredictable, and even well-reviewed and popular games can fail to generate significant revenue. Finally, game design is a rapidly-evolving field, and designers must constantly adapt to new technologies and trends in order to stay relevant.