Emotions in Game Data Work

Abstract

This study explores the emotional dimensions of data work within the game industry. Through interviews with Finnish game industry professionals, the research reveals that data-driven work practices evoke a wide range of emotions, ranging from pleasure and satisfaction to insecurity and frustration. Data can act both as a helpful workmate and as a source of professional conflict and frustration, impacting the worker's sense of professionalism. Data-driven work also compels workers to individually confront ethical questions. Our findings highlight the interplay between creative work processes and data analytics, emphasizing the emotional labor that game industry professionals need to handle in a data-driven work culture. Additionally, the research addresses ethical considerations and the emotional work required to reconcile public perceptions of data usage. The study contributes to the broader understanding of emotional work in new data-intensive professions and advocates for more emotionally sustainable practices in data-driven game development.