Here's how you can navigate the challenges of collaborating with international teams in the gaming industry.

This is usually a major obstacle as time zone is not something people can change but work around. Have a discussion to decide a good time to come together for a sync up. Be flexible on this because some region's timing could be reaching end of day while the other side could be a start of day. If need be, have a living document that jots down crucial items to follow through and make it concise and easy for the reader to understand. Be communicative, open and flexible would be the components navigating around various time zones.

Asynchronous communication can have its frustrations but can be optimized. I emphasize documentation of meetings, hand off summaries to various globally located parties, and then using that overlapping timezone window to cover an overview of the day. I work on the west coast of the US in PST and I find that evenings work best with APAC, usually 4-7PM PT. For Europe, 7-10AM PT is the better window. And in that case, I ask for forgiveness as I'm driving back from the gym or walking the dog. In that case its more about picking up the work where they left off and carrying the torch. Overall, documentation and effective communication is key.

Being flexible as others have highlighted is key. I've often found people are super flexible back, and ultimately ensuring it's not all on your terms is the key, as it's not just you. I've met leaders who expect people to match their availabilty only, and others who make it work and have a 'take it in turns' model (one I've used myslef with great effect). The ones who are inflexible are the ones who have always been more difficult to work with, and not just due to time zones.

Global Teams, Seamless Communication: Working with international colleagues? Here's the key: Clarity is King: Use simple language, visuals, and shared documents (translated if needed). Embrace Clarification: Encourage questions and open communication to avoid misunderstandings. Bilingual Bonus: Consider bilingual team members to bridge any remaining gaps. By prioritizing clear communication, you can build a strong, unified team that thrives despite language differences

The key to managing language barriers is patience. I've worked a lot with teams in Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Europe, and the main thing you need to have is patience. The good news is there are a ton of tools and apps to help with live translation or transcription of meetings in various languages. Seek out the one that works best for the non-english native, and work with them on integrating other tools to help make text and verbal communications flowing.

Being able to see perspective through someone else's eyes is one thing, but seeing their perspective through their culture is an entirely different experience. To know someone's culture is to truly know them. It defines everything about how they operate. I highly recommend spending some time traveling to the country of the colleagues you're working with to know how they operate. If that's not an option, seek out their cultural dynamics through holidays and celebrations.

As an Israeli working in a global teams I've learned: Respectful Curiosity: Learning about cultural differences fosters trust and a more cohesive team. Celebrating Diversity: Sharing holidays and traditions builds a stronger team spirit, creating a richer experience for everyone. This global teamwork adventure has been amazing! By embracing differences, we create something truly special together.

On top proactively learning about the different cultures you work with, I've learned to not getting easily offended. As many different cultures have nuances it's essential not to assume bad intent when you feel insulted or offended by an action or communication from another. If it happens look into why and get curious, the chances are it's down to culteral differences.

The right tools bridge the gap! Collaboration Hubs: Utilize platforms like Slack, Teams, or email for real-time chat, shared documents, and scheduling. Respect Time Zones: Schedule meetings considerately, avoiding late nights for some. Regular Check-Ins: Maintain momentum with consistent updates and project progress discussions. These tools and mindful communication keep everyone connected, informed, and working together towards a successful project.

From Brazil to Poland, my international team has been an epic adventure! Global Learning: Working with people from Ireland, Spain, Romania, USA and Brazil taught me so much - all while creating something special together. Celebrating Differences: Sharing traditions and embracing diversity has built a strong, respectful team. This global odyssey proves that teamwork across borders can be fun, enriching, and lead to incredible results.