Introverts and the Industry - Building Better Spaces - Extra Credits

You would think that an industry built on technology and a lot of solitary work would be perfect for introverts. But there are a lot of ways that the gaming industry is still geared towards people with more extroverted tendencies. Networking events that involve large crowds, brainstorming sessions that require immediate responses, and deferring to the loudest voice are all ways that unintentionally make working harder for introverts. So how do we help create spaces in business to help everyone have a voice? Guest writer Renato Pelizzari is here to help answer that question.
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[@renato_watch]

I am the game designer that co-wrote this episode and I am extremelly happy with the comments so far. It really means a lot! Of course going out and talking about it is not the easiest thing to do being an introverted, but once I saw more people relating on a talk I gave last year about this topic, it made me want to do more. Thanks to Extra Credits to make it happen!

[@bronsoncarder2491]

Thank you for the work you have done. This is a real issue, that stifles so much creativity. Great episode too!

[@NotHPotter]

You're awesome!

[@hellelujahh]

Great job, this was very insightful and constructive!

[@Makkenhoff]

Glad you put it out here.

[@Haannibal777]

If you don’t speak out, we are overwhelmed. Introverts are the minority.

[@jorionedwards]

Probably doesn't need to be said, but Imma say it anyway: Almost everything in this video can be applied to any industry. I appreciate that.

[@Plantedaphid07]

Jorion Edwards nice

[@janet6421]

or a classroom, or a church, or a club, or the pta, or life in general

[@dacypher22]

Very true. Honestly, there is really nothing video game industry-specific here. Swap out GDC for any other industry conference (and believe me, EVERY industry has multiple conferences) and you could have any work space. It may apply a bit more to the game industry because programmers and artists are believed to have a higher number of introverts than some other fields. But for the most part, everything in here applies evenly to all industries.

[@michaelmayo2489]

Forget any industry I’d say it’s any organization

[@ironclover713]

@@janet6421 As someone who lost about 1/3 of his points in class, because I wanted to take a moment to think about an answer rather than giving the split second replies teachers demanded, I can very much agree.

[@pancake7117]

Everyone tries to get introverts to get out of their comfort zone and socialize more, but no one asks for extroverts to make the zone more comfortable.

[@nitrodolski8663]

Y know that's hard lad 3Head

[@j.c.2240]

Or tell extroverts to "get out of their comfort zone"

[@virustroyano5892]

WoW, You ' re a man who definitively needs More and More likes than you have now. Congratulations for your comment, My Dear!!! 👏😘👑😘👌

[@videocritic2087]

Probably because you gain a lot of benefits with interacting with people. Introverts really miss a lot of social advantages. The real only benefit is being able to do more isolated jobs.

[@frenchbreadstupidity7054]

@@videocritic2087 Then maybe the industry should give more credit for quality and efficiency of work, and less for going around making sure everybody knows your name. There wouldn't be a major benefit to extroversion if companies didn't treat it like some default. We should notice and learn the names of people who work hard, not the ones who talk sports with us.

[@InuMiroLover]

To all the extroverts who ask us why we're so quiet, why are you so loud?

[@nemesis5860]

I usually say "I only talk when I have something to say" can sound douchy though :/

[@bronsoncarder2491]

@@nemesis5860 never be afraid to speak your truth.

[@Just_A_Dude]

@@nemesis5860 The greatest lesson I've learned in life so far is that there is incredible power in being unafraid to be a bit of an asshole. If someone asks a rude question and gets offended by a blunt answer, then that's their problem.

[@MissingRaptor]

@@Just_A_Dude especially if they ask rude questions

[@nemesis5860]

@@Just_A_Dude you're right. thanks :)

[@bsmith952]

0:58 I am so glad you opened with this because it’s something I am tired explaining. I am outgoing as hell so everyone assumes I’m an extrovert, but once I have used up my emotional balance I’m done. I can refill my balance a little if I can have a one on one conversation with a friend and my balance lasts longer when I’m with a group of good friends but once I get in the red, I’m done. Everyone thinks I suddenly got really depressed when in reality I’m just drained.

[@tomboz777]

Brad Smith im sort of the same. I'm an introvert that actually enjoys socialising and going out and can be quite talkative given the particular subject, but it feels me with dread (with maybe an exception or two) if it's just me and another person. The pressure to "not be boring" and make small talk is intense. The usual needing to "recharge"/have a mental cigarette (often by going to the bathroom) added to this.

[@thats_a_human_person1478]

For me I am super comfy with talking to small groups, but push me in a group of 10+ and I get stage fright. It's so weird because I can talk to my best friend for a long time but I stumble through my sentences with a crowd. And if my social-juice ran out, I'm basically silent I also go to a school with lots of homework, so in the morning I sound like I have a stutter.

[@em5522]

I feel you. I'm pretty much open to doing anything but I have to have advanced notice to prepare myself for an outing. And I need to know how long the thing could be too. I can't do spontaneous invites or surprise extended event time. But that awkwardness when you say no or say you're heading home when everyone else is down to going somewhere or staying longer...

[@anthonynorman7545]

So relatable

[@xRosaliax]

Same here, I will happily talk one-on-one with someone for a long while, and can manage a party, especially if it's people I know, but I have limits in every case, and once I hit the limit, I want nothing more than to get away from everyone and recharge with some quiet and maybe a warm drink.

[@maycoalvarenga1911]

One myth you should've talked about is that people often think that introverts became introverts because of some sort of trauma. I've even heard this from people that said they heard it from a psychologist. Oh boy...

[@chadatchison145]

Omg that is so true, the amount of well meaning teachers, parents, friends who assumed that something happened to me and that I would feel better if I just got it out and talked about it was so annoying lol.

[@babomb2146]

I mean, people who experience bullying, child abuse etc are probably more likely to become more introverted, but that doesn’t mean that all introverts went through this.

[@enta_nae_mere7590]

The problem here is the confusion between introversion and anxiety. One is a personality the other a mood, and only the latter can become a mental illness through trauma.

[@svovy5358]

no i think actually people become extroverts because of an insatiable desire for external validation

[@sxeptomaniac]

This is people confusing social anxiety with introversion. The former is a mental illness, but the latter is just a personality trait, but people seem to mix them up a lot.

[@llSuperSnivyll]

The part about very open office spaces hit home really hard on me. The feeling that you might be watched by anyone, anytime, is intimidating. And of course, there are other things like the Agile Methodology that is very introvert-unfriendly.

[@harshamohite1289]

I don't think Agile is or needs to be inherently introvert-unfriendly. At some level there needs to be strong communication between people and teams, no getting around that. Rather, it's likely more the environment. Some people can make that process uncomfortable by being too socially demanding. A scrum meeting should be short and to the point, which is something I enjoy as an introvert.

[@edcrichton9457]

I particularly hated working in an open office where people didn't leave their desks to take breaks and decided it was perfectly fine to have in depth conversations at a loud enough volume to be heard clearly 20+ feet away.

[@nmanVI]

Im an introverted Agile software consultant at a Tech company. We have a very open office and we teach Agile principals and practices. I would love to hear your perspective as to why you think its unfriendly to introverts?

[@dallasrover5515]

Honestly, a lot of it is that open workspaces tend to be cheaper to build and maintain. I'd be tempted to bring a refrigerator box and create a little bubble to work in. I cannot concentrate on spaces like that!

[@jonnunn4196]

The traditional cube farm where people would always sneak up on you from behind wasn't that great either.

[@rickimaru915]

Myth: Introverts don’t like you Fact: No one likes you, introverts just don’t pretend otherwise

[@Corbomite_Meatballs]

That's one of the core problems with interpersonal relationships right there - the likeability lie.

[@williamcampbell4807]

Ooh! BURN!

[@AokiZeto]

i'm laughing so hard rn xD

[@tlotro625]

Well, you are extremely right.

[@IndrasilDesignStudio]

2:05 SO. MUCH. *YES*. I hate conversations about nothing, and absolutely love meaningful ones.

[@joelsasmad]

I've always found it strange when I can write an essay online about a subject I care about but when I have to make small talk I am exhausted after about two sentences.

[@almostirrelevant9181]

Absolutely, there’s something about small talk that just gets under my skin. Talk to me about important things and I will happily talk to you for hours, but don’t force me to tell you how my morning’s been.

[@CatOnACell]

As an introvert I took a job requiring extroversion for 1 year to attempt to learn about why extroverts enjoy small talk. It sucks i only have 2 weeks left but i have finally realized why. All small talk seems to have subtext of "we connect on this small stuff therefore I trust you enough to talk about focused stuff" it appears to be a filter based on interaction rather than my observation based filter.

[@Kinrian2797]

Or conversation where you try to have meaningful one but peers dismiss it as a normal conversation and ain't interested

[@alikurt9771]

Kaiser Indrasil me too but everyone stil Do it

[@oboretaiwritingch.2077]

I don't know, as an introvert who's also opinionated, I feel like a lot of time the world is saying "you should talk and open up to people more" but when I do talk, the moment people sensed that my opinions do not match theirs, it seems they just tuned out and don't listen to anything else anymore. Not my reasoning why I feel that way, not any other topics. Sometimes it doesn't even have to conflict with their ideas. I can say exactly what they want me to say, but if I go "too deep" or something, they just go into the verbal equivalent of tl;dr. And it's not just a case of people on the internet wanting echo chambers, I feel the same way when talking to people in real life, sometimes to friends who I have known for over a decade. They'll bring up a topic, but as soon as I pushed myself to get in the circle and voice my opinion, they go "eh, whatever", and moved on as if I had never said anything. No approval, no rebuttal, no acknowledgment. Makes me feel that everyone feels the act of communication is just obligatory and the contents of what's actually being communicated don't matter. That people would rather have a lot of shallow, pointless talks than one that actually allows you to get to know someone better or to gain useful information.

[@petronellataube2986]

In my experience, I could group discussions I've had with friends into three categories: 1) they want echo chambers 2) they want debates or 3) they want to learn more. I hope you find people that lean more towards 2 and 3, the best combo in my opinion. Those tend to be people who I try to hold on to.

[@littlekong7685]

Quite a few extroverted types simply love the action of socializing, it isn't necessarily about content for them, it is mostly about the interactions. Volume of single interactions, or quantity of multiple interactions shallowly spread are equally validating experiences for them. I have anecdotally found (myself included in this), that introverts tend to prefer focused discussions on a single topic or with a defined goal stated. Engagement is for transferring information, if there is nothing to transfer, then they don't require an interaction (this does not mean they want to be alone). I have found some extroverts find silence to be offensive, or distracting, they will fill empty spaces with words for the sake of creating noise (which is incredibly distracting when i am trying to focus on my own task). If they are forced to be quiet, their productivity plummets and they lose focus on their own tasks. These people can talk about the weather with 10 people and be engaged every time, meanwhile the introvert has already digested every angle of the topic you can engage in a 2 minute conversation and know the task is merely for the sake of the task and can find it exhausting or frustrating or a waste of their resources.

[@MoiMagnus1er]

I have a very clumsy comparaison for that: Imagine you know someone with some very slight "OCD behaviour", things like when they see some colored pens, they feel the urge for sorting them by colour. However, just because they like to sort their pens does not mean they're interested in cleaning the whole room. They'd rather have a lot of pointless (but satisfying) sorting of things than one in depth and usefull (but tiring) sorting of things. Same goes for peoples who like to have casual talks. They feel great when having "pointless talks". For them, those casual talks are pleasant (no stakes so not stress), easy (not depth to no reflextion), and help to improve relationship.

[@aWinterCrow]

@@petronellataube2986 basically this, I'd consider myself an extrovert and I love going deep into a lot of topics just for the sake of discussion, but I often find people just don't want their opinions questioned or their ideas challenged, or even explored any further. Some people want to talk but don't want to *think*

[@kamille286]

I resonate with this a lot. I also have some extroverted friends who I've known for a long time, and I get very similar results to yours. It doesn't really feel like a conversation. Like I'm just a listener who interjects from time to time and gets slight acknowledgement, but then they move on to talk about something else. I sure they don't mean to do it, but it still feels like I'm an observer rather than a part of it. Honestly it's just really hard to be heard in groups like that; I only get a reply when I ask a single person a question. However with introverted friends no one talks over each other and it feels like there's more listening and what you say holds meaning. Idk, it's just very different

[@abthedragon4921]

As an introvert myself, I love and appreciate this video.

[@scoutgaming737]

*OR DO YOU?*

[@crimsonpresents]

I DEFINITELY appreciate this video

[@ceridwenaeradwr8105]

Thank GOD for this episode. I'm not just an introvert, but also have social anxiety and aspergers. I'm at university at the moment so not quite in the world of work, but my whole school experience was massively strained by pretty much every single issue you pointed out in this episode.

[@WildFyreful]

Fellow aspie with social anxiety in university. I am so glad this video exists. I'm planning to go into the industry as a narrative writer and I'm straight up terrified my introversion will have me looked over in favor of someone extroverted.

[@ceridwenaeradwr8105]

@@WildFyreful I feel ya. I hope we both get somewhere that understands what people like us need.

[@cheshiresmith1600]

GAD & Asperger's too. I despise "Team meetings and synergy excersizes" my boss constantly assumes loud= productive, its hell .

[@JG-qg1gz]

I'm introverted, have mild social anxiety, and can stop breathing if the subject is way to stressful. I'd love to have a job that I can do in my time, but I know that's not possible...

[@corwin8043]

I don't have Aspergers (except a family member) but, for me at least. It's the anxiety that worries me when I'm around a large group of people. Because of my introversion, I like silence and quietness and working with smaller groups, even when I start talking I'm a bit socially awkward; which I got from my other side of the family, but I finish high school and now I'm 18. Possibly waiting for a big adventure in college I supposed.

[@shadowscribe]

3:18 Yes, PLEASE. I absolutely hate that "do you have any questions?" moments after I was just told information. Unless it's immediately pressing thought I'm not going to have anything.

[@maighstir3003]

Indeed. My answer is always the same: "no, can't think of anything for the moment, maybe later".

[@ammo1317]

As someone who frequently teaches board games, this is a check that the presenter hasn't forgotten a key detail or utterly botched idea transfer. Its absolutely okay to not immediately have any questions and ask for clarifications later if need be. As long as lines of communication stay open it should work out. :)

[@viperstriker4728]

@@ammo1317 Good point, I never thought of it that way.

[@ericwolf9664]

@@ammo1317 except in many workplace environments it is more like a final chance to speak of concerns before proceeding unfortunately.

[@Biouke]

That, and missing 5mn of the talk formulating the question you'll ask in your head. Always carry a notepad XD

[@SilentGlaceon94]

As an introvert, my willingness to interact with others depends on my current mood. If I am in good spirits, then I'll talk more (This also depends on whether or not I am comfortable). If not, then chances are that I won't say a word.

[@METALFREAK03]

I think thats you/us "recharging". Rather than mood. The next time you feel this, go into a room alone and just sit down and think or read a book, whatever finds your interest well. Then it could be an hour or even 10 minutes, go again and you see you have a slight advance on not wanting to talk. I do this regularly at my regular work I get every 2 weeks in the office, I go to the toilet to recharge (I don't actually go to the toilet, I just go in there to time out for a bit)

[@animeartist888]

I'm with you. Generally, when I'm angry or sad, I don't want to interact with anyone. I'll shut myself up in my room and watch a movie to let it pass over before I'll go calling my dad or texting my sister to complain to them about it. And the small talk is especially irritating when I already don't want to talk.

[@madbritishbelizian]

One of the better videos about Introverts and how to treat us. I feel like my company could so with taking the business-relevant things in this video to heart as my office is not friendly to extroverts, thankfully they gave me a desk in the corner of the office (unfortunately they keep asking me if I want to move to a 'better' desk in the middle of the office)

[@Daniel-yy3ty]

i would have made a sign with "THIS IS THE BEST DESK IN THE OFFICE" after the second time they asked XD

[@rashedulkabir6227]

Give some more video suggestion about how to treat introverts.

[@journ9er]

4:06 I was working at an ISP during the dotcom boom. Right before quitting time one weeknight, the boss of my department came down and said everyone was going to a party that night at the company founder's home. He made it quite clear that attendance was mandatory to show you were all "company men", regardless if you had family commitments or other plans. I've always been an introvert even if I didn't know it at the time, but I know now that's not how to team build.

[@philippak7726]

Such a good explanation. I wore myself out trying to explain to an extrovert friend that I was not lonely, I went home and that made me recharge, whereas he goes home and frets about not being social. No matter how often I told him "I am fine, I like being alone, it's how I recover", he'd be like "you'll be lonely!"

[@IndrasilDesignStudio]

Thank you, EC. For making me understand myself more and find some self-respect as an introvert.

[@harlequin2584]

I like to recommend "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" from Susan Cain for you. It helped me alot to understand myself as an introvert and took a lot of anxiety of me about why I am like I am.

[@anthonycasino8955]

One thing I've noticed as an introvert who's spoken to other introverts: If you think we're quiet, it's because you haven't mentioned something we're either focused on or passionate about. Lord help you once that happens, though, 'cuz we'll talk your ear off for HOURS once we get going. For business leaders and such, we appreciate the chance to speak, but also try to gently prod us in the right direction if we go off-topic or talk too long. We also hate feeling like we're the only ones holding up the entire conversation.

[@taledocter4870]

I literally just did that with my brother when I finished the video. 😆

[@danime91]

Sometimes it almost seems like being an introvert is punishable in the workplace. Got fired from my last job for "not fitting in" and "not engaging more". I did my job and I'd like to think I did it well, I just didn't like making small talk with co-workers or talking a lot during meetings.

[@user-S853]

That sort of thing is so upsetting. I hope you are able to get a nice job.

[@hellelujahh]

I am amazed at how accurate this is! Seriously... Since being an introvert has never been much of a problem / obstacle for me (yet?), I never thought about it in such depth. I never expected a KZbin video (especially on this channel) to help me realize so many little things about myself.

[@jonnunn4196]

Similar, it's not really hurt my carrier (I have no interest in management anyway) ; nor my hobbies (which are things I'm passionate about) ; its another area entirely that it's impacted.

[@rashedulkabir6227]

Watch Susan Cain's Ted talk.

[@endeyfire]

as a introvert, can comfirm this is 100% true

[@xseper]

everyone is different. I am also an introvert and love small talk (on some interesting topic of course). I like to party... but not loud and with people I know. I really hate open space offices, hate lack of privacy, hate when someone (even my wife) looking at my monitor. Big meetings or brainstorms are also big nono for me.

[@endeyfire]

@@xseper as i said... can comfirm this is 100% true

[@jackieagnew8256]

Me too I'm not comfortable when I feel like I am going to be interrupted

[@viperstriker4728]

@@xseper I generally don't care about privacy but can't work normally when someone looks at my monitor. Glad to see it not just me being a weirdo and others think that way too.

[@falconJB]

"Trying to converse about nothing can feel draining" Yes. 100% this. I would love to talk to you about the relevant topic, I couldn't give a flying F about your kids, the weekend, the game, your dream, the weather, or your neighbors and this is doubly true if its a group meeting.

[@pokeio2]

I get labeled as narcissistic because i don't care about other peoples life outside of work.

[@jendubay3782]

pokeio2 because it’s a dick move. If you don’t care about other people, you’re unlikeable yourself, and are a drain on the people around you.

[@DamianFloresRF]

I remember a manager insisting that I go to the breakroom where they were recording a corporate video for new year's eve, where employees were meant to bounce on space hoppers and dance to Gangnam Style. To be fair, he only did it once, but I didn't like the way nor the fact he insisted.

[@jonnunn4196]

I think I'd give the middle finger to any boss that tried to get me to get me to do that. I wouldn't care to watch people do that either and would simply walk out.

[@KaptenAmurika]

This sounds like you're trying to say introversion is like running a different operating system.

[@MintyVoid]

100% just like how everyone has a different way to tackle a problem, the same can be said between intro and extraverts.

[@MaskedMammal]

More like laptop vs desktop form factor. Both have different requirements and strengths in different areas but fundamentally they're doing the same work using the same tools. You can make either work in almost any situation if you try hard enough but it's well worth considering how best to utilize their unique traits instead of trying to treat one the way you normally treat the other.

[@Knitesage]

I am an introvert and I agree with the operating system comparison

[@theultimatefreak666]

@@Knitesage I feel like introverts are specifically Linux and extroverts are windows

[@justinthomas7222]

Definitely a different operating system.

[@smugsneasel]

03:42 - 03:52 This literally happened yesterday at during a debate on relationships. I didn't want to talk over anyone but I had a really good point to give but by the time things cleared, everyone moved on.

[@camerongrow6426]

Happens to me all the time in a variety of different situations.

[@antqueen6543]

It is SO frustrating when that happens.

[@fireline4765]

Happens all the time

[@WildFyreful]

I have this happen in workshops in creative writing. I'm the shy person so I always raise my hand before providing feedback -- the prof notices, but everyone else kinda just steamrolls past me like they never saw the hand.

[@scbtripwire]

This is me on a daily basis. :(

[@Micolino9878]

*Introverts and Extroverts at a Party* Extrovert: Why does no one want to talk to me? Introvert: Why does everyone want to talk to me?

[@jonathanfaber3291]

as far as my (admittedly limited) experience is, I think that a lot of this episode also applies to autistic/neurotypical relations too

[@rogerogue7226]

I'd say so, after all, the base concept here is to just let people work things their way, instead of making them fit the mold. And that way of working works for just about every disability or "alternative" way of thinking, of which Autism is a high visibility example.

[@MissingRaptor]

I second this comment. I was thinking that too

[@anthonynorman7545]

+

[@anthonynorman7545]

@@rogerogue7226 +

[@edward1857]

I'm an Extrovert and a close friend of mine is an Introvert and we work very well together. Not everyone needs to have an Extrovert personality to function or be productive in their own ways, and it's just mostly how to communicate with one another. Though I'm an ENTJ and my friend is an INTJ so we are pretty much work incredibly well together.

[@IndrasilDesignStudio]

Where's the introvert club at? At their each own's house.

[@Raiga0310]

Bars: Fine I can sit down and talk with friends Clubs and parties: Let me go. Too many people.

[@CatOnACell]

On discord lurking and using direct chat, at the coffee shop in the corner (no more than 2 coffeshop tables away from one another in any direction), petting the dog at a party (no more than 5) petting the cat at the party( no more than cat will allow) observing with back near/against a wall. (Max capacity based on wall space and speaker volume.) Bookstore (max capacity of available seating) in a group of extroverts (max time 1-2 hours before breaking off to be introverted elsewhere)

[@METALFREAK03]

@@Raiga0310 Bars are often too pack as well. I rather a chilled function room with tickets so you know how many are going or a gathering at someone elses (or my own preferbly) where it will be limited amount of people. This is why I got into underground heavy metal, as often its held in bars and has a room that can only fir 20 people in.

[@wendychavez5348]

The Original Introverts Unite on Facebook group. I've been a member for close to a year and, while it upsets me that introversion is often confused with depression, antisocial behavior, etc., I've learned a lot and become much more comfortable with myself and others.

[@Raiga0310]

@@METALFREAK03 Majority of the time we're going out drinking after classes so it isn't too busy.

[@CapitalTeeth]

Also: Please. *_PLEASE_* don’t ask people who are typically quiet “You’re quiet, aren’t you?” If anything, that is the number one thing i don’t want to hear.

[@jendubay3782]

When people say that, they’re really saying: “You should be participating more. Since you aren’t, this is just your personality, right? It’s not me? You don’t hate me?”

[@Theodore45921]

I highly recommend reading Quiet. The power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking by Susan Cain.

[@CSIRID]

I was going to recommend the same book lol

[@RyushiroK]

As an Introvert myself, also in the industry, I can relate to pretty much all of the points that were brought up. Thank you for touching on the subject :)

[@___i3ambi126]

I've never identified more with being an introvert.

[@IndrasilDesignStudio]

10% of people here are like, "As an introvert..." The remaining 90% are fine with just upvoting.

[@darienb1127]

Honestly, that makes sense.

[@Madhattersinjeans]

No Talk, Only Read

[@grten8343]

No.

[@ka-50withsaams36]

Had you not said anything, I was just going to upvote. But now, as an introvert, I need to say something. Is that what you are saying?

[@Hetschoter]

Silent majority

[@eliscanfield3913]

Add a disability to natural introversion, and that bar may be an even more serious bar to hanging out. I feel both overwhelmed by the crowd and isolated because I can no longer hear what people are trying to say. (I've 50% hearing loss)

[@Genesis23OPB]

do modern hearing helps not help you?

[@MintyVoid]

hardcore feel that. While I don't know how it feels to have hearing loss, my anxiety(diagnosed by a professional) makes it really hard to do the one thing that usually gets you into the industry...networking... or staying in touch with professors ah jeez ;-;

[@gdx1037]

I had a similar problem, not only am I somewhat deaf, but I have real difficulty understanding people who speak quickly. I sometimes had to ask them to repeat themselves 5 times before I understood them, even more if they have an accent. Thing is, I didn't believe people had to change to fit around me and I still don't. In the end it was my problem, not theirs. I learnt how to lip read and use sign language and things went by swimmingly ever since. Don't wait for companies to adapt to you, because imo they shouldn't have to.

[@bilge677]

Tinnitus here, whenever someone talks to me i just hear EEEEE-hey did you do-EEEE the EEEEE assignment?

[@eliscanfield3913]

@@Genesis23OPB Nope. The one ear is purely decorative, though every 3-6 months the nerve twitches and I get a quiet buzz for half a minute.

[@rpamungkas13]

"Game industry is kinda designed for extrovert" Programers: Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@TheCreepypro]

really nice to see this especially since in the past few years I've been getting to know a lot of introverts and they really are just misunderstood I hope this brings to light how precious and valuable they are and puts to bed the myth of inferiority around them

[@taylorhancock5834]

This is exactly how I feel, and the open offices thing is exactly why I have issues with school...I just want to be able to process things by myself sometimes...great video guys, and thank you for helping support introverts everywhere!

[@IndrasilDesignStudio]

Myth #5: Introverts don't like physical touch. Bin that, I LOVE to be hugged.

[@METALFREAK03]

Only people I know though...even then they are pushing it.

[@Grymbaldknight]

As a rule, though, i don't believe that introverts like physical contact. For me, anything more than a handshake is "too close" as far as co-workers are concerned. I don't even like hugging family members or casual friends (although i accept that such is probably abnormal, even for introverts).

[@user-S853]

I HATE being touched by someone I don't know, or being touched without consent.

[@seklarian1522]

I’m an introvert, and at least for me I really enjoy physical contact. I give hugs to all of my good friends. The only time I don’t is when I know they would be weirded out by it.

[@antqueen6543]

I dont mind being touched, im only botherd if it's stangers or people I don't like.

[@emilygordbort7300]

This conversation is violently important in a modern society and I am thankful people are finally starting to talk about it more openly instead of pretending you have something wrong with you when you don't like to socialize with a bunch of people at once

[@Pryxe]

My prof literally told me and a friend we‘ll never get anywhere if we stay introverted and that we should consider changing our major...

[@2Fiddle4U]

Damn, that's rough, it'd be one thing if he said it'll be rough for types like us, but goddamn...

[@chadatchison145]

What is/was your major?

[@MissingRaptor]

Your prof is very very wrong. Also a jerk. Some profs are :/

[@JewTube001]

@@chadatchison145 communication.

[@Pryxe]

@@chadatchison145 Business administration

[@genius11433]

THANK YOU! I may not be in game design, but this is good for workplaces in general and for extroverts to understand that _we just function differently!_ This video is a godsend.

[@CosmicNebula444]

Honestly (as an introvert myself) I would love to see this become a series. I plan on going into the working scene relatively soon, and having vids I can watch for advice/show other people to help better explain how I feel would be super helpful.

[@Madhattersinjeans]

step 1, never admit you're introverted. They will do everything they can to "convert" you much like religious bigots will try to convert people to their faith. Other steps I tried to work on just devolved into ranting but you'll find out one way or another. Just make friends where you can and try not to get pulled into any stupid petty feuds.

[@Reelix]

"Let us stand in a circle and each give an exciting fact about our lives / our weekend / what we did yesterday!" I hate you whoever decided this - I hate you with a passion -- An Introvert

[@aussiegecko1892]

This may just be my favourite Extra Credits video you have ever made... And I have watched them all. Clear, concise, understanding and the added bonus of really hitting home. A universal message told really well.

[@ballroomscott]

I'm so glad you mentioned both not forcing people to go to events AND making sure there's an easy way to leave. There have been so many times in my life when I've opted out of going to something that I knew I'd have fun at because I also knew I'd also get stuck there much longer than I'd be comfortable with.

[@davidjeang5783]

Introvert with Asperger's here, this video resonances with me in so many ways.

[@celestialcthulhu773]

I love this video so much because I believe it does introverts justice. Trying to explain introversion to people at work or family gets rough sometimes because the myth that it's a hindrance or a problem that needs to be fixed. Throughout the video I was like 'Yes! That's exactly it! Thank you for this!' I'm happy I do have people in my life like my boyfriend and friends that understand/are introverts. Awesome job on this Extra Credits!

[@megaman02468]

As an introvert, I love talking and can do so for hours on end. I have a really hard time connecting with others, though, because I just can't make small talk. My mind goes blank and I just sit there in silence until I think of anything to say. I also really dislike talking on social media because it feels like perpetual small talk, I'd much rather just talk to the people I see during the day. I think this results in me having a demeanor that seems like I am not interested in you. I want to be friends with most people around me, I just need a little help at the beginning.

[@rashedulkabir6227]

Don't you need recharge time?

[@megaman02468]

@@rashedulkabir6227 I get plenty of time to myself to recharge but I usually prefer to hang out with people as long as it's only a couple at a time. I don't do well in group of more than 3 or 4.

[@TheMegaxPlus]

When you are an introvert with social anxiety and ADHD: "Oh yeah it's all coming together"

[@declanedmison5442]

I’ve got low level ADHD and introversion.

[@jordanrejon5091]

Seeing that Extra Credits uploaded brightens my day so much and they help me learn about everything I love thank you

[@fireline4765]

As an introvert myself, this is perfectly summed up.

[@DMRoper1]

This is one of my faves among your videos, Extra Credits. The history topics are the ones I love best, but this video....priceless. Thanks from a huge introvert. A million likes from me.

[@wendychavez5348]

I have been an introvert most of my life--though after my brain injury I made an effort to appreciate people more openly out of gratitude for all the support. I learned that I really like most people, albeit in smaller doses. Thank you for this guide!

[@inserisciunnome]

So yea, i NEVER really knew the definition of introvert, but this describes me so damn well. Also i admit that It takes me an handfull of Time to get an answer to a question, but if i have Time to think, i rarely change my position on the topic. Ppl usually think i am Just strange, or shy or something,but its really Just the fact that i.. don't trust ppl and can't get in a conversation as easily as anyone else. But, usually, if i am given the time to be known better, i usually become quite popular among a group of Friends. Its Nice to have a video that describes me so well. Great Job!

[@qienna6677]

I think this is one of your best episodes and applicable to far more work environments than just gaming. Thank you!

[@Adam-cq2yo]

To be honest, when I saw this video on my feed, I was worried. But when I opened the video and got to the point where you mentioned how introversion is a "recharge via being alone, drain by being with others" deal, I was happy and my worries were lifted. Absolutely fantastic video!

[@Chris-Moore501]

As an introvert, I struggled in gradeschool. Classrooms are extroverted environments, like many adult ones are, but that didn't exempt me from participating. I'm 25 now and still struggle, but Ive grown so much from stepping out of my comfort zone- saying "yes" to more social events and laughing at myself after social blunders. Get comfortable in your own skin and discover a stronger you!

[@Siactro]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you SO MUCH for this video. This is one of the single biggest problems I have seen almost everywhere in this industry. It is super important for people to understand how important it is to have environments that benefit introverts as well. Much love to you all.

[@Andrewspieces]

Thank you for publishing topics like these, Extra Credits. I love your game design content, and appreciate how you connect topics like this to the industry. This introvert topic really resonated with me. It feels good to remember that these introverted behaviours are not unusual, and that it just takes more communication, understanding and acceptance. Looking forward to more of your future game content 😄🖥

[@SilverSonic72]

I'm glad you made this video. It helped me view the introvert vs. extrovert differences a bit better than I previously could. I always though that people expecting an immediate answer and not giving me any time to think about the question was either a problem with them or a problem with me. It truly feels good to know that it is neither case. Knowing what I do now, I think I'll be a tiny bit better in conversations with extroverted people. Thank you for helping me understand this better.

[@EquateX]

I appreciate the topics regarding mental health, they’re often hard to discuss due to each case having distinct borders but it’s good to get insight from those who you can reach out to

[@ruanvcunha]

It gives me so much energy to keep studying to see another fellow Brazilian becoming big in this industry, makes me feel like I can too

[@topknotbear9214]

This video was so relateable to me, thank you

[@cyberwaffls3113]

i always love the episodes that deal with the game industry directly, and in the workspace!!

[@jonathanwideman5048]

Very well put! Thanks Renato and the EC team for such an insightful episode! This is also really helpful to introverts like me who don't always know what to ask for when we're feeling uncomfortable or how to communicate specific reasons why.

[@maartenwelters9067]

When you open a door 4:29

[@darkprogram]

That made me laugh out loud.

[@jimmyc.491]

Some important truth was spoken in this video. Thanks, Mr. Pelizzari!

[@Schneeregen_]

I can be open and friendly, and often create conversations, but I could lock myself in my room forever and feel no loss... ...Okay, I'd probably miss my dogs but that's it.

[@dody0416]

While I love it when people promote deeper understanding for introverted people and advocate for making spaces safer for introverts, I think introverts can benefit from understanding why extroverts value what they do. For example, it can be helpful to know that the point of small talk is not to exchange information, but to establish a human connection. If you think about it that way, it's understandable why an extrovert might encounter someone avoiding or disliking small talk and think... "oh, they just don't like me". Also, as an introvert, I know how rough it can be to feel drained after an extreme social situation like a party, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Knowing (and also witnessing) that an extrovert can feel drained in the same way, does sometimes result in me sparing a little energy to help them get the social interaction they need. The hardest part for me in those situations is knowing when they've had their fill and therefore is ok for me to leave. I've noticed in myself and in extroverted friends a tendency to "take a mile when offered an inch". They enjoy interaction, so if offered, they may try to take more than they need. In the same way, when I have an opportunity to be alone, I may take more time then I actually need because I enjoy my own company. It's kind of a difficult balance to strike.

[@luciferdern]

Been working in games for years as an introvert who is neither shy or quiet so it was nice to hear the call out. The point about wanting to talk about work instead of small talk resonated a lot. Unless I know a specific detail about someone they like chatting about I find it very hard to start conversation other than with work. I find it amazing how an industry with so many introverts are so terrible at catering for them. Honestly, I'm convinced open plan offices were a way of saving CEO's office costs and nothing more.

[@TonyBIndie]

You brought up GDC. As a veteran GDC attendee I wanted to put this out there. The CA program is fantastic at offering introvert friendly ways to network. I'm definitely an introvert. I find large social gatherings draining. Over the years I've increased my extrovert stamina. That and knowing more people at GDC and the conversation usually being something I'm invested in allows me to keep at it longer. But it is draining. When I joined the CA program I realized how great Ian is at setting up smaller low key networking within the larger conference. Great for introverts and gdc first timers.

[@LordBloodySoul]

Thanks for highlighting us Introverts a bit better. I hope that in the future, our small group can work better together with Extroverts and find mutual understanding :3

[@humgrillo]

Feeling highly represented. Thank you for this film.

[@birdface5145]

Thank you for shedding light on the misconceptions of being an introvert! I mean, I know I wouldn't be the one to do that...

[@Lucky-qi2lp]

Thank you for this video! I'm currently leading and producing for a game dev team with some classmates at my university, and regardless of their discipline a lot of them are very introverted. I've used several of the techniques you mentioned and they really do the trick to make people more comfortable. This industry is huge, and it is important that we directors, producers, and co-workers, all have other people's needs in our minds. Making our spaces ones of safety and respect will help us all get better, richer experiences delivered into the hands of players.

[@ebigtom]

It really is a great description of introverts. I would love to see a similar about extroverts.

[@YoshisaurUnderscore]

As an introvert myself, I really appreciate you guys making this one. Sometimes people have misconceptions of introverts or don't know how to make friends with one (speaking from personal experience), and so I hope this will help more people understand.

[@AmazonicoIndio]

This episode is way more relatable that i thought it would be. Thanks.

[@NL-ws5fv]

Thank you for making this! I really identify with all these points and I like some of the ideas. I think that'll really help in the future.

[@samuelschonenberger]

2:49 Never knew that extroverts would think that way

[@Lucky-qi2lp]

It's true, it took me a long time to not feel bad for things like that

[@Biouke]

You're blessed. I have often found myself antagonised by very extrovert people that "don't know how to take what I say" and just assume I'm a dick. There's often at least one person like that in most work group I've been in. To be fair, I tend to be a bit confrontational to cut the small talk and initiate debate, rely heavily on dry sarcastic humour as an ice breaker, like to play devil's advocate to incite argumentation, all the while trying to keep some professional distance with my co-workers. Most know not to take me too seriously, but some immediately see me as kinda toxic and don't change their mind even when I try to ease things with them or make excuses if they got tilted by something I've said.

[@The_RoboDoc]

@@Biouke dry sarcastic humor as an ice breaker? You sound like fun... (Understand this as you wish ;D)

[@Biouke]

@@The_RoboDoc As fun as an hospital clown with crippling depression ;)

[@The_RoboDoc]

@@Biouke Your life sounds like heck of an adventure

[@DUCKDUDE4100]

Repping for the Autistic Introverts! Edit: also 3:30's a big mood.

[@WatcherCobalt]

Hell yes

[@Hwyadylaw]

o/

[@foxydash9992]

DUCKDUDE4100 yes

[@camerongrow6426]

Here here!

[@DeHerg]

But let's not automatically conflate the two(Introversion and Autism). A person who can basically read everyone around them with high accuracy can get exhausted by the constant dissonance between what is said(by others) and what (he/she knows)they are thinking. A person with very high empathy can get exhausted by needing to constantly shield themselves from the emotional rollercoaster around them. Autism is just one possible source of exhaustion when around others.

[@Percival917]

Good job, EC. This great video is a breath of fresh air after some... rather disastrous recent episodes.

[@Ragnarokflare1]

I can't express how accurate this explanation is. I hate going to parties, especially if I barely know anyone, and I get the feeling any time I say no the person asking is always dissipointed instead of accepting. Not only that but growing up a single child with only one parent raising me didn't help my social interactivity. Most instances I can't carry a conversation to be interesting and or even start one.

[@kelseyblaylock340]

Speaking as an extrovert in the business industry I never realized a lot of things mentioned in this video. I learned a lot from it. Thank you for providing a new perspective! Also, that voice acting episode?

[@vintprox]

Damn it, why quality of talk and result are so underrated? Business reasoning behind forced extraversy was never feasible. Thanks for video btw, I appreciate it a lot :)

[@Grymbaldknight]

This should be spread around businesses in general, not just within the games industry. Introverts are often misunderstood (i should know), and introvert "coping mechanisms" are often misconstrued as being standoffish, or it makes people think that introverts aren't team players. The point about social gatherings in particular hit home for me. I remember an office Christmas party a couple of years ago, where a restaurant was booked out for our small team (20-ish people). I had fun during the meal, although i felt a little uneasy because we had a very extroverted manager at the time. He was a good guy, but he liked roping people into things socially, and was generally the sort of extrovert who "doesn't get" introverts. Small talk was also tricky, even though i was on good terms with my co-workers. After the meal, a bunch of us decided to go for drinks somewhere. I decided to tag along just to be sociable, although i was in two minds about it. We eventually migrated to a bar a few streets away... which was essentially just a night club. Deafening music, flashing lights, and lots of excitable drunk people. That was pretty much hell for me. I think i might be a little on the autism spectrum, too, which made matters worse. After 10 minutes of standing around awkwardly, i couldn't take any more, so i made my excuses and left (by writing down that i was leaving on a piece of paper, because nobody could hear me over the music. By the time i got to the nearby train station to head home, i realised i was shaking and on the verge of tears (which is rare for me). I haven't been to a night club either before or since, and i've no desire to "try" them again. No way. I don't resent my co-workers for inviting me there. They were just trying to unwind and have a good time, and i respect that. Christmas parties are also, by necessity, social events. It was just something which doesn't suit me, to say the least. A diversity of events for employees, as well as no obligation to do anything recreational that one doesn't want to, will help make a lot of people feel more comfortable and engaged in the workplace. Also, yes, needless office small-talk are a chore, unless i'm genuinely friends with you. There's a difference between being upbeat and friendly at work, and just talking for the sake of talking.

[@hellothere_1257]

Thank you so much for making this video.

One of the best, if not the best, brief description of us introverts. I'm sharing this.

[@PinkDawn1308]

Something that always gets overlooked when people talk about networking events is how most of them are during the week. So not only are they in environments that are uncomfortable for introverts, introverts are also expected to go to them after exhausting days at school or work. More groups that organize these things need to provide not only alternate spaces, but alternate dates as well. They exclude a lot of people by always hosting their events on the same dates in the same spaces.

[@cocoacoconuts24]

I recently had lunch with my coworkers. We don't have much in common - they're all about a decade older than me - but I get along fine with them. Then these other people from the company started sitting with us - people I don't know. Everyone else at the table more or less knew each other except me, and that's when my energy completely tanked and I wanted to get the fuck out of there. I texted a group chat with my close friends under the table, and asked them to distract me with some memes. And bless them, they delivered. I hung out with those same friends today, and let me tell you - it felt so good to just laugh and relax and be myself. Few things drain my energy faster than being alone in a group of people who know each other. Yet, nothing replenishes my mental energy more than being with my friends.

[@benjamingrist6539]

I heard of an introverted programmer that was hired by a company and assigned a project with a deadline in 10 months. For the first six months he drove his bosses and coworkers crazy because every time they asked what stage of the project he was in, he always answered simply "preparation". However, at the beginning of the sixth month, he started working like mad and finished the project 2 months before the deadline... With absolutely no bugs or glitches in his program!

[@ASMR_libby]

In workplaces that are hostile to introverts, going out for drinks exacerbates that environment. The minute I'm off the clock I want to go home and recharge, not have to keep my game face on for an unstructured number of additional unpaid hours. My days off are generally reserved for social obligations outside of work because I'm too exhausted to socialize after office hours. Weekend "parties" where attendance is mandatory disrupts my ability to maintain those relationships. It makes a 40 hour week feel like perpetual crunch mode and team building exercises like targeted retaliation.

[@itac.2280]

This is a super nice video. I always feel guilty for wanted to skip social functions because I find them so tiring, so it's pretty comforting that I could just arrange my own with the people I most wanted to see in a more private setting.

[@damionmccoy9966]

This is a much needed video thank you.

[@Powerhouse1]

Wasn't sure how this video was going to go, buty once again, EC you guys did a great job especially in debunking the myths. I've personally been called both an introvert and an extrovert, so who knows what I am lol. I personally don't like either term since it tends to put people in a bubble, but this video has done a great job highlighting social anxiety issues people have and how the workplace can do a better job handling that.

[@EAPvideoz]

Thank you so much for this video. As a games artist who's fairly young (second year of uni) and quite an introvert, I find many of these big networking events to be scary and many of my peers to be too extroverted. I really believe we need more networking environments for those who are introverted alongside the existing party styled events, to give people the option.

[@FlexilisPullum]

Thanks for getting this information out there.

[@Niko-ex3bn]

I found this video really helpfull, even though I am not in the games industry (yet) it can be applied to education and general life as well. I find myself often staying in my dorm and people assume i dont like them. I dont show up to large events to get to know people, but maybe I could meet a few people at once. Really helpfull video.