Did you know that our brains have two ways of thinking? One is conscious and slow, and the other unconscious and fast. This means that we think about a lot of stuff which we’re not even aware of!

We evaluate situations, assess people and make decisions that are based not only on conscious arguments, but even more so on biases. This is where our brains go unconscious: a bias is an unconscious factor influencing how we evaluate people, things or situations. We are biased every time when we don’t base our decisions and assumptions on objective and sound evidence, and we often don’t even realize it (if you don’t get it yet, no worries, we have some real-life examples for you a bit further down)!

Being influenced by things that go beyond our conscious control is nothing we should beat ourselves up about because it’s simply how our brains work! We’re all biased and we need to acknowledge that. We should also educate ourselves and learn about the ways our brains trick us.

So what is the most actionable and effective way of mitigating bias?

Recognizing it! It’s good to know that there are different types of unconscious bias (the academic term for that is “implicit bias”). As we’re celebrating Women’s History Month, we want to highlight the biases that particularly affect women. Within that, we’ll be focusing on the individual and on what happens inside each of our brains that leads to unfair assessments of women, their work and their achievements.

Gender bias

This bias happens when people have outdated ideas about what women are capable of or interested in. Consider this situation: A man and a woman are considered for a lead role that requires direct communication and fearless decision-making. Who’ll get the job?

Motherhood penalty

This bias occurs when people assume that women won’t be as committed to their jobs once they become mothers. This can lead to women being paid less, overlooked for promotions, and not given the support they need to succeed in the workplace.

Appearance bias

This happens when the way women look affects how they are perceived. Beauty, weight and height can influence how we evaluate women and can lead to us making a decision that is completely unfounded. Take, for example, an athletic, tall man – people tend to evaluate him as more disciplined and thus generally more capable.

Affinity bias

This occurs when people tend to prefer working with others who are like them, which can make it harder for women, who don’t fit the traditional mold, to get ahead. Example: a group of male game developers excluding a female team member from social gatherings because she wouldn’t be interested in their discussions anyway, right?

Confirmation bias

This happens when people only listen to information that confirms what they already believe, which can make it hard for women to be heard in decision-making situations. Imagine a situation where a male game designer dismisses a female colleague’s ideas for a game, because he assumes that women are not interested in those types of games. Someone who thinks this way might have been tricked by their confirmation bias!

Social desirability bias

This bias occurs when people say what they think others want to hear, instead of being honest. This can impact women’s ability to be authentic and effective leaders. For example, a person might not feel comfortable to speak up when their colleagues reinforce stereotypes about female characters in a game. They might not want to speak up as they don’t want to rock the boat and be seen as difficult.

Status quo bias

This happens when people resist change and prefer things to stay the same. This can make it hard for women to challenge the way that things have always been done and introduce new ideas. When a game development studio resists incorporating more diverse perspectives and backgrounds into their game development teams, because they believe it would be too difficult or risky, status quo bias is stopping them from doing amazing things.

Now you know what are the different situations which might bring your unconscious bias out of its cage.

And let’s not stop here: Think about which of these biases might apply to you? Write them on post-its and stick them somewhere you can’t miss, like your desk or monitor. Setting up visual reminders about our brains tricking us is us tricking our brains back 😉

Have you noticed that any of your colleagues might be affected by these or other biases? Help them out! We have way more influence on our thinking habits than we might think.

To tell immersive stories, you not only need the creative brains inventing and designing the narratives. What’s equally substantial are the architects bringing these stories to life – through tech! This is why we’d like to shed a light on our awesome Content Tools Team. They’re the unsung heroes responsible for optimizing story content flows and processes within all of our games. In this article, we’ll walk you through the contributions of this team–the internal and external team(s) structure, challenges, and examples of strategies and tools that allow us to create captivating and interactive gameplay.

Creative Tech Core

Known by various names–Creative Support or “Chris and Friends” (with Chris as the team lead)–our Content Tools Team forms the creative tech core of Lily’s Garden and other games in our portfolio. Their primary responsibility revolves around everything related to the game’s story, from crafting and fine-tuning the story workflows to addressing bugs and developing tools.

Their main focus is to ensure that storytelling within our games is not only engaging and fun, but also produced in the most efficient and seamless way possible, from both production and programming perspectives. One example of this is the MapActions tool, used by Cinematic Artists to author storylines and apply cinematics. It basically allows you to easily add and edit all the things that make a good cut-scene. It’s part of a larger tool called MapEditor, as most of the tools the team builds consist of several smaller tools, creating a modular building block system that increases simplicity and speed. As an example, in the below GIF, on the right, you see a mailbox crashing, some zooming in and out, and Lily’s verbal as well as non-verbal reaction to it happening – all easily and granularly adjustable with the tools that you see on the left.

MapActions Tool

The Tech

The Content Tools Team works within the Unity Engine, using C# for coding. This tech choice is key to maintaining a uniform and efficient game development process. They swear by consistent language, terminology, and Clean Code for effective communication, within the team and beyond. For instance, the terminology for storylines in Lily’s Garden is Story Arcs, whereas in Penny & Flo, they’re called Seasons – a seemingly minor detail that can mess with the game codes in unpredictable and problematic ways. Hence, uniformity and alignment are a big focus for the team.

Areas of Responsibility

Comprising a team of four, good collaboration between team members is the key to success. They work in rotations where they take turns addressing requests from other teams. This is how they make sure that requests from many different teams within Tactile working on the story are dealt with quickly and accordingly. 

And then there’s technical debt, an inevitable part of software development where teams are constantly reiterating on programmed solutions and making sure the technological infrastructure is on a par with current standards. It’s a big challenge that the team faces regularly, but they meet it head-on, making sure it doesn’t hinder our games’ evolution. Proactive and diligent, they clean up the codebase, keeping it fresh. 

To ensure fresh and clean code, team members participate in recurring refactoring workshops. Particularly new team members, coming with new perspectives and knowledge, are great to take on such refactoring tasks. The process is then for a (new) team member to take on an old feature and, put simply, update it and make it better. They make it better by going into deep focus mode for a period of time where they clean up the code, talk to relevant stakeholders and discuss improvement suggestions; is there anything that needs to be added? Removed? Improved? After having gathered all this information, they update the code and ultimately make sure it’s up to current industry standards.

Story Flowchart Tool

The above image is an example of a recent update. On the left, we see the story flowchart tool that writers use to design and write the narrative. The Content Tools team did their magic and automated this process by building a tool that parses the diagram and inserts all the information directly into Unity. This creates the starting point for the Cinematic Artists to go ahead and fill in all the cinematic details like adding motions, facial expressions and items, as we can see down below. The highlighted area on the left image is the so-called “Dialogue Map Action” which was built by the Content Tools team to simplify the generation of visuals around a dialogue, like facial expressions and text. Thanks to the automation tool mentioned above, the text is filled in automatically and character expressions can be easily picked from a variety of options.

Dialogue Map Action
Character Expression Options

When they’re not juggling requests, the Content Tools programmers work on individual or joint projects. Collaboration isn’t just about tasks and projects, it’s also about having each other’s backs. With regular code reviews they ensure top-notch code quality, consistency, and adherence to the pre-agreed Tactile coding standards.

Story Content 🤝 Story Architecture

In this dynamic world of mobile game development, the Content Tools Team emerges as the story architects, weaving seamless story flows and tools and crafting captivating gameplay experiences. They’re vital contributors to the narrative architecture of our games that keep us engaged, enchanted, and coming back for more.

Relocating to a new country is a life-changing experience! Whilst there’s a lot of positive emotions around it, the move can also be stressful and overwhelming. How will it be once you get to your destination? Will it be easy to get settled in? Are the public institutions well organized? Is there a good public transportation system in place that is easy to navigate?

At Tactile, we relocate people from all over the world and many of us have been through this experience, asking ourselves the same questions and feeling the same concerns. So to help you get better prepared for your potential move to Denmark, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions which we get from our applicants, candidates and new hires.

We hope this list helps you to feel more prepared to start your new life in Denmark, but let us know in the comments if there is something else you would like to know about! 🙌

1 – What official documents do I need to get set-up in Denmark?

CPR number, Sundhedskort and MitID

🔢 When you arrive in Denmark and your visa (if you need one) has been accepted, you will need to apply for your civil registration number called the CPR number (if you are staying for 3 months or longer, 6 months or longer if you are a citizen from the EU, EEA countries or Switzerland). All residents in Denmark need to have a CPR number. You need it to open your bank account, receive salary, access your health insurance, borrow books from the library, pay tax, and so on. This number needs to be registered with the International House in Copenhagen.

🗂️ You will also receive your yellow health card (sundhedskort) within around 4 weeks after you register for your CPR number. Don’t forget to have your name on your mailbox at home! This health card entitles you to benefits according to the Health Act.

💳 Once your CPR registration is done, you can also get your MitID. MitID is a digital signature, which you can use to do your online banking, get information from the public authorities or engage with one of the many businesses that use MitID.

2 – How do taxes work in Denmark and why are they so high?!

When you receive your CPR number, you need to apply for a Tax Card. This is important so that you get taxed correctly. Without this, the maximum tax will be deducted from your salary. Follow this link to register your tax. It provides a step by step guide on how to do so.

All citizens in Denmark use the public sector in some way, and as a general principle all citizens must thus help pay for it. The tax funds are used to pay for the different expenses that Danish society has such as welfare benefits, state pension, child benefits and for public institutions such as schools, hospitals, libraries and the police.

The Danish tax system is progressive. This means that the higher your income, the more taxes you have to pay. In many other countries citizens pay less tax than in Denmark, but in return they have to pay to go to school, to the hospital, the doctor’s, etc. Denmark has its own Minister of Taxation, Ministry of Taxation and its own taxation laws.

💴 Read more about the Danish tax system here (source: Skat.dk).

3 – How do I go about opening a bank account in Denmark?

You can apply for a bank account at one of the banks in Copenhagen. As a customer of any bank you will also get access to online banking. You will need to do some research on which bank you wish to use. 

To open an account you will need the following documentation:

🏦 Some banks can take up to 8 weeks processing time. Read more about the process here (source: Copenhagen Citizen Service / Borgerservice).

4 – What are my accommodation/housing options once in Denmark?

In order to get you formally registered into the Danish system you need to be registered to an address.

Rents in Denmark vary widely, depending on the location, size, and general condition of the specific dwelling. You can rent a room, a flat or a single-family house. You can rent either from a private landlord or a housing association. Read more about it here (source: Life in Denmark).

In order to rent a property in Denmark, you will generally be expected to pay a deposit amounting of a down payment and typically, your first and last rent, by Danish bank transfer. Please note that this can amount to 50.000 DKK or more as the move-in price! Do not pay the deposit by cash, because you can’t prove the payment if anything goes wrong!

These are some of the most popular real estate websites in Denmark:

5 – How does pension work in Denmark?

The Danish pension system is designed so that you can receive a pension from multiple sources. Normally, you will qualify for a state pension when you reach the state retirement age. If you are a wage earner, your employer will also generally ensure that some of your salary is contributed to a pension savings account, and you can also set up your own individual pension scheme.

All three kinds of pensions are there to ensure that you and your family have a decent standard of living when you leave the labour market, whether you leave due to old age, sickness or death. This means that your pension is a kind of insurance product.

🧓 Read more about the different types of pension here (source: Borger.dk).

6 – How does the Danish labour market work and what roles do Unions play in it?

The Danish labour market is known for high job mobility, flexibility, competitiveness and high quality working conditions. The labour market is, to a great extent, regulated by the various players in the labour market themselves, in contrast to regulation by legislation. Pay and working conditions are typically laid down by collective agreements concluded between trade unions and employers’ organisations. This system of labour market regulation is referred to as the Danish Model.

The trade unions play a pivotal role in the Danish labour market, and there is a high level of union membership among Danish workers. At national level, trade unions negotiate collective agreements with employers’ organisations. Trade unions can also assist with cases regarding pay and working conditions and can help in connection with work-related injury cases, rehabilitation, etc. Some trade unions also offer personal consultancy and career planning insurance, etc. These offers vary according to the industry with which the trade union is associated.

⚒️ Read more about the Danish Model here (source: Borger.dk).

6 – How does the public healthcare system work in Denmark?

The basic principle of the Danish welfare system is that all citizens have equal rights to social security. The majority of healthcare services are financed by general taxes and mainly provided free of charge.

At Tactile, we offer a pension scheme with private healthcare insurance. This gives Tactilers access to treatment by physiotherapists, chiropractors, reflexologists, acupuncturists and examinations by specialists, also at private hospitals and clinics, that you would otherwise have to pay for yourself.

7 – Is education free in Denmark?

Education for all – Danish education system aims to ensure that all people acquire knowledge and competencies that qualify them to take an active part in society and contribute to its further development. The system is built on the values of high standards, relevance, lifelong learning, active participation and project work .Education is open to all and generally free of charge.

🏫 Read more about it here (source: Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science)

8 – What about getting around the country? How’s the public transportation system in Denmark?

Public transport in Denmark is easy, fast and convenient. As a small country with hundreds of islands, there are many interconnecting transport routes by land, sea and air. The journey truly is the destination when you’re travelling around Denmark – if you want to travel car-free, you can choose from a super reliable train, bus, ferry and boat network.

🚞 Here’s all you need to know about how to find your way around Denmark.

9 – What does “Hygge” mean and how is it incorporated into the Danish lifestyle?

“Hygge” is a Danish concept that roughly translates to a sense of coziness or well-being enjoyed through simple things in life. It’s deeply integrated into the Danish culture and lifestyle. You might experience “hygge” whilst enjoying a dinner with friends, curling up with a book whilst it’s raining outside, having a piece of pastry in a cozy café, or while strolling through the city’s beautiful parks and historic streets.

Hygge is particularly important during the colder months. It can be found in the warm glow of candlelit rooms, in the comfort of a woolen blanket, in the smell of hot coffee or a home-cooked meal, and in the company of loved ones. This deep appreciation of simple, everyday moments is key to understanding the Danish way of life.

10 – Do people bike in Copenhagen??

Denmark, and Copenhagen in particular, is one of the biking capitals of the world!

Bicycles are actually the preferred mode of transportation for many people in Denmark, and the infrastructure in the cities is designed to accommodate that (there are also many “cycling highways”). There’s dedicated bike lanes, traffic signals, and parking facilities, which make it easy and safe to travel by bike. Biking is great because it contributes to a healthier lifestyle, reduces traffic congestion and also contributes to a greener environment! It is very common to see people of all ages, from kids to seniors, riding bikes around the city.

Cargo bikes, also known as Christiania bikes, are integral to the biking culture. They are used for transporting your shopping, carrying children and even furry companions! 🐕

🚲 Read more about biking in Copenhagen here.

11 – What about water activities in Denmark? Is the tap water drinkable?

Denmark is a country surrounded by water, and has a unique water-centric lifestyle. Copenhagen, in particular, is full of beautiful canals and harbor areas.

You can do a lot of different activities here, including swimming, boating (for sport or pleasure, just check out GoBoat), windsurfing and many more. The city offers many public swimming areas in its canals, where you can take a refreshing dip during the warmer months, or even the colder months (for the brave ones 🥶). Denmark, like other Scandinavian countries, has a strong winter bathing and sauna culture. You can read more about it here.

Denmark is also extremely committed to environmental sustainability, which ensures that tap water here is of high quality and safe to drink! 👌

12 – How is the work-life balance in Denmark?

Denmark is consistently ranked among the countries with the best work-life balance in the world.

The Danish work culture places a strong emphasis on productivity and efficiency, with the goal of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. There are many policies in place promoting flexible working hours, generous vacation time, and a healthy work culture. Working overtime is discouraged, and most employees leave at around 4-5pm. On average, Danes work a 37-hour week and enjoy 5 weeks of paid leave. This means plenty of free time to prioritize life outside of work.

At Tactile, we have flexible work hours. Our core working hours are from 9-15 and how you distribute the rest of your work hours is entirely up to you! This is to ensure that every employee can have the work-life balance that suits them best.

13 – Do people in Denmark speak good English?

Yes, absolutely! A large majority of Danes (over 86%*) speak English as their second language.

You don’t need to worry about speaking English in Denmark – you will be understood by almost everyone and you will be able to have fluent conversations as well.

*Source

14 – What relocation package do you offer at Tactile?

We offer full relocation support to those coming from outside of Denmark and also to those who are moving from other parts of the country (outside of Sjælland).

Our relocation package for those coming from outside of Denmark includes:

📜 Visa sponsorship, support with visa applications (for the new employee and anyone who might be moving with them – partner/spouse, children and pets) and support with navigating the bureaucratical processes in Denmark
✈️ Paid transportation with relation to your move (but it’s up to you to decide whether you’d like to fly, drive, take the train, etc.)
🏚️ 3 months of paid accommodation
💰 A relocation allowance to cover any additional expenses relating to your move

The cool thing about relocating to Denmark is that the level of digitization is super high, which means less confusion, more convenience and a lot of helpful apps for many of your needs. This is why we have decided to put together a list of useful apps that will help you navigate your new life in Denmark more easily! 🙌😎

Good luck with your move! 🍀