Does gameplay sometimes stand in the way of the creative freedom?

I suppose it can feel that way sometimes. But if you are feeling that way as a creative, it might just mean that you have the wrong process. If it feel as if someone is in your way, it’s probably because they should and could have been part of your process earlier. If you have a good process that allows the different crafts to influence each other, you will find that the problems and the opportunities are actually shared. And that if solved properly by all parties, creates a holistic experience. If you don’t allow this, it might end up feeling like a mixture of different products and experiences. However, if all roles are allowed to pitch solutions to shared challenges, not only will your teams help each other rather than blame each other, you will also find that the solutions are multidisciplinary. If my art direction isn’t directly related to key elements of the game design and gameplay, it is a missed opportunity. In other words: If the unique selling points from all disciplines overlap, you will have something that really resonates. If every time you perform the action that is unique to this particular game, is also thetime when the game looks the most unique, it is going to be a very memorable experience.