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[twinturbo2]

So, yeah, I'm thinking about a job in the games industry. I really can't program, but I can write stories, articles and memos very well. And of course, I've been playing video games for 18 of my 23.5 years. Could I get a job in the video game industry? If so, where? Any good places to look at besides Gamasutra? Help me here, I'm at a crossroads...

 

[Gazunta]

I just checked, you can't have one.

 

[grandjedi6]

oh bad luck for you twinturbo, Gazunta is the Saint Peter of the video game industry

 

[-COOLIO-]

from what ive seen, computer science is your best shot

the negative is that eeeevvverryone in computer science wants to get into games

 

[lyre]

Take it from complete strangers, short of being the lead guy, you're probably gonna hate what you do in the industry.

I just checked, you can't have one.

Can he at least have a pony?

 

[element]

I really can't program, but I can write stories, articles and memos very well.

you kinda have answered your question right there. jobs where you 'write stories' are few and far between and you need other skills to even open those doors.

 

[twinturbo2]

I swear to God, I have these great ideas for stories and whatnot. Maybe I should put those ideas into a novel, and use the proceeds from sales to start a devhouse of my own.

 

[DKo5]

Protip:

The games industry is just like any other. Each studio, publisher, marketing firm, etc. etc. has all sorts of normal business requirements. You don't have to make games to be in the games industry.

 

[Salazar]

You shouldn't try to sell yourself on the strength of your writing skills in a thread with 'obligitaory' in its title.

 

[Death_Born]

I swear to God, I have these great ideas for stories and whatnot. Maybe I should put those ideas into a novel, and use the proceeds from sales to start a devhouse of my own.

Write a book instead, it's a lot less annoying.

I mean, I can write really well, but I doubt I can get a video game job as a writer just from that.

 

[Slavik81]

from what ive seen, computer science is your best shot

the negative is that eeeevvverryone in computer science wants to get into games

Really?
That doesn't seem to be true of Computer Eng.
Admittedly, Comp. Eng. draws a slightly different crowd than Comp. Sci. but that doesn't quite mesh with my anecdotal evidence in school...

Then again, all those applicants have to be coming from somewhere...

 

[twinturbo2]

Write a book instead, it's a lot less annoying.

Yeah, I may do that, but there's the problem of me being unemployed and nothing outside of McJobs available...

 

[Buttonbasher]

You shouldn't try to sell yourself on the strength of your writing skills in a thread with 'obligitaory' in its title.

 

[Zilch]

You're good at writing memos? Maybe you can be a receptionist. Do you have a nice set of tits?

 

[DoomGyver]

You could always apply for Dyacks job, worth a shot.

 

[Ashhong]

ha, this kind of old lady who couldnt speak english perfectly came into my work (gamestop) today, and asked for "the popular blizzard game". found out it was WoW and then had to explain to her where to buy, and how to install it. she left saying "all this just so i can work there. i want to try and get a job at blizzard".

i was dumbfounded. i should get WoW so i can get a job there too

 

[Death_Born]

Yeah, I may do that, but there's the problem of me being unemployed and nothing outside of McJobs available...

I dunno...lock yourself up for a year and start writing, maybe you'll hit it rich.

Otherwise, go find something other than a McJob as your money source first.

 

[alistairw]

I just checked, you can't have one.

:lol :lol

 

[Zilch]

Uhh... you could do QA I guess.

Did you go to college? Are you actually skilled at anything beyond "well, I think I'm good at it"?

 

[Big-E]

If you live in one of the gaming hubs, try to get a job in QA to get your foot in the door.

 

[Date of Lies]

from what ive seen, computer science is your best shot

the negative is that eeeevvverryone in computer science wants to get into games

Yes absolutely everyone in CS wants to grind and get overworked for meager pay. Just cause we like games so much we're ready to sacrifice everything including our social life.

I know you like games, but think ahead a bit too.

 

[Xabora]

PM Sent

 

[Kipz]

I'm finishing high school this year and doing comp sci majoring in game development and software engineering. Any tips for the road ahead?

 

[GnsengTea]

QA is the route if you want to be a developer, but if you want to get into the post production marketing aspects, I'd recommend you become a temp through temp agencies like Volt.

 

[Totz]

I want one too, and my best is Ubisoft here in Brazil after I graduate.

"Totz" even has the "z" at the end, it's destiny.

 

[Spruchy]

Can I make the obligatory "I want a job that doesnt pay min wage" thread?

Cause y'know I could totally use one.

 

[SketchTheArtist]

Most of the people who write music or scripts for games didn't want to make games. They had bigger ambitions than that; theatre, movies, etc. So it's either a collaboration with a known name, say Stuart Chatwood from The Tea Party who wrote the soundtrack for the Prince of Persia trilogy or it's simply, like I said above, rejects from bigger dreams.

 

[Aaron]

I swear to God, I have these great ideas for stories and whatnot. Maybe I should put those ideas into a novel, and use the proceeds from sales to start a devhouse of my own.

Sorry to break it to you, but having ideas is incredibly easy. Actually applying those ideas into a significant work, whether it be novel, game, or movie, is really really hard. Many people think they have great ideas, and nearly as many give up as soon as they find how much effort and time it takes to do something with them.

However, you can learn to program. You can learn to construct 3D models, level design, etc. If you're really serious, there's all sorts of resources out there to work on mods and indie games in order to develop your skills to the point where you'll know if you really want into the game's industry.

 

[ZeMMiK]

make a portfolio, and try to sneak in as a tester....

 

[favouriteflavour]

If you want to get a job based on your writing strength then your best bet is to get your writing out there. Create a campaign using something like Never Winter Nights.

 

[CharminUltra]

My advise: just try to get your foot on the door and don't be afraid to start small.

I just got hired at a very well-known developer not two months ago (as Tech Support) and during those two months, I have already heard about several people working at customer service being promoted to different kinds of game development positions.

Just my two cents

 

[M3wThr33]

Make a nice resume
Keep yourself busy with projects to show motivation
Be active. Don't LOOK for jobs on a page. Get your resume OUT THERE. Find company sites and APPLY.

I just checked, you can't have one.

Can he have TWO, though?

 

[viciouskillersquirrel]

These threads are depressing because it seems that, like Law or any other entertainment industry, nearly everyone trying to get into the games industry has an unrealistic view of what it will be like when they get there. People think that just because they like games that this will be a rewarding and satisfying career path. Sadly, for the overwhelming majority, it won't be.

 

[MisterHero]

Write an epic that gets a film treatment then you'll get the obligatory subsidized gaming cross-promotion!

But seriously I want to design games too. :lol I'm trying to learn a little of everything as well as focus on my strengths/talents but I want to know what other devs on the team do as well.

*goes back to playing Level 3 and tightening up the graphics*

 

[pirahna1]

Don't let the naysayers get you down.

You can write, good. Now perfect it. I'm not talking about novel writing, but work on screenplays, as they are the bread and butter of a video game storyline. You have to know how to work dialog.

Also, download CryEngine, Havok, and Hammer. They're all free. Now work on modding custom maps for some games (UT3, HL2, TF2, CS:S, etc etc). If you can't get in via programming, your next bet is to get in via level design. If that's not your cup of tea, try character modeling. You'll need something like Maya (also a free version available) to do this.

Also visit yoyogames.com and try making games with GameMaker. It's an extremely powerful tool that can make full fledged games. (the Metroid 2 remake is being made with it, for example)

If all you can do is write, well, you're SOL. Unless you have a friend in a high up place or you get extremely lucky.

Best of luck! I'm currently working on designing my own games and hope to open an independent, small games studio once I graduate.

For more inspiration track down 'Inside Game Design'. The book covers a lot of independent studios making solid games (Darwinia, LittleBigPlanet, Portal, etc). It helped me decide that an independent route was the best way into the industry.

 

[Momar]

On a similar note, any Comp Sci undergrads have any advice for internships at game dev companies? I'm looking to start throwing my resume out there for an internship for the following summer and was wondering what to expect.

 

[Another_visitor]

Sorry to break it to you, but having ideas is incredibly easy. Actually applying those ideas into a significant work, whether it be novel, game, or movie, is really really hard. Many people think they have great ideas, and nearly as many give up as soon as they find how much effort and time it takes to do something with them.

So true, especially the big ambitious ideas, those ideas are ten a penny.

To the OP, go for QA (at a developer not a publisher or outsourcing firm). Build a portfolio of short stories, mods, interactive fiction or whatever as long as you finish it & be ready to push yourself forward when that opportunity comes. There will be much competition & the barriers for getting into development are getting higher all the time.

 

[pilonv1]

I just checked, you can't have one.

can i swap with you for a week?

 

[Date of Lies]

Saying you want to become a professional in the game industry just because you enjoy playing videogames is like saying you want to become a master chef because you enjoy fine cuisine.

I find I enjoy games a bit more from a safe distance.

But honestly, if you're serious, there's nothing that will stop hardwork and good energy.

 

[-Eddman-]

Best Sellers in America:

-FPS
-"Wii"something
-Training games
-Rythm Games (a.k.a Guitar Hero's and Rock Bands)

Sorry to crush your dreams, but do you really think mainstream consumers or devs give a shit about writing???

And indie/adventure games are made by small teams so i doubt they have the money to pay somebody just for that job. Maybe conceptual artist can be a better choice if you like the creative aspect.

 

[Divvy]

First get a job as a janitor, then find a worker that no one cares about without a family and kill him. Then take his identity. Guaranteed to work, no fail!

Protip: Try wearing his face as a mask, it'll help fool the coworkers:

 

[Momar]

I find I enjoy games a bit more from a safe distance.

See, I'm in a similar situation, but here's how I feel about it.

I don't really think I have the next great gaming idea, I'm not planning on revolutionizing the industry, etc. Basically, I'm good at programming, and I know I plan to make a career out of it. And I feel like I enjoy games enough that I'd like to work in that kind of environment. I mean, it'd be better than working at some start-up I don't care about *shrug*

 

[Another_visitor]

If that's not your cup of tea, try character modeling.

This is not good advice. You will not make it as a character modeller if it is your second or third choice. The fidelity of modern games has made character modelling a demanding specialist role that requires great artistic talent & technical savvy.

 

[Date of Lies]

See, I'm in a similar situation, but here's how I feel about it.

I don't really think I have the next great gaming idea, I'm not planning on revolutionizing the industry, etc. Basically, I'm good at programming, and I know I plan to make a career out of it. And I feel like I enjoy games enough that I'd like to work in that kind of environment. I mean, it'd be better than working at some start-up I don't care about *shrug*

It's all about balance. I guess personally, since videogames is one of my main pass-times, when it became my job I became very jaded on the topic. When your entire workday is videogames (most likely, shitty games you don't care about) in an geek-intensive environment, how much of your free time (you know, whatever's left from your 9 to 5 job) do you want to spend playing videogames with your geek friends? I love playing great videogames, that's a fact, going into the industry is pretty much the opposite of playing a great videogame. I'd say go into it if you have a passion for programming. I was good at programming too actually, I just seriously lost my passion for it after working day in and day out, line after line. But that's me personally, I wish the best for anyone else. Good news is I switched fields, and I feel much better.

 

[Speevy]

Are there any game industry jobs in Georgia or the surrounding states?

 

[CreativeWriter]

I swear to God, I have these great ideas for stories and whatnot. Maybe I should put those ideas into a novel, and use the proceeds from sales to start a devhouse of my own.

More bad news: you're not going to make large proceeds from a novel, especially a first one--not without an MFA, a decade's worth of published short stories behind you, and an agent. Even then, you'll be lucky to make enough money writing not to have to teach while you write the NEXT book. Writing fiction is not a viable option for "striking it rich" unless you want to create formulaic genre novels that appeal to 65 year old women, religious fundamentalists, or niche readers. Being a writer is relegating yourself to a life of poverty, and it should be done only because you "have" to write, because you are driven to it, because your mind would hate itself if it didn't...

There are plenty of examples of great writers turning to movies and TV to make their fortunes (Faulkner's Hollywood years are a good example), and I imagine soon video games may become another outlet for struggling writers, but the way there is the same as it ever was for movies and TV: get a degree (MFA or PhD in Creative Writing) and master the craft. It may be that there are shortcuts into the video game industry, but as the industry matures you're going to see more professionals filling those positions...

 

[Momar]

It's all about balance. I guess personally, since videogames is one of my main pass-times, when it became my job I became very jaded on the topic. When your entire workday is videogames (most likely, shitty games you don't care about) in an geek-intensive environment, how much of your free time (you know, whatever's left from your 9 to 5 job) do you want to spend playing videogames with your geek friends? I love playing great videogames, that's a fact, going into the industry is pretty much the opposite of playing a great videogame. I'd say go into it if you have a passion for programming. I was good at programming too actually, I just seriously lost my passion for it after working day in and day out, line after line. But that's me personally, I wish the best for anyone else. Good news is I switched fields, and I feel much better.

Are you no longer programming or just no longer in a videogame-centric setting? Or was it a pretty drastic change?

Even if the game company thing doesn't work out for me, I really just love CS, probably the most satisfying area of study I've ever worked on in my entire life. CS education has also been a big consideration for me, I should (hopefully) be on track to becoming a TA for an intro CS class starting next semester.

 

[Date of Lies]

Are you no longer programming or just no longer in a videogame-centric setting? Or was it a pretty drastic change?

Even if the game company thing doesn't work out for me, I really just love CS, probably the most satisfying area of study I've ever worked on in my entire life. CS education has also been a big consideration for me, I should (hopefully) be on track to becoming a TA for an intro CS class starting next semester.

The important thing is to follow your passion. I've exited CS and I'm in Finance now, it's working out for me, a degree in CS is a great addition to any resume. I don't regret studying CS at all, it's good knowledge.

 

[Nocebo]

See, I'm in a similar situation, but here's how I feel about it.

I don't really think I have the next great gaming idea, I'm not planning on revolutionizing the industry, etc. Basically, I'm good at programming, and I know I plan to make a career out of it. And I feel like I enjoy games enough that I'd like to work in that kind of environment. I mean, it'd be better than working at some start-up I don't care about *shrug*

I was thinking about getting into the game's industry for a full time job as well before I graduated. But then I heard horror stories about crazy working environments, 80 hour work weeks, strict deadlines, poor pay, stuff like that (not sure how much of that is true). Also I realized that in the the country I live in I wouldn't be able to get into a big game dev company that makes the type of games I like anyway.
However, I thought going for a normal software developing job would get me into some boring webdev crap or whatever so I wasn't too thrilled about that route either. I feel I lucked out cause instead I managed to land a job at a fast growing software company that works internally on several products that make me go "wow, that's cool!".

ps: I still program games with a friend as a hobby.

 

[Iaido Sword]

I'm in the best damn school for being a game developer. =D