Breaking In To The Game Industry

IGDA DC & Vicinity Chapter8/17/2006

Breaking In to the Industry It’s all about

Being Realistic Preparing Networking Applying Staying In

Being Realistic Are you sure you want to do this? Rare entry level roles

Game Designer Concept Artists

If you don’t want a “job” GameMaker (site?) Torque (http://www.garagegames.com) Others

Have another skill to sell yourself with

Preparing Choosing the right school

There’s no “right” answer to this. “I don’t care where you got your

portfolio, only that you have one.” – Tom Sloper

Listen to the people that do what you want to do.

Preparing Getting the most out of your school

IGDA Student Chapters Don’t take classes for the “easy A” Do work outside of class (or independent

studies) Enjoy yourself!

Networking Networking is a necessity

½ of the entry level jobs are not advertised

Having someone in the organization that can speak for you is always a plus

Resources: Articles by Darius Kazemi (http://

tinysubversions.blogspot.com) Tom’s articles (http://www.sloperama.com) How To Win Friends and Influence People by

Dale Carnegie

Applying Apply early and often Apply to all open positions Continue to work after applying Follow up Be persistent, but not annoying

It’s a fine line, but you’ll know when you’ve crossed it

Applying The Dreaded Interview

Know the company. Be yourself. Use all of your best communication

strategies. Show you are:

Ready Willing Able Educated

Applying The Dreaded Interview Questions

Have you played any of our games? What games are you playing now? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What’s the most important part of being

on a team?

Staying In “What I really want to do is design”

Do your job first. Keep your ears open Fill the gaps you can fill Remember your networking skills

Moving up in the world is not all about skill

Staying In Jeff’s Pleas

Keep yourself educated Keep pushing yourself Keep a work / life balance Stay involved with the community (IGDA)

Recap School

Choose the one that fits you best. Make the most out of four (five?) years. Enjoy yourself!

Networking Friends can get you jobs Visit the resources and practice

Recap Apply early and often

You are not too good to get coffee. Show desire, don’t be annoying Sending off the application is not the end

of the process Prepare for your interview

Know the company Be yourself

Recap Get the position you really want

Keep your ears open. Fill in the gaps.

Stay involved Always learn more. Help the whole community.

Questions? Contact Info

jeff@fuzzybinary.com http://www.jeffongames.com