Kensei
29-10-2008, 09:49 PM
As you know, I went to the GameIndustry.biz career fair in London yesterday.
I talked to:
Relentless Software (Buzz! Franchise)
Realtime Worlds(Crackdown)
Rebellion (The Simpsons Game, Rogue Trooper etc)
Streamline Studios (Yet be announced game - but they have worked on StarWars BattleFront, Gears of War and Unreal Tournament 2004)
Starbreeze Studios (Chronicles of Riddick)
Crytek (Crysis)
Lionhead/Microsoft Game Studios (Fable, Black and White, The Movies - LOOK edg3 I know who they are :))
There will be a full reportback likely in the next Dev Mag, so this is just an overview of what the answers were like.
1.What do you look for in potential hires?
It seemed primarily they look for a degree, or equivalent work experience. The standard 'passion for gaming' was also important
2.Is providing portfolios important?
This was a complete, 100% agreed YES They want to be sure you can do what your CV says. Even if they are demos.
3.What is the best way to get into the games industry?
Don't be afraid to start at the bottom and work your way up. Join the QA team and branch out from there.
4.What are the highlights and low points of game making?
Highs: Get to make games! Seeing your game do well and recognition
Lows: Crunch time :( It is still a job
5.How does an aspiring game developer improve their skills?
Practice, practice and practice.
Some suggested that seeking the critiscm of professionals on online forums.
6.Do the formal degrees in Game Development take precedence over someone who has done a degree in Computer Science?
Not really, in fact in some cases it gives a person disadvantage. They seemed to favour specialized degrees, like in art or programming.
I talked to:
Relentless Software (Buzz! Franchise)
Realtime Worlds(Crackdown)
Rebellion (The Simpsons Game, Rogue Trooper etc)
Streamline Studios (Yet be announced game - but they have worked on StarWars BattleFront, Gears of War and Unreal Tournament 2004)
Starbreeze Studios (Chronicles of Riddick)
Crytek (Crysis)
Lionhead/Microsoft Game Studios (Fable, Black and White, The Movies - LOOK edg3 I know who they are :))
There will be a full reportback likely in the next Dev Mag, so this is just an overview of what the answers were like.
1.What do you look for in potential hires?
It seemed primarily they look for a degree, or equivalent work experience. The standard 'passion for gaming' was also important
2.Is providing portfolios important?
This was a complete, 100% agreed YES They want to be sure you can do what your CV says. Even if they are demos.
3.What is the best way to get into the games industry?
Don't be afraid to start at the bottom and work your way up. Join the QA team and branch out from there.
4.What are the highlights and low points of game making?
Highs: Get to make games! Seeing your game do well and recognition
Lows: Crunch time :( It is still a job
5.How does an aspiring game developer improve their skills?
Practice, practice and practice.
Some suggested that seeking the critiscm of professionals on online forums.
6.Do the formal degrees in Game Development take precedence over someone who has done a degree in Computer Science?
Not really, in fact in some cases it gives a person disadvantage. They seemed to favour specialized degrees, like in art or programming.