How to break in the games industry - an insiders' guide

    22 really isn't too old. Remember that most university graduates will be only 21 or 22. I got my first dev job at 22 (junior role) and you'll find you're probably the youngest person in your studio at that age.

    1st of all, i missed smth or why do we need D3 store links ?

    2nd, do you know what do you want to do ? environments, charactes, level art, level design ?


    i assume you want to model smth, so check out eat3d or 3dmotive to get some really good tutorials - and model what do you want just to make you want to finish it, if you like cars - try to model a car, ect

    I have been experiencing a situation where I am given quite a few design tests from different places. I finish the test on time as expected and as closely as possible to the requirements. I then have the experience of being told they do not plan to move forward with my application, which is fine, but I have no idea what happened. Was the test not done correctly? Was there another applicant they preferred more? Was the position filled just before I finished the test? Did I at least get close but no cigar? was I completely off mark? Do they not hire people with Mohawks? lol


    Each time this happens I make it a point to ask for feedback on the test. I either receive no response or a response saying that they are not allowed to provide feedback on the test.


    This is the only time in my entire life where the design process is a guessing game with no way to further improve my abilities due to a deliberate lack of communication.


    It's a very difficult situation to be in. I wish there was a screening process that was more transparent, I prefer brutal honesty over no information at all.


    Just out of curiousity, where was this? You can PM me the answer if you don't want it public.

    Quote from blackdog

    I've read an article a few months ago about this, and they can't say to basically shield themselves from lawsuits.


    I would gladly sign a waiver for tests in the future if this is the reason why lol

    What would be the best option for someone who loves playing games and is wanting to have a career in the gaming industry? I skimmed through a lot of posts in this thread and have a general idea on what to do once you get started with the right mind set; however, I am wanting to see what I need to do from scratch. I have some good use with social media and close connections with some owners of the bigger gaming companies that host tournaments.


    What tools do I need to get started? I am currently going to school to be a software engineer, but I haven't started any actual engineering classes as of yet due to the grueling core classes I have to take to get there. I am interested in some programming but I am really creative and good with my hands; I also haven't really looked into what I need to do to start getting some practice in before the engineering classes start. What would be the best thing for me?


    p.s I am really sick at the moment and on medication, so this post may or may not make much sense...sorry in advance

    Hey Maarti, I would open some level editors of games you enjoy playing, if your not sure if they support modification just google it. Most people I know who got into game development got started by making maps/levels/missions of some kind. It's a relatively easy way to get into game development as a whole.

    I would add that location is just as important as a killer CV/portfolio, especially if you're just starting out. For myself living in the UK I have found it really tough, even to land a testing job.


    Basically I was living in the north of the UK, Leeds/Bradford. I had an interview with Rockstar Leeds but the role wasn't the right fit for me. All other applications I was making outside the city I lived in were not resulting in interviews, despite returning from working abroad with design experience on a highly successful franchise.


    My wife and I started to use my parents address in London, and eventually that worked. I got my foot back in the door of the industry at Sega and my wife got a job also. The UK has fewer opportunities than it did in the so called golden years. Industries change, whether its mobile or f2p, and I got caught out as a young designer thinking I would be able to get a job back in the UK. So my final advice from a lesson learnt is don't assume once you get into this industry, that it means you're 'in'. It has taken me a while to figure out how to return, and a lot of time and support from my family.

    Thanks for sharing, yeah heard about the problems in the UK just recently by chatting with another fellow Mapcorean. Bites: I moved here thinking there were lots of opportunities. Well, definitely more than the deserted Italy...

    I have a small question, I would love to be answered. I am a resident of a country where there is hardly any gaming studio present, so any work I can do is basically mod games online or work on a couple of small time projects and there is no chance of gaining meaningful experience. So what do I do, because even mentioning that I will relocate basically anywhere doesn't help, since companies don't want to deal with visa, employment, etc ?

    They will, if you are good enough. Time to get working on that amazing portfolio that will instantly convince any recruiter out there. Mod experience is a big plus since it's demonstrates your ability to work in a team and finish projects.

    Poor HR departments drive me insane. SO tired of hearing nothing back and putting time into writing personal cover letters.

    All HR should follow the same structure CD Projekt have in processing your application. You get told what stage your at and when your portfolio gets reviewed. Plus when you get feedback of any kind at least you know where you might need to improve.

    Shit HR has to stop!

    Quote from AkatsukiUK

    Poor HR departments drive me insane. SO tired of hearing nothing back and putting time into writing personal cover letters.

    All HR should follow the same structure CD Projekt have in processing your application. You get told what stage your at and when your portfolio gets reviewed. Plus when you get feedback of any kind at least you know where you might need to improve.

    Shit HR has to stop!

    CD Projekt was the worst application process I have ever had. Absolutely terrible.

    Perhaps my experience was better because I went through a developer on mapcore.

    I guess when the system works they were pretty good and prompt in responding to e-mails.

    Really it's communication that needs to improve, especially studio sites that say you can ask the team/about the role email here or phone! ... half the time a receptionist hangs up or the most insulting response. An automated email several months after you apply. Great...

    Quote from FrieChamp

    Do I sense some frustration here?

    No :)

    It's just that in whatever branch of business I've worked, I've never had the pleasure of having a good HR department.

    Quote from AkatsukiUK

    Poor HR departments drive me insane. SO tired of hearing nothing back and putting time into writing personal cover letters.

    Back when I was applying for my first job I rarely heard anything back. I applied anywhere I felt would be relevant and heard back from maybe 5 or so companies.

    It is frustrating but keep at it and eventually you'll get there. :) Don't forget these studios probably get a lot of applications. Replying to everyone individually would be quite a task. It would be nice to know if you're being considered or not though, even an automated email would do.

    If you are unsuccessful with any application though, do ask for feedback. I have found a lot of companies will give some feedback when asked.

    I have to agree with the negative sentiment for HR. They are rarely required to have even a remote understanding of what they're hiring for. I often see and hear the advise of asking for feeback on the application. No one does that, at least not in North America. They don't even give you a clear indication of whether or not you've been passed over. They all have semi automated systems that if you do get notice will go as far as 'Your application is being considered' and stay in that status for an incredibly long time in part to keep you from trying to send another application in for that job.

    Almost no one has their HR integrated in any effective way. They just sit in their own magic world in the clouds of whatever developer they latched onto and hire based on buzzwords in a spreadsheet.

    I've seen job listings where they wanted entry level talent to have somehow have 5 years of experience in software that had only existed for 2 years.

    Let's break that down. They wanted entry level talent, people who are expected to essentially have zero professional experience. To have 5 years of experience. And they wanted them to have that experience using a program that had not existed as even a concept

    I've applied for jobs where I was well verse in similar software to waht they were using and knew I could easily bridge over (Maya vs 3dsmax for example) but because their spreadsheet said 3dsmax and they didn't even know what that was, I got passed over. Then I go to a trade show like GDC and hear 'oh you do good work you should apply'

    The people working in HR are always polite, great to talk to as well, however;

    HR Is the bane of the industry due to their lack of proper integration.

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