Almost 12% of US Games Biz Laid Off

[e-freak]

although games are being developed in english in germany as well, and as e.g. crytek shows you can easily migrate people from all around the globe.

[Furyo]

although games are being developed in english in germany as well, and as e.g. crytek shows you can easily migrate people from all around the globe.

It's the one case where it works, it's little known particularly in a country where it's exactly the opposite (you're expected to have perfectly fluent English to work in the US) and besides all that, people still face real life in a foreign nation and language when they're not working. Not many can surpass these fears, and Europeans due to geographical reasons are much more prone to being exposed to this early on, therefore to accepting these challenges.

[Synthesizer]

It was quite easy for me to go from Canada to Sweden, both in paperwork and language/culture. I can imagine a move like that wouldn't be for everyone though, it can be really hard to start your life over from scratch, not knowing anyone at all in the country when you first arrive. I know that I wouldn't like to do it again anytime soon.

[Hourences]

And you don't move that easily when having a gf/wife/kids/house/other stuff. Especially not that far.

In general the bigger the home country the more difficult it will be for people to go live in another country. If you grow up in a small country you are much much more familiar with borders, several languages and cultures, etc. I actually think it is enjoyable to switch countries as it keeps things interesting. The paperwork is very annoying though.

[2d-chris]

English is the common language these days, Americans would have no problem moving to a well respected studio in most countries. I'd be very surprised if you could not get a job speaking fluent english. Game development teams are too international these days to speak anything BUT english as a common language.

On the other hand, Americans don't speak english

[Steppenwolf]

I would have nothing against more american colleagues. It would be quite unfair tho if the american job market stays as closed as it is for eu citizens. I never understood how the hurdles can be so high for economies that are so closely tied together and the citizens share a similar level of prosperity anyway.

[Furyo]

Politics politics....the populist part of any nation will rise against any sign of "these foreigners are taking jobs our own nationals could have". As far as most countries accepting English only speakers, France clearly wouldn't be one of those. Not out of racism, out of fear of not being understood. because very few French have a decent enough level of English to be working day after day with such guys

[FrieChamp]

Politics politics....the populist part of any nation will rise against any sign of "these foreigners are taking jobs our own nationals could have". As far as most countries accepting English only speakers, France clearly wouldn't be one of those. Not out of racism, out of fear of not being understood. because very few French have a decent enough level of English to be working day after day with such guys

Sorry? I didn't understand that at all! Could you please stick to "English" on this board? Thanks!

[Skjalg]

I never really understood why The French didnt want to learn English.

Then one day, 50 exchange students from france came to our school and everyone of them was lame and just sat around smoking weed all day.

Then I understood.

[Sindwiller]

I never really understood why The French didnt want to learn English.

Then one day, 50 exchange students from france came to our school and everyone of them was lame and just sat around smoking weed all day.

Then I understood.

If you'd replace France with Switzerland, it'd all make sense for me, but French people? Come on!

[kleinluka]

I never really understood why The French didnt want to learn English.

Then one day, 50 exchange students from france came to our school and everyone of them was lame and just sat around smoking weed all day.

Then I understood.

I don't think it's necessarily that they don't WANT to learn (ok maybe!) but I think the main reason is that foreign language education -not just english- in France is really really crappy and there are very few qualified teachers.

[Chunks]

mmm, stereotypes ftl...

I only wish we pushed secondary language more in our school system. granted I chose to take latin for 3 years instead of spanish or french, so i'm not one to talk

I really do envy you guys for being fluent in multiple languages.

you're expected to have perfectly fluent English to work in the US

I wouldn't say that is true, or atleast from what I have experienced. The company I work for just hired a loatian guy that doesn't speak very well at all, but his portfolio and talent/skills got him the job. I would guess it all depends on your occupation, though.

[Jetsetlemming]

I took Spanish in every year of middle school and high school, and it was required (that or Russian or German as alternatives. I think once you had four years under your belt you could replace it from a small list of electives).

Course, I pretty much don't remember any of it. Yo soy mal a espanol!

[2d-chris]

Slightly off topic here - but I hope within 100 years everyone is speaking a single common languge. In the past it's clear why it evolved the way it did, but now (at least in the western world) it just causes confusion in a digital age. I think English has proved itself as the easiest to grasp. Even religion can't complain, getting the message accross to everyone without learning 30 languages must be a benifit

[Gloglebag]

Doesn't it all come down to TV. Countries that dub English tv suck, countries that don't, well don't. This has been somewhat elevated by the internet and the prevalence of English on various boards, blogs and news sites, and games. But still, any language I had exclusively at school I suck at or have completely forgotten since I never use it, on the other hand I knew English pretty dammed well even before I got to high school due to TV.