Getting a job in the game industry is not easy. In fact it is probably one of the most competitive industries in the world. But there are plenty of ways to increase your chances of beating the guy next to you, and all that it requires is your tenacity.
The Three Questions
Do I have a portfolio?
This is probably one of the most important parts of getting a job in the game industry. If you don’t have a portfolio, the other guy will, and that’s a problem. Portfolio’s are meant to show off your previous work done. In this day and age, employers expect that you have already done your homework in whatever discipline you aspire to take on as a career.
Programming – Example Portfolio Site
Programmers need to make games that showcase what it is they want to do. For example, if you want to create AI systems in the industry, create something that showcases your knowledge on exactly that! Another example would be a graphics programmer making a game that showcased their knowledge of shaders. Your future employer does not want to be confused on your ambitions, so make it extremely clear what it is you want to do through your work, and your website.
Art – Example Portfolio Site
Same goes for artists as it does for programmers — specialization is key. Becoming a conceptual artist require different preparation than becoming a 3D animator or level designer. Whatever your niche may be, you still need many examples of your work.
Design – Example Portfolio Site — Game Career Guide Information
Becoming a game designer is not easy. Normally game design positions are really allocated to those with industry experience, but there are exceptions to anything. If you want to become a game designer you need full work games. A common misconception is that creating a game design document is what employers are looking for. This is very wrong, your peers want to see working games that they can play and analyze — such as a complete board game — although you will need to refer to the link posted above for more clarification.
Do I have connections?
Game Developers Conference – Survival Guide for GDC
Every year our officer team goes to GDC in San Francisco. If you are serious about entering this industry as a professional, this is a must go event. Contacts are everything in this game, and you can attain 40+ more actual game industry contacts just by showing up here and handing your resume / business card out like a mad-man.
IGDA Chapter meetings
Find your local IGDA chapter and go! Plenty of industry members and enthusiasts are bound to be found in or around it. Google is your friend for finding out this sort of information in specifics.
Do I have a degree?
You need to get a degree. Essentially a company has no reason to hire you if you don’t have a degree — unless you are a savant. But if you aren’t a savant, get your degree in whatever discipline you’re interested in. Here is a list of appropriate degrees for Cal Poly students.
Programming
B.S. in Computer Science
B.S. in Computer Engineering
Art and Design
B.F.A in Graphic Design
If…
and when you have answered all these questions with a big Yes, then it is time to start applying for jobs and internships. Below you will find a list of links in which to get started with the next part of your journey. Think of this whole process like a quest chain.
Game Jobs
Gamasutra Listings
EA Listings
Blizzard Listings
Game Internships
Gamasutra Guide
For all other Information (for the most part)
Tom Sloper has put together an amazing questionnaire that should be review by any aspiring game developer. It is probably the most truthful guide I have ever read, and will definitely put you in a good direction in case you don’t believe anything that I am saying. In any case, enjoy:
