Archive for ' games industry'

Want to Break into the Games Biz? Then Get Scary!

Posted on August 19, 2010 by by Jeff Johannigman

You out there looking for your way to get into the game industry. Yeah, you! I know what you’ve been going through. Working in the game industry has been your lifelong dream. You’ve played countless games. Built innovative mods. Gone through dozens of classes to sharpen your skills in programming, animation, design, or writing, or even all of the above. Put together a truly impressive portfolio. Written and polished a perfect resume. Called recruiters. Written to dozens of game companies. Perhaps even attended some conferences or industry events hoping to meet some professionals. You know you’re talented. You know you’re dedicated. But you still haven’t gotten that job offer. Frustrated yet?

Let me share one secret that has helped countless professionals break into competitive businesses like the game industry. Understand that most job seekers think that it’s just talent, skills, experience, and education that employers want. While those are valuable, they are not the most important thing employers are looking for. What employers really want to discover is your character, who you really are as a person.

What's next in game industry careers?

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Jeannie Novak and Michael E. Moore

After completing work on their book, Game Industry Career Guide (part of the Game Development Essentials series, published by Cengage Delmar Learning), Jeannie Novak and Michael E. Moore both took some time to expand on the book’s final chapter, “Future: Employment & Growth in the Game Industry.” What follows is their short list of the top most exciting changes we see taking place in the industry in the near future . . .
The V-Team

Let’s start with the economy. Yes – we’ve seen a rash of layoffs and firings during the last few years. Even game industry veterans found themselves out of work. But simultaneous to the consolidation of larger game companies, a slew of small consultancies and game development studios have cropped up – some run by those very veterans, and some by relative newcomers with the entrepreneurial spirit. Some of these studios are saving a great deal on overhead by hiring employees from around the country (and even the world) to participate on what is being known as “virtual teams.”

Enjoy your journey - Keep your career on the right path!

Posted on June 29, 2010 by by Laura Ramsey

IGDA Webinar
August 4th, 12:01 PM - 1:01 PM EDT

Our own Mary-Margaret Walker will be giving a webinar with IGDA where she will share her insider tips on 'How to get and maintain a successful & rewarding career in the games industry.' Mary-Margaret will be talking about training, education and other resume building essentials, as well as the importance of setting goals for your career, selecting the right company for you and finding your path. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of getting to know Mary-Margaret, this hour promises to be light and entertaining while at the same time jam packed with useful insights into the industry!

Why attend LA Games Conference

Posted on March 3, 2010 by by Jay Bagge

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April 29, 2010
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
Los Angeles, CA

#1: Fantastic Speakers, Agenda & Attendees
Considered a top event for gaming industry insiders, with 60 percent of attendees at the VP or higher executive level, the LA Games Conference brings together the leading video game publishers and developers, carriers, portals, technology companies, advertising executives, venture capitalists, lawyers and analysts, and features valuable sessions on online, mobile, console and casual games, and the latest trends in investment, advertising and consumer spending.

Three focus areas of LA Games 2010 will be:

• Digital Distribution
• Game Monetization
• Social and Connected Gaming

#2: Full Conference Registration!
Conference registration gives you complete access to two days of panels, keynotes, delegate roundtables and networking. It also includes lunch, networking breaks and reception. Our rates have never been this low so make sure to register now.

LA Games Conference agenda announced

Posted on February 15, 2010 by by Ellen Gildersleve

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April 29, 2010
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
Los Angeles, CA

Submit Speakers and Request Sponsorship Information now!

Last Week To Register At The Early Bird Rate of $399! ($300 OFF)

2009 speakers included: Nolan Bushnell, Founder, Atari and Chuck E. Cheese, CEO of uWink and Chairman, NeoEdge Networks, Mitch Lasky, General Partner, Benchmark Capital, David Roberts, CEO, PopCap Games, Mike Yuen, Sr. Director, Games Services, Qualcomm, John Kavanagh, SVP, Videogames, Paramount Digital Entertainment, Gareth Davis, Platform Manager, Facebook, Spencer Hunt, VP, Game Production & Digital Product Development, Sony Pictures TV Int'l, Kuk Yi, Managing Director, Best Buy Capital, Bill Young, Director, Global Media Sales, Electronic Arts, Jason Oberfest, SVP of Business Development, MySpace, Bill Kispert, VP, Interactive, NBC Interactive, Alex Hackford, Head of A&R, Sony Computer Entertainment America and many more...

Choosing your path

Posted on January 26, 2010 by by Ali Harmatuk

We often get questions from candidates about career path and the job market. Recently, a candidate with a background in programming and art asked Ali which of those two paths, programming or graphic arts for games, would be a better choice in terms of salary and growth. The candidate also wanted to know if there is a way to combine the two disciplines. We thought we would share Ali's response with you.

It is quick and easy to do some salary comparison research online. However, I will say that you can't be in the game industry, either as a programmer or an artist, if that's not your passion. The game industry takes dedication, time (sometimes a lot of it!), and a true love for what you are creating.

There are good reasons to enter either discipline. As an artist, you can be creative. You can also branch out into other fields like films, commercials, architecture, etc. As a programmer, yes, you'll be paid more. You can also move into other industries with those skills as well. You can do some research online to see what other industries support your skill set (based on the languages you know), as areas of growth are something you need to take into consideration. Both disciplines have good career paths that will let you learn and grow.