Here are the learning objectives and constraints for the course.
About me. This is the same intro as in Brief Free Introduction to Game Design.
pulsiphergames.com
twitter: @lewpuls
Blog:
http://pulsiphergamedesign.blogspot.com/ and http://boardgamegeek.com/blog/435/pulsipher-game-design
Voluntary (and anonymous, if you wish) Entry Survey
The video game industry is both unusual and unstable. Here's how it works.
The larger studios are a minority of those working in the video game industry, but this is where most people think they're going to work. This describes what jobs are available.
If, as is likely, you can't get a job at a larger studio, you'll work in smaller ones or "indies". The jobs tend to be the same but with less specialization, and (in the indies) less pay, or no pay at all.
In a highly competitive industry, employers can look for exceptional employees. You can't expect to just do what you're told and succeed.
I recommend you read the following article about recruiting, and how it's changed in the game industry:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-01-22-tech-wars-and-talent-shortages
There's a general shortage of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) employees in the USA, so programmers may be able to obtain better working conditions than in the past. You'll find that game developers' desires have changed, so many companies recognize that they cannot treat employees poorly. But employees new-to-the-industry are usually at the bottom of the totem-pole, as with any industry, the ones most likely to be asked to work long hours in less-than-ideal conditions.
Yet there are still companies looking for the "purple squirrel", someone who has very extensive qualifications yet is willing to take relatively low pay. It's more important than ever to research companies before applying for jobs.
Young people often confuse intentions and actions, thinking it's OK as long as they intended to do what they should be doing. Not in the business world . . .
Many novices are perfectionists in whatever game-related task they're doing. That doesn't work in the video game industry. Speed/work-rate is very important.
Jobs skills you need. Along with a productive attitude, of course.
You might also read www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-02-18-gaming-vets-dish-out-career-advice
Wishful thinking leads job-hunters to value certain characteristics and experiences that do not matter to employers.
Links to important YouTube videos
People who get into the game industry tend to last an average of only five years. With what we've seen so far, are you sure this is for you?
Warren Spector (director of a specialized game school at the time, most well-known for Deus Ex) in 2014. "For starters, make sure you're truly passionate about making games. It's grindingly hard work and if you don't love it, it'll wear you down in a hurry."
Exercise: assets and weaknesses
What you need to do to prepare to work in the industry. I wrote this originally for GameCareerGuide.
http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/757/industry_hopefuls_prepare_.php
What you can do to learn programming. Some are self-taught, some go to school, but everyone needs to practice, practice, practice.
What you can do to learn art. Some are self-taught, some go to school, but everyone needs to practice, practice, practice.
What you can do to learn game design on your own. Some are self-taught, some go to school, but everyone needs to practice, practice, practice.
Colleges and universities have less than pure motives owing to stiff competition for students. Game design schools are especially bad.
In many quarters, including the video game industry, distance education degrees are not valued or respected. Here's why.
A school can say it teaches games or "game design", but what they actually teach varies a GREAT deal. Written originally for GameCareerGuide:
http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/770/game_curricula_differences_in_.php
If you decide to attend a college or university, choosing which school is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your life. You have to take it seriously.
Sooner or later a prospective employer wants to see what you have done. That's what you put in your portfolio, preferably available on your website.
Employment experts suggest you target particular companies in your job search. To do that, you have to decide what your ideal employer should be like.
The answer is Yes, but maybe not for the reason(s) you think.
Exercise - research companies
You have to be able to do the job, but you also have to make yourself known to a potential employer, and resumes or answering job ads is not enough. You need to build up a network of contacts. Here's some suggestions.
I'm not going to tell you about job interviews (except to note, video game industry people rarely wear ties or suits - they're quite informal).
A resume isn't likely to get you a job in the video game industry, but you want to make one as good as possible.
Should you work for free for a studio with the hope that they'll hire you. Opinions differ. . .
In the past many people have broken into the game industry by working first in a non-development job at a game studio.
What you can do from here. First, gather more information, don't just take my word for everything! Or anything!
Link to class exit survey.
All the slides used in the screencasts, downloadable, to provide you with notes.
How to prepare yourself for working in the video game industry, and how to differentiate yourself from other candidates.
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