Here are the learning objectives and constraints for the course.
Lecture 2 02:33About 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
Lecture 3Voluntary (and anonymous, if you wish) Entry Survey
The video game industry is both unusual and unstable. Here's how it works.
Lecture 5 03:40The 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.
Lecture 6 01:30If, 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.
Lecture 7 02:49In 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.
Lecture 8 1 pageYoung 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 . . .
Lecture 9 02:14Many 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.
Lecture 10 03:37Jobs 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
Lecture 11 03:23Wishful thinking leads job-hunters to value certain characteristics and experiences that do not matter to employers.
Lecture 12Links 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."
Section 2: Learning the skills Lecture 14Exercise: 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
Lecture 16 04:49What you can do to learn programming. Some are self-taught, some go to school, but everyone needs to practice, practice, practice.
Lecture 17 03:20What you can do to learn art. Some are self-taught, some go to school, but everyone needs to practice, practice, practice.
Lecture 18 02:12What 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.
Lecture 19 03:45Colleges and universities have less than pure motives owing to stiff competition for students. Game design schools are especially bad.
Lecture 20 04:18In many quarters, including the video game industry, distance education degrees are not valued or respected. Here's why.
Lecture 21 4 pagesA 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
Lecture 22 01:34If 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.
Section 3: Getting a job Lecture 23 02:46Sooner 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.
Lecture 24 03:15Employment experts suggest you target particular companies in your job search. To do that, you have to decide what your ideal employer should be like.
Lecture 25 06:56The answer is Yes, but maybe not for the reason(s) you think.
Lecture 26Exercise - 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.
Lecture 28 9 slides 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.
Lecture 29 02:11Should you work for free for a studio with the hope that they'll hire you. Opinions differ. . .
Lecture 30 02:16In the past many people have broken into the game industry by working first in a non-development job at a game studio.
Quiz 1 10 questions Lecture 31 02:43What you can do from here. First, gather more information, don't just take my word for everything! Or anything!
Lecture 32 TextLink to class exit survey.
Lecture 33 73 slidesAll the slides used in the screencasts, downloadable, to provide you with notes.
Full curriculumHow to prepare yourself for working in the video game industry, and how to differentiate yourself from other candidates.
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