Difference between revisions of "Game Industry"

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(How to Get In: 8 Tips for Artists Struggling With Motivation)
(Being a Developer: web.archive.org How NOT to hire an artist)
 
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* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137206 What has the games industry been like for you?] Polycount Forum thread. Game art veterans share what it's really like to be working in game development.
 
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137206 What has the games industry been like for you?] Polycount Forum thread. Game art veterans share what it's really like to be working in game development.
 
* [http://archive.is/B7o90 Is the games industry really dying?] by Dan Teasdale, diving deep into game industry layoff data.
 
* [http://archive.is/B7o90 Is the games industry really dying?] by Dan Teasdale, diving deep into game industry layoff data.
* [http://www.valvetime.net/threads/valve-employee-hand-book-released.189828/ Valve Employee Hand Book]  Greg Coomer says "We wrote this book to make it as easy as we could for new people to join the company. It was fun to capture these thoughts and put them all in one place. Let us know what you think." Cached: [[file:Valve_Employee_Handbook.pdf]]
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* [https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/publications Valve Employee Hand Book]  Greg Coomer says "We wrote this book to make it as easy as we could for new people to join the company. It was fun to capture these thoughts and put them all in one place. Let us know what you think." Cached: [[file:Valve_Employee_Handbook.pdf]]
 
* [http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1012343/The-Belly-of-the-Whale The Belly of the Whale: Living a Creative Life in the Game Industry] - by [http://www.bobbates.com/ Bob Bates] GDC 2010 lecture about how creative types can survive and thrive in the game industry. Highly recommended [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74876 by many Polycounters].
 
* [http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1012343/The-Belly-of-the-Whale The Belly of the Whale: Living a Creative Life in the Game Industry] - by [http://www.bobbates.com/ Bob Bates] GDC 2010 lecture about how creative types can survive and thrive in the game industry. Highly recommended [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74876 by many Polycounters].
* [http://www.thejonjones.com/2010/08/09/how-not-to-hire-an-artist/ How NOT to hire an artist] - by [http://www.thejonjones.com Jon Jones] Response to the article [https://web.archive.org/web/20101229213727/http://kaitol.com/how-to-hire-an-artist/ How to hire an artist] by Christopher 'xdragonx10' Gregorio.
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20230320100837/http://www.thejonjones.com/2010/08/09/how-not-to-hire-an-artist/ How NOT to hire an artist] - by [http://www.thejonjones.com Jon Jones] Response to the article [https://web.archive.org/web/20101229213727/http://kaitol.com/how-to-hire-an-artist/ How to hire an artist] by Christopher 'xdragonx10' Gregorio.
 
* [http://polycount.com/discussion/159445/the-co-worker/ The Co-worker] - by [http://www.adambromell.com/ Adam Bromell] Polycount News article about what makes a good team co-worker.
 
* [http://polycount.com/discussion/159445/the-co-worker/ The Co-worker] - by [http://www.adambromell.com/ Adam Bromell] Polycount News article about what makes a good team co-worker.
  
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== Resumes ==
 
== Resumes ==
* [http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12496 Work at Bungie: Getting Past the Gatekeeper] details how to make the best impression on Bungie's hiring manager.
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120711002742/http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12496 Work at Bungie: Getting Past the Gatekeeper] details how to make the best impression on Bungie's hiring manager.
 
* [http://windmillnetworking.com/2009/08/11/linkedin-profile-tips-the-10-mistakes-you-want-to-avoid-and-why/ LinkedIn Profile Tips: The 10 Mistakes You Want to Avoid and Why] - by ''[http://windmillnetworking.com/about/ Neal Schaffer]''
 
* [http://windmillnetworking.com/2009/08/11/linkedin-profile-tips-the-10-mistakes-you-want-to-avoid-and-why/ LinkedIn Profile Tips: The 10 Mistakes You Want to Avoid and Why] - by ''[http://windmillnetworking.com/about/ Neal Schaffer]''
 
* [http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/ResumeRead.html Getting Your Résumé Read] - by ''[http://www.joelonsoftware.com/ Joel 'joelonsoftware' Spolsky]''
 
* [http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/ResumeRead.html Getting Your Résumé Read] - by ''[http://www.joelonsoftware.com/ Joel 'joelonsoftware' Spolsky]''
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* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85192 Cover Letter] Polycount Forum thread
 
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85192 Cover Letter] Polycount Forum thread
 
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118092 Resume / Cover Letter Critique request - Riot Games] Polycount Forum thread
 
* [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118092 Resume / Cover Letter Critique request - Riot Games] Polycount Forum thread
* [http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12496 Work at Bungie: Getting Past the Gatekeeper] details how to make the best impression on Bungie's hiring manager.
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120711002742/http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12496 Work at Bungie: Getting Past the Gatekeeper] details how to make the best impression on Bungie's hiring manager.
  
 
== Job Searching ==
 
== Job Searching ==
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* [http://www.games-career.com games-career.com]
 
* [http://www.games-career.com games-career.com]
 
* [https://www.gamesjobsdirect.com gamesjobsdirect.com]
 
* [https://www.gamesjobsdirect.com gamesjobsdirect.com]
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* [https://animatedjobs.com animatedjobs.com]
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* [https://gamejobs.work gamejobs.work]
  
 
== Going to Conferences ==
 
== Going to Conferences ==
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Beware doing an unpaid art test. A company can ask you to spend a long time on it, but then plagiarize the results, never respond after submission, etc. Research the company before agreeing to a test.
 
Beware doing an unpaid art test. A company can ask you to spend a long time on it, but then plagiarize the results, never respond after submission, etc. Research the company before agreeing to a test.
 +
  
 
* [http://forum.gameartisans.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5970 Art Test Master List] GameArtisans forum thread has some example art tests.
 
* [http://forum.gameartisans.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5970 Art Test Master List] GameArtisans forum thread has some example art tests.
 
* [http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestionAndAnswers=&discussionID=16136725&gid=1842071 "Large art tests as the first stage of candidate selection. Acceptable?"] LinkedIn discussion
 
* [http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestionAndAnswers=&discussionID=16136725&gid=1842071 "Large art tests as the first stage of candidate selection. Acceptable?"] LinkedIn discussion
* [https://polycount.com/search?adv=1&search=art+test&cat=131 Art Test topics on the Polycount Forum]
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* [https://polycount.com/search?adv=1&search=art+test&cat=131 Art Test topics] on the Polycount Forum:
** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157057 Paid Art Test?] Polycount Forum thread
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** [https://polycount.com/discussion/217581/being-ignored-again-after-art-test-anyone-know-why-this-happens/p1 Being ignored again after art test. Anyone know why this happens?]
** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1795799#post1795799 Art Tests] Polycount Forum thread
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** [https://polycount.com/discussion/212778/your-art-test-is-bad-this-is-why-and-how-to-improve-it/p1 Your Art Test is BAD, this is why (And how to improve it)]
** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87657 Jagex Art Test] Polycount Forum thread
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** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157057 Paid Art Test?]  
** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84418 Environment Art Test advice?] Polycount Forum thread
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** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1795799#post1795799 Art Tests]  
** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81681 Art test and no response, normal?] Polycount Forum thread
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** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87657 Jagex Art Test]  
** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81015 Is it bad to ask for tips on an art test? There isn't an NDA] Polycount Forum thread
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** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84418 Environment Art Test advice?]  
** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80861 Art tests] Polycount Forum thread
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** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81681 Art test and no response, normal?]  
** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=77279 Art Tests : How much time to spend?] Polycount Forum thread
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** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81015 Is it bad to ask for tips on an art test? There isn't an NDA]  
** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76208 Art Test Help/Suggestions] Polycount Forum thread
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** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80861 Art tests]  
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** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=77279 Art Tests : How much time to spend?]  
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** [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76208 Art Test Help/Suggestions]
  
 
== Salary Research ==
 
== Salary Research ==
 
Do the research to figure out what a fair offer is for your skill level and geographic area.
 
Do the research to figure out what a fair offer is for your skill level and geographic area.
 +
* [https://www.loveforgames.com/salary/ loveforgames.com/salary]
 
* [https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Search-Salaries-E657805.htm Glassdoor Salary Search]
 
* [https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Search-Salaries-E657805.htm Glassdoor Salary Search]
 
* [http://h1bdata.info/index.php H1-B Visa Salary Database] The US government publishes all incoming job hires, these can be searched for salary info.
 
* [http://h1bdata.info/index.php H1-B Visa Salary Database] The US government publishes all incoming job hires, these can be searched for salary info.
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== Negotiation ==
 
== Negotiation ==
 
Salary negotiation is an essential skill that will be put to the test after a successful interview.  
 
Salary negotiation is an essential skill that will be put to the test after a successful interview.  
* [https://medium.freecodecamp.com/youre-underpaid-here-s-how-you-can-get-the-pay-raise-you-deserve-fafcf52956d6#.gz4yl4hpe Getting a raise comes down to one thing: Leverage.] - by ''[https://medium.freecodecamp.com/@quincylarson Quincy Larson]''
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* [https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/youre-underpaid-here-s-how-you-can-get-the-pay-raise-you-deserve-fafcf52956d6/ Getting a raise comes down to one thing: Leverage.] - by ''[https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/author/quincylarson/ Quincy Larson]''
 
* [http://realtimecollisiondetection.net/blog/?p=70 Salary of a game programmer (artist, designer, or producer)] - by ''[http://realtimecollisiondetection.net Christer Ericcson]'', Sony Computer Entertainment
 
* [http://realtimecollisiondetection.net/blog/?p=70 Salary of a game programmer (artist, designer, or producer)] - by ''[http://realtimecollisiondetection.net Christer Ericcson]'', Sony Computer Entertainment
 
* [https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=191791235716 Industry tips: How to not ask for money] - by ''[http://www.boomzap.com/ Christopher Natsuume]''
 
* [https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=191791235716 Industry tips: How to not ask for money] - by ''[http://www.boomzap.com/ Christopher Natsuume]''
 
* [http://www.kclabor.org/kyrmpp.htm Know Your Rights - The Myth of Pay Privacy] - by ''[http://www.kclabor.org KC Labor]'' (USA)
 
* [http://www.kclabor.org/kyrmpp.htm Know Your Rights - The Myth of Pay Privacy] - by ''[http://www.kclabor.org KC Labor]'' (USA)
 
* [http://www.amazon.com/Bargaining-Advantage-Negotiation-Strategies-Reasonable/dp/0143036971 Bargaining for Advantage: Negotiation Strategies for Reasonable People] ($) - by ''[http://www.amazon.com/G.-Richard-Shell/e/B001H6KG6E G. Richard Shell]''
 
* [http://www.amazon.com/Bargaining-Advantage-Negotiation-Strategies-Reasonable/dp/0143036971 Bargaining for Advantage: Negotiation Strategies for Reasonable People] ($) - by ''[http://www.amazon.com/G.-Richard-Shell/e/B001H6KG6E G. Richard Shell]''
* [http://polycount.com/discussion/75614/negotiating-a-salary Negotiating a salary] on the Polycount Forums
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* [https://polycount.com/discussion/75614/negotiating-a-salary Negotiating a salary] on the Polycount Forums
  
 
== Relocation ==
 
== Relocation ==
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== Employee Rights ==
 
== Employee Rights ==
 
* [http://docontract.com/ contract( )] (pronounced 'do contract') generates free, plain English agreements for and between game developers. See the article [http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2015-03-13-taking-the-fear-out-of-contracts Taking the fear out of contracts] on gamesindustry.biz.
 
* [http://docontract.com/ contract( )] (pronounced 'do contract') generates free, plain English agreements for and between game developers. See the article [http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2015-03-13-taking-the-fear-out-of-contracts Taking the fear out of contracts] on gamesindustry.biz.
* [http://www.graphicartistsguild.org/handbook/ Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines] is an excellent resource on a great range of employment issues. Pricing guidelines, legal info, copyright law, sample contracts, how to negotiate, and more. Highly recommended!
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* [https://graphicartistsguild.org/the-graphic-artists-guild-handbook-pricing-ethical-guidelines/ Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines] is an excellent resource on a great range of employment issues. Pricing guidelines, legal info, copyright law, sample contracts, how to negotiate, and more. Highly recommended!
* [http://www.nlrb.gov/about_us/overview/national_labor_relations_act.aspx National Labor Relations Board] (USA)
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* [https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/rights-we-protect/your-rights/employee-rights National Labor Relations Board] (USA)
 
* [http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1390 ACAS: Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service] (UK)
 
* [http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1390 ACAS: Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service] (UK)
 
* [http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/index.htm Directgov Employment Terms and Conditions] (UK)
 
* [http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/index.htm Directgov Employment Terms and Conditions] (UK)

Latest revision as of 18:02, 29 December 2023

Links and articles about the game industry: how to get game jobs, how to manage your role, etc.

How to Get In

Being a Developer

Art Disciplines

Education

The basic argument in the Polycount community is between going the self-taught route or going the formal education route. The best path seems to depend on what kind of person you are: self-motivated or team-motivated.

Artists on Polycount generally agree it is rare to find schools that teach current high-quality game art techniques. The web and forums are often the best places to learn these, maybe even our wiki |-) . We see it time and again... the students who succeed at entering the work force after graduation are almost exclusively those that work on their own side projects, beyond the course material. Would they have been better served without using a school?

If you want to work in a different country, the visa process may require a college or university degree. This is a good reason to seek a degree program.

Beware of education scams and debt! Schools can cost a lot of money and some promise easy employment afterwards, but unfortunately the reality is not so forgiving. Student loan debt can also be a crushing burden for many years, especially with the relatively low wages most game artists make.

  • The Death of Curiosity Polycount forum thread, about the optimal mindset for learning and succeeding in this industry.

Portfolios

  • Portfolio has links to tutorials and advice about creating an artist portfolio for a career in game development.

Resumes

Cover Letters

Job Searching

Most game developers get their jobs by word of mouth, this industry puts personal contacts first and foremost. Networking is key; keep in contact with your friends and former co-workers.

Going to Conferences

Attending a game conference or developer event is a great way to connect with people working in game development. Connections often lead to work opportunities!

A few notable conferences:


Advice from seasoned Indie Ichiro Lambe about how he goes to GDC:
1. Get connected beforehand. We always pulled together lists of devs who were going, to connect folks. For instance, we had a Google Form where everyone put down their names, games, companies, interests, Twitter handles, etc., and that all got spat out into a publicly viewable spreadsheet. We then tweeted that form/spreadsheet to everyone, and got a bazillion responses. We'd then reach out to subsets of those people and say, "Hey, we have common interests. Let's all meet." Instant GDC community.
2. Stay connected during. We also did a GDC Google Hangout or Facebook group for mobile users once out there. That allowed, for example, a friend to text a hundred devs with, "Hey, I'm completely drunk at Pinecrest. Who wants to meet?" Or, we'd Katamari a bunch of devs and go to a bar and chat dev. Katamaris work great -- meet one dev, and ask them to invite two friends. And so forth.
3. Set up meetings. Are there folks you want to meet out there? E-mail them and see what they're up to. Schedule lunch or coffee with a group of mobile game designers. Have them invite colleagues. Rinse. Repeat. Figure out why you're interesting and unique, and approach people with that. Don't be shy about it.
4. Plan. Write out your GDC plan beforehand. You can deviate from this entirely, but it's useful because it shows where there are scheduling gaps. It also forces you to identify your goals and objectives. I go to GDC primarily to connect myself and other devs with platform holders. Ergo, I'll want to set up meetings with Colecovision and Vectrex, and have pitches ready for them. Your goals may differ, but your plan should derive from those goals.
5. Get a pass. Go write each of the IGF finalists, tell them how amazing you are and how you're not an asshole, and ask them if they need help manning their booths in exchange for an expo pass.
6. Avoid the big, loud parties. 300 game developers at a loud dance club is silly. It's fun to go to these things and get free booze and food, but it's often more profitable to meet with Intellivision over quiet drinks, and more creatively stimulating to meet with a group of other developers in a quiet hotel lobby.

Interviews

Art Tests

Game companies often ask their art applicants to complete an art test, to gauge their talent relative to that company's particular needs, and to make sure you can actually do the work (portfolios can be faked or stolen).

Beware doing an unpaid art test. A company can ask you to spend a long time on it, but then plagiarize the results, never respond after submission, etc. Research the company before agreeing to a test.


Salary Research

Do the research to figure out what a fair offer is for your skill level and geographic area.

Negotiation

Salary negotiation is an essential skill that will be put to the test after a successful interview.

Relocation

Employee Rights

Going Indie

Indie means developing, marketing, and publishing a game independently.

Freelancing

Freelancing means creating assets for pay, working alone as an individual. See Freelance.



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