Ask YN: General Advice to Entering the Industry

2 points

11 years ago

Short version: I graduated last year with a degree in Game Development; [3D art, Level Design, Programming]; enough skill to make a basic game prototype alone or apply at entry level for any game-related position. I haven't made it anywhere since; I believe what I currently have in my portfolio (even it was presented nicely) and the degree isn't enough to get me hired.

Makeshift current portfolio as a Google Doc. https://docs.google.com/document/d/13tfY6aoFoqChxdjvksaDcyDMqfxjefFSaHb2Z0IzyTA/edit

My goals:

(long term): Being a development lead at a game studio; either through running my own small studio or through being promoted to it in a corporate structure.

(short term): Any position in the tech industry; instead of just being a 'hobbyist' who happens to have a degree in their hobby.

I will never give up on the long term goal because it represents too much of who I am.

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I've already asked for advice in other places and it really looks like there are two main paths; with additional ones that are possible, but not as...intelligent.

Main Paths:

1. Make the best game I can alone (taking 2.5 months) and use that as the front of my portfolio. [Team vs. Alone and Art/GLSL vs. Complex Mechanically (physics code) are sub-questions.]

2. Pick up a new programming skill, unrelated to games. I have enough programming background to think that web development, 3D printing or [insert discipline with a job surplus here] wouldn't take too long to pick up. Put together a couple rudimentary prototypes within this discipline; open source them to GitHub, apply with those.

Less Intelligent Paths:

3. Try to form an Indie studio -now. Start working a game way too big for me to finish alone; post prototypes and art; recruit people online; try to get funding from Kickstarter or Angel investors, all that.

4. Old-fashioned networking. Move to a tech hub; work as a barista, or some other low-skill job; try to make contacts.

Thanks for reading.