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View Full Version : How To Break Into The Game Industry DC VA

RobertoOrtiz
06-09-2004, 12:07 AM
Quote:
"Date Saturday, June 26, 2004
Time 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location National 4-H Youth Conference Center
7100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Cost $45 in advance online / $60 onsite at the door

This event is designed for students and professionals looking to get into the industry as well as existing industry insiders looking for new opportunities. For artists, programmers, designers and others.

The computer and video games industry is thriving and the Maryland/DC/Virginia area is a hotbed of activity. Find out what it takes to get into the business.

Find out what it takes to get into the business. Students find out how to build a professional road map to a career in the games industry. Professionals, learn how your experience and transferable skills can gain you rapid entry into this industry. Find out what employers are looking for now and in the future, how the game development pipeline works, receive an overview of the industry, understand the core competencies, where's it going. Meet and network with professionals in the industry.

The comprehensive program will provide an overview of the industry, identify technology trends and requirements as well as the qualifications and skill-sets that are in demand. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with industry insiders, including top recruiter Mary-Margaret.com, hiring managers from local game companies as well as network and meet with industry veterans. Attendees will learn what employers are looking for now and in the future."
>>link<< (http://www.thegameinitiative.com/dcbreakin/index.html)

-R
Recursive
06-09-2004, 12:23 AM
step 1. create good demo reel
step 2. send reel to game companies
step 3. get hired
step 4. profit

???
EdHarriss
06-09-2004, 01:39 AM
Originally posted by green86
step 1. create good demo reel
step 2. send reel to game companies
step 3. get hired
step 4. profit

???


You left out the two hardest things "know the right people/network" and "Learn how to create the work that goes on the good demo reel."



Sounds like loads of fun Roberto. If I wasn't going to be on vacation that week, I would come up there for the event.
pogonip
06-09-2004, 01:49 PM
Ed is exactly right and he hit the 2 most important steps !!

Without networking you will have a lot less chance of finding job especially if you want to work at a specific company .

After seeing 100's of demo reels 99% of people have no f-ing clue what to put on there demo reel to get a job . :rolleyes:
pthomas72
06-10-2004, 01:38 AM
I have a very rare thought on this.

1. GET A G@DDAMN ART DEGREE
2. STOP GOING TO SCHOOLS THAT SHOW YOU HOW TO PUSH THE RENDER BUTTON
3. Swallow your pride and Get a job at a VERY SMALL game company who pay peanuts but will hire you and give you experience.

to make up for my ahole comments..(copy the companies style. if they make robots and orcs.. put robots and orcs on your demo reel, no dancing bears with shotguns)

:surprised
TheLostVertex
06-10-2004, 03:31 AM
Another VERY important part that was kinda covered, be very involved in the community, and get a really well made mod behind your belt. Mods are the best way to get experiance and show your skill in the game buissness. A mod will show people that you know what your doing, and that you can work with a team of other developers. And will hopefully show you can stay on track till the project is finished ;)

-Steven
kraal
06-10-2004, 04:54 PM
Originally posted by pthomas72
I have a very rare thought on this.

1. GET A G@DDAMN ART DEGREE
2. STOP GOING TO SCHOOLS THAT SHOW YOU HOW TO PUSH THE RENDER BUTTON
3. Swallow your pride and Get a job at a VERY SMALL game company who pay peanuts but will hire you and give you experience.

to make up for my ahole comments..(copy the companies style. if they make robots and orcs.. put robots and orcs on your demo reel, no dancing bears with shotguns)

:surprised
1. art art degree promises you nothing but a graduation ceremony.
2. you can learn alot from anyschool you go to.
3. you still need to 'get a job'

dancing bears animated well will do much better than poorly animated robots

i wish i had the time to go to this event i would.... hey bring one out to cincinnati sometime .... ill be there
PokeChop
06-10-2004, 04:58 PM
I just had an excellent idea for a game. It involves dancing bears with shotguns...
DaveW
06-11-2004, 12:51 AM
Originally posted by RobertoOrtiz


The computer and video games industry is thriving and the Maryland/DC/Virginia area is a hotbed of activity.

How many game companies are in the area? I thought there were only 2 or 3.
SpeccySteve
06-11-2004, 02:10 AM
Originally posted by pthomas72
[B]1. GET A G@DDAMN ART DEGREE


I knew lots of people with degrees from one of the better rated art / design schools, I can think off....4 maybe? that I know are currently in an "art related" job...



:shrug:
MCronin
06-11-2004, 02:42 AM
Originally posted by PokeChop
I just had an excellent idea for a game. It involves dancing bears with shotguns...

Not suprisingly... It's been done more than once; The tedzi's in Conker's Bad Fur Day and a game I worked on a long time ago... one of the bosses was "The Shreddy Bear".

Anyhow, Mary Margaret is a head hunter. Never used them personally but I have been in touch with Mary Margaret and they seem like one of the more decent head hunters in the business. Still, It seems like this is more a way for them to drum up business than to really help people break into games. Even if you have a headhunter working with you, you aren't going to get far if you don't have school behind you or experience. Hopefully some people who actually work in games will show up for those wanting to network and get their portfolios seen.
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