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Russell McDonald August 14, 2013
Presen ted by MyCCA.ne t
Counseling Students Who Think They Can: Turn a Love of Games into a
Career
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Why Gaming?
§ Gaming is a $17 billion per year industry!
§ Most apps are games § Traditional games sell by
the millions § “Independent Studios” are
now viable § Employs the best artists &
programmers § Unlimited growth potential
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What are the options?
§ Design - $48,281, 1-3 years experience • Writing • Art • Choices
§ Programming - $65,441, 1-3 years experience • Gameplay • Graphics • AI
§ Production - $85,687 for 3-6 years of experience • Planning • Marketing
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What skills will lead to success?
§ Drive + Passion § Competitiveness § “Self Starter” mentality § Creativity § Ability to think outside the box § Flexibility § Skill § A great portfolio
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The Reality
§ Building a Game is: • Stressful • Hard • Long, long, long
§ The People: • Shorts & Sandals • Office tournaments
§ High Turnover Rate • Studio jumping • Competition for jobs • Long hours • Work environments
FUN FACT:
Riot requires every employee to play League of Legends at least once during the work day…including the legal team!
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Video Game Programs
§ The Degree § The Professors § The Classes
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The Degree
§ Evaluate the degree program as a whole: • Does it teach more than just programming or art?
§ Is the degree well rounded? • Watch out for narrow programs!
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Learn programming! A band manager doesn’t need to play the
guitar, but stil l needs to understand music. An
understanding of programming is key to success in the gaming
business.
Some good advice…
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The Professors
§ Does the typical professor have a game on their resume? • Can you play the game? • Are the games good?
§ Many schools employ professors who haven’t designed games!
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The Classes
§ What is the end game? • 3 years of learning java or how to draw won’t help!
§ Theory v. Practical classes • Go for programs that focus on hands on, real life
projects!
§ Actual game development is key! • This is what leads to jobs, post graduation
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Breaking into the Industry!
§ Experience • Typically 1-3 years is
standard for an entry level position
§ Scare tactics
§ The “game” of applying for jobs
§ Networking is key! § Join IGDA § Start small
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If you don’t have experience, no one
will pay you.
The sad reality…
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The Best Part!
§ Synergy • The gaming industry thrives on collaboration!
§ Challenge • Pushing a student’s skills and talents result in growth!
§ The Reward • Simple things…
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MyCCA Gaming Tagged Lists
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Want More?
§ Follow Up Email will be sent on Friday 8/16 • Link to the Slides • Link to the recording
§ So you Want to Work in a Game Studio? • Link to hand out will be sent with the follow up email
§ Upcoming Webinars in this series: • Visit the MyCCA.net website to sign up!
÷ Engineer Bridges & Buildings, September 11th ÷ Throw, Catch or Hit, September 26th ÷ Dance, Sing or Act, October 3rd