Career Opportunities in Video Game Design/Production

Transcription

1 QuickTime and a decompressor Career Opportunities in Video Game Design/Production CTE Grant Funded Externship Presentation by Brent Pillsbury Entrepreneurship Instructor Mission Viejo High School

2 A video game company located in Irvine, Calif.. They make a number of different games, of which I chose to focus on World of WarCraft. QuickTime and a decompressor QuickTime and a decompressor QuickTime and a decompressor QuickTime and a decompressor

3 Screenshot from World of WarCraft: is a multi-player online role-playing game.

4 Here is a sample of what is produced in the WOW Division QuickTime and a mpeg4 decompressor There is no violence or anything offensive in the clip

5 QuickTime and a decompressor Three Levels of Production: Producers: produce story so designers can design new characters/landscapes. Designers: Design all new characters and landscapes from scratch. Engineers: Make sure that everything melds with the game and that things move and flow seamlessly.

6 DAILY ROUTINE FOR A DESIGNER/ENGINEER/PRODUCER Make our own schedule for the day, as long as we re meeting our deadlines/meetings. Get in at 10, follow up on all my accounts and daily news in the game industry. If need be, I may take a break and play some games or surf the net. Sometimes our team takes a coffee break so we can get away from our desks for a little bit.

7 Salary / Wages Starting salary for an entry level designer is 40K Salaries can go as high as 150k 401K options are available Education Varies, some go to art school Continuing Education We learn from each other, whether it be tricks of the trade, or just general program knowledge. Market research is a plus as well. Generally it s not on the job training. some study online at home.

8 Interview with an Terrie Denman BLIZZARD DESIGNER Teacher: What separates Blizzard from the rest of the companies producing video games? Terrie: Most companies do not pay as close attention to every detail in their maps and characters as Blizzard does. Teacher: How many of the employees have gone to college? Terrie: It is about 50/50, some are self taught others are trained. Teacher: What are some of the most important skills students should have to work in today s market? Terrie: Being able to work in groups, being able to take constructive criticism. Teacher: What are some of the things you do graphically on a daily basis? Terrie: We do our own concepts, modeling, texturing, animations, and particle effects. So I will literally build things from the ground up to completion. Teacher: What kind of hours do you put in on a weekly basis? Do you get overtime if you stay late. Terrie: Around 60 hours a week, sometimes we stay until midnight getting a project done. We do get paid overtime for staying late.

9 Observations Not one suit or tie, shorts and t-shirts were the norm. Blizzard is completely self contained from its servers to control over the forums. You can play games or go to the gym during work hours. They have valet parking, a chiropractor and car detailing on the premises. Every desk is decorated differently, and has 2 LCD monitors. The address to the company is a secret and will not be let out without permission from someone who works for the company.

10 Important Skills Students Should develop The ability to network with others is important. Ask yourself the question whether your current skill set is good enough to get hired in your ideal job. Have people check your work. Make sure you outwork everybody, whether that means staying late or coming in early. Combine your skills with your passion. Be detail oriented. Develop a good work ethic.

11 Acknowledgements I would like to thank Blizzard for allowing me to tour their facility. I would like to thank Terrie Denman for taking the time to show and introduce me to all the amazing people at Blizzard. I would like to thank Tiffany Sheets and Mike Sheets for setting this up for me. I would like to thank Rhett and Joel Eastburn for being so interested in what I was doing and really trying to offer something to help kids.

12 In Irvine