Building a career in the games industry

Transcription

1 Building a career in the games industry A workshop for JET participants Rob Rutter

2 Content Introduction (2 mins) What does the games industry look like? (10 mins) What companies can I work for? (5 mins) What careers are available? (10 mins) Do I have to start in QA? Progressing in the industry (10 mins) What can I prepare in my last months on JET? (10 mins) Q&A (10 mins) Where can I find out more? (Links Appendix)

3 Introduction Rob Rutter Took part in JET in 2001/2002 in Yokohama Working in the videogames industry for 12 years Has worked for Nintendo, Sony PlayStation Currently work for Square Enix as Global Brand Marketing Manager, based in London

4 Why work in gaming? FUN CREATIVE GREAT PEOPLE PROVIDING ENTERTAINMENT REWARDING TRAVEL DEDICATION TALENT

5 Videogames are still a growing industry

6 Gaming is not just consoles...

7 What are the growth areas?

8 What companies make up the industry?

9 Console / Hardware Companies Tend to be larger and more focused on traditional videogaming (i.e. home console / PC) More Japanese games companies in this group your language skills can be beneficial to getting you an interview! Fewer companies in this group due to multi-million production cost of games

10 Mobile / Tablet Companies Mix of large and very small companies a lot of Korean/Chinese companies where your international work history could make a difference. Some very successful businesses in mobile / tablet games, very profitable (e.g. King, Tencent). Quicker, faster and cheaper game development Many more companies in this group due to massive growth in popularity of mobile and tablet games

11 You don t have to work in QA

12 What kind of careers are available? There is so much more than QA! Game design Artists (3D and 2D) Audio Engineering Producers QA Legal Finance Web development PR Marketing & Brand Reception IT/Tech Support Human Resources Community management

13 But, QA can also be a great option! Role of QA has changed in recent years due to growth in live games QA has evolved not just checking bugs Supports tech work to maintain gaming servers Can work closely with development team to test and build new game features Now has a much clearer career path Can provide stepping stone to other roles (PR/Marketing/Community Management)

14 Where would be best for me? Language and international working skills are in demand, and Japanese is an important language for medium/large console publishers Larger companies (console/hardware companies) support wider career options due to their size and needs Mobile / Tablet game companies tend to be smaller and leaner but jobs can be great training ground (multi-disciplinary) and quicker to progress in

15 Where can I look for jobs? Company websites Linkedin.com Dedicated videogaming employment agencies: Datascope, Interactive Selection, Aardvark Swift Specialised games industry websites: Gamesindustry.biz, Edge Online, MCVUK, GamesJobsDirect.com Check links section in Appendix of this deck for more info

16 Tips to progress Get to know people in your company You never know where it might lead Offer to help out beyond your role Lots of events, community days where help can be needed. Can get yourself noticed Don t be afraid to take a first job doing something that s not your first pick Getting in the door is a first step to get the career you want

17 Tips to progress Build a strong LinkedIn profile There are a lot of recruiters looking on LinkedIn. You can get approached for new opportunities. Don t be afraid to apply for roles you think may be a stretch Job specs are a guideline, don t be put off If you have experience doing everything on a job spec, where can you grow? It is OK to lack experience in some areas, as long as you can illustrate how you d tackle the challenge and learn quickly.

18 What can I prepare now? Learn about the industry Follow big gaming websites to see what the current and future trends are. You will be asked about them! Check sites every day. You will soak up the information Look at gaming forums for hardcore opinions. Be aware of the might of the internet fan Play more games! Research jobs and job specs online Find job adverts that interest you and see what the spec is. Look for your strengths and weaknesses and fill gaps in your knowledge if you can.

19 What can I prepare now? Update your LinkedIn profile (or set one up) There are groups on LinkedIn for people wanting to start in the games industry. Message and add videogame recruiters to your contacts. They can help you. Think about will set you apart from other candidates. Build a point of difference (if you ve learnt Japanese, this is a good start). Know more, be more enthusiastic, and resourceful! Write a solid CV get the basics right, especially spelling

20 Q&A

21 Thank-you

22 Where can I find out more? Specialist Recruitment Agencies: Aardvark Swift Datascope Interactive Selection Games Industry websites that have Jobs section: Gamesindustry.biz Edge Online MCVUK GamesJobsDirect.com Hardware Companies: Sony Microsoft Nintendo

23 Where can I find out more? Publishers: Square Enix Capcom Konami Take Two Bethesda Warner Bros Ubisoft Activision Koei - EA Mobile / Tablet Games Companies King Zynga Supercell Gungho Entertainment Tencent Nexon