Train2Game Blog readers may be familiar with our coverage of EA’s Breaking Into The Industry series, which sees experienced, established names talking about the job they do and offering advice on getting into the industry.

The latest in the EA series sees EA Partners Creative Director David Luoto – who has worked on titles including Road Rash and James Bond games – take the spotlight, as he offers advice on how to get ahead in the industry. 

He’s specifically talking about how to become a Creative Director, but Luoto’s advice also provides hints on how to become a great member of any game development team.

“Some practical advice – any design role is about mediating between fundamentally opposed goals. It’s all too easy for an aspiring designer to think, “The designer is the one who gets to say what the game is!” While it’s trivially true that the designer is responsible for planning, the challenge of the role is to successfully moderate among many competing interests.” said Luoto

“To use an analogy… An architect may have a great vision, but the project is built within the context of many conflicting goals: the intended use of the building, the amount of money to be invested, the materials used, structural engineering limits, the image the client wants to project, etc. So my advice is to cultivate your ability to listen and moderate, because it’s one big balancing act.” he continued, before adding that it’s a great time to be a game developer.

“I’ll also add this: Interactive entertainment is an incredibly interesting art form that is continuing to evolve. It’s a great time to be in the industry, and there are all sorts of ways to be involved in this business if you have the drive and aptitude. Dream big.” Luoto concluded.

Kingdoms of Amular: Reckoning Producer Benjamin Smith, Dead Space 2 game designer Brian Bartram, and EA Environment Artist Phillip Simmons are among those that have previously spoken to The EA blog, providing advice on how to get into the industry. 

EA are keen to hear from you if you’ve got a specific video game job you’d like to hear more about, so if you’re interested, leave a comment at the bottom of their latest post.

As usual, leave your thoughts here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.