Category Archives: job

Train2Game News: Games Industry Jobs – 07.05.13

Posted on by

It is Wednesday so it is time for a job blog in the hopes we can help you get in to the industry we all love!

DEVELOPER

Job Title Gameplay Programmer
Job Category Programming
Skills Required Gameplay, Mobile / iOS / Android, Core Technology, UI / Front End, Flash / Actionscript / HTML5, Mac / OSX
Location warwick, Midlands
Job Description Founded in 1996, Full Fat is an independent company that is proud, passionate and tirelessly dedicated in making innovative, world-class games that surprise, entertain and delight players.

Over the past 15 years, we’ve helped create and build some of the biggest game franchises in games; Harry Potter, The Sims, Spore, Sid Meier’s Pirates, Littlest Pet Shop, Dave Mirra and Sim City.
We’ve developed over 75 games (more than 100 across all formats), and we continue to be an accomplished partner to publishers wishing to build new IP for handheld, mobile and emerging digital markets.

In the last 3 years, we’ve developed and self-published 11 games on the App Store, all brand-new intellectual properties, achieving worldwide Apple features and fantastic chart successes, Metacritic and player ratings. To date, our games have been downloaded by over 25 million people, with repeated success in reaching #1 ‘All Apps’ in multiple territories.

Full Fat is looking for an iphone programmer. Joining the programming team, the candidate must be a team player, with awareness of all aspects of Game related Programming. The candidate will get the opportunity to work in all code disciplines within the Game development environment. The Candidate will be joining our experienced teams and will have the chance to progress and learn within FullFat.

-Objective-C, XCode
-MAC-OS
-C++
-C#

Experience with any of the following iPhone technologies is beneficial:

+Maps and GPS integration
+Push notifications
+Calendar and Contacts integration
+Data Visualisation

If you’re interested in the above position, then please forward your CV’s to Job Enquiries

 

ART

Job Title Game Marketing Artist
Job Category Art / Animation
Skills Required Environment Artist, 2D / Concept / Texture Artist
Location Oxford
Job Description Rebellion Oxford is currently seeking a Marketing Artist who is passionate about creating world-class promotional graphic artwork. The successful applicant will be talented, highly motivated and enthusiastic with a genuine interest in playing games and being part of the games industry.

The marketing artist will work with both the game art team and our marketing team to create stunning artwork for press releases, print & web articles, box art, logos, icons and other supporting artwork. The role will require the creation of both original materials and an ability to work within the existing art style defined by the game. The successful candidate will have a strong creative vision, realized through their outstanding 2d and 3d skills.  This role is full-time based in-house at our Oxford headquarters. We can consider permanent or contract employment but not freelance or agencies. You must be able to legally work in the UK.

*Important* In order to be considered for this role, we require:
– A completed Rebellion application form
– A portfolio or samples of your work – please provide the address of your website/portfolio if applicable

Qualifications & Experience:
A degree-level education would be preferred. Video games industry experience is not essential but you must have experience in producing promotional 2D and 3D artwork in various styles suitable for games.

Responsibilities:
– Working with the Art Director and Marketing team to produce promotional artwork to support our games marketing strategies
– Working closely with the development team in the production of screenshots and promotional video work
– Creating logos and key art for Rebellions forthcoming game titles
– Creating printed materials including final box art

Skills:
– Excellent artistic ability, with an excellent eye for colour and composition
– Ability to take the initiative, be highly disciplined to produce impeccable artwork
– Highly experienced and knowledgeable in Photoshop
– Experience of using other 2d packages such as Illustrator and InDesign
– Experience creating a large variety of online media, including flash banners, HTML email templates and website assets
– Highly experienced in using and rendering from 3d software such as 3dMax/Maya
– A familiarity with animation either independently or working alongside an animation team
– A knowledge of graphic/visual/stylistic trends through art, film, games…
– Additional knowledge of other software – Zbrush, After Effects, video editing, etc – may further support your application, as would any additional knowledge of photography, traditional arts, sculpting, etc.

To Apply:
Our application form is available at our jobs pages www.rebellion.co.uk/jobs/ along with details of other opportunities at our UK offices.

Please apply to vacancies@rebellion.co.uk quoting “Games Marketing Artist GI214CP” – remember to include your CV, completed application form and a link to your portfolio.

Rebellion can only consider applicants who can legally work in the UK. This is a permanent full-time role based in-house at our Oxford headquarters, not open to freelance or agencies.

Join the Rebellion… find out more about us at www.rebellion.co.uk

 

QA

Job Title QA Engineer
Job Category QA / Localisation
Skills Required QA Tester, Lead QA Tester
Location London
Job Description Hello, we’re Mindshapes.

Mindshapes is an award-winning creator of fun mobile learning applications for kids aged 2 to 8, used by more than 400,000 families every month!

Mindshapes creates enhanced storybook experiences for kids, which feature educational learn and play activities, and a reward system.

Mindshapes apps aim to delight, engage and educate kids, while allowing them to engage with their favorite characters from the worlds of illustrated books, TV and film.

The company was founded by veterans of the gaming, entertainment, publishing and mobile industries, and has offices in London, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Description

Mindshapes is a interactive education company, which means we make educational apps that kids actually want to play with. We’re putting the fun into learning, and we like to put the fun into working too! Our passionate, friendly team works out of an open-plan studio in Chelsea with state-of-the-art equipment and software, a well-stocked fridge and snack cupboards, and a delicious team lunch every Friday.We have the opportunity to make a real mark on educational technology – are you in?

Main responsibilities

  • Creation of functionality test plan and test cases.
  • Coordination and execution of thorough functionality testing.
  • Coordination with external test teams when required.
  • Evaluate test coverage with a view to assisting QA Manager in determining and updating test strategy and approach.
  • Clear, concise bug reporting and verification of bug fixes.
  • Validation of bugs entered.
  • Compiling database reports when required.
  • Ability to provide qualitative feedback regarding game content and features.

Skills and experience

  • Experience testing mobile applications on iOS and Android
  • A clear and confident communicator with the ability to perform under own initiative.
  • High IT proficiency with strong knowledge of PC and Mac hardware.
  • Previous experience in a Games QA role.
  • Experience using bug reporting databases (e.g. JIRA, TTP, Devtrack, etc).
  • Experience testing Flash applications and websites an advantage though not essential.
  • Ability to perform to a high standard, especially when under pressure.
  • Ability to adapt to a fast moving development environment.
  • A passion for games and games development.
  • Flexibility to work additional hours when required.

If you’d like to make exceptional kids’ apps, and work with a committed team in a fun, fast-paced environment, send your CV and a covering letter to careers@mindshapes.com

Train2Game News: Games Industry News – 19.04.13

Posted on by

Connor AdamsIt is the end of the week so it is time for the Train2Game end of week round up!

The first bit of news this weeks come with the release of Injustice: Gods Among Us, the new DC Universe fighting game. Train2Game student Connor Adams did some of the concept art for the game at the company he works at Atomhawk in Newcastle. Congratulations Connor! You can view some of his art work, which I highly suggest, in the following link: http://crayonmechanic.deviantart.com/

The Pokémon Company International recently revealed a mysterious new Pokémon that looks strangely familiar to Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo. Nintendo have now confirmed that this new Pokémon is connect to Mewtwo! How this connection will play out when Pokémon X and Pokémon Y launch in October is still to be confirmed. You can enjoy a short clip, that makes the connection clear, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tSVBVQzNMg&feature=player_embedded

Bethesda have recently uploaded a couple of six second long clips to the video sharing site, Vine. These little teaser clips had the internet buzzing about what could be coming. It has now been announced that it is the new game from Resident Evil creator, Shinji Mikami. Mikami’s studio Tango Gameworks will reveal ‘project Zwei’ via a debut trailer set for release at 5:00 a.m. Pacific / 8:00 a.m Eastern. Mikami has previously described Zwei as “a true survival horror” in which the player “confronts and overcomes fear”. Mikami has also said this will be his last game as director.

Activision social media manager Dan Amrich has said he expects 2013’s entry in the Call of Duty series, which is most likely going to be Modern Warfare 4, to be revealed no later than E3 in early June. Amrich noted that the last two Call of Duty games were revealed in May 2011 and May 2012. It has been rumoured that Microsoft are revealing their next Xbox on May 21 so it is likely the new COD will be announced around the same time.

Finally, Microsoft reports that Xbox Live now has around 46 million members worldwide. This, is according to the firm’s Earnings Release for FY13 Q3. It represents an 18 per cent increase from the prior year period. Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division posted revenue of $2.53 billion, an increase of 56 per cent from the prior year period. Microsoft sold 1.3 million Xbox 360s during the quarter, which is down 9 percent from the same period but it is still impressive that so many consoles are still being sold, even at the end of this generations cycle.

Train2Game News: Games Industry Jobs – 27.03.13

Posted on by

The Train2Game jobs this week is another Aardvark Swift special!

C++ Developer

Manchester

£Competitive

Our client is looking for a C++ Developer. This is an exciting opportunity that has arisen for a market-focused game software developer. This role is key to the production of a continuous pipeline of quality games to our networked digital estates. The successful developers will need to quickly understand the markets and territories in which we operate and adapt their methods accordingly.

The candidate will develop games content for video slot machines in a variety of markets including the UK, Italy and Latin America. Content is written using C++ so creating new content using simple, modular coding style and good C++ practices is essential.

Responsibilities:

• Writing high quality, maintainable, game content software.
• Diagnosing and problem solving discovered issues
• Communicating and working with the design, art and test departments.
• Producing and analysing game data to prove stability and fairness.
• Inputting into game design where appropriate
• Adhering to agreed designs
• Follow source control processes to ensure stability and security of work
• Rigorously adhere to deadlines agreed with line manager
• Following processes and procedures as defined to successful task conclusion
• Deciding what and when to escalate to the manager
• Adhering to the procedures and work instructions of Inspired where they relate to the job.
• Working effectively as a member of an individual team as well as Inspired as a whole.
• Ensuring you report for work on time and are prepared to work.
• Assisting with mentoring of new and/or less experienced staff as required.

Requirements:

• Highly proficient knowledge of C++
• Experienced in Visual Studio 2010
• Be able to apply themselves to a wide and unpredictable range of software tasks.
• Be able to manage and switch between several concurrently active jobs.
• A good understanding of Subversion.
• Relevant degree e.g. Computer software, programming.
• An understanding of DirectX
• Must be a highly motivated individual.
• Must be able to perform well under strict deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to pioneer new techniques

Further details are available by contacting Mark Hope at: Mark@aswift.com

Apply now

 

C++ Programmer All Levels

Bristol and Dublin

£Excellent + Benefits

C++ programmers – Bristol and Dublin

Our Client is part of a Global companies R&D team creating the technology game developers use to make great video games. They have created the programming tools used to develop on some of the world’s most popular gaming platforms. The company has built a reputation for understanding and meeting the needs of game developers, by creating innovative software and providing first-class support.

If you join as a new graduate you will initially spend time developing tests to ensure you get to know our products and code base. This is a great entry point for starting your career as a developer, working alongside talented, experienced engineers.
If you join us with some experience you will primarily spend your time developing new features and maintaining the current product range.

In addition you will be required to:
• Provide estimates for tasks
• Develop and deliver work to schedule
• Provide input to technical writers working for product documentation
• Work with support engineers on customer issues
• Participate in code and documentation reviews

Occasionally there are opportunities to attend conferences in the US/Europe and to visit customers to demonstrate products. Some travel between SN Systems’ offices is also likely.

Qualifications and experience:
• Computer Science related degree or similar.
• Graduates will need to demonstrate strong C++ ability gained through their studies or similar.
• Experienced candidates will be required to demonstrate 2-5 years C++ experience in a commercial environment.

Skills required:
All candidates will be required to demonstrate an understanding of SN Systems products, and a genuine desire to work on them.

Experienced candidates will be required to demonstrate the following skills:
Essential
• Strong C++ and STL development skills.
• Demonstrable OO (Object Orientated) design skills.
• MFC 9.0 (VS C++ 2008) and practical experience of developing Microsoft Windows applications with graphical user interfaces (for example GDI).

Desirable
Knowledge and experience of:
• Visual C++ frameworks including ATL/WTL.
• Debugger internals.
• Debugging file formats.
• Developing debuggers.
• MIPS, PowerPC or ARM architectures.
• Multi-threaded experience.
• Presentation skills.
• Team leadership/mentoring experience.
• Knowledge of MSBuild.

If you are interested in this position and would like to apply, please contact Mark Hope: mark@aswift.com or 01709 834 777

Apply now

 

Tools Programmer and Graduate Tools Programmer

North West, UK

£Neg + Bonus

Our client has been making games for more than 15 years. They now employ more than 150 people and have released games on major platforms like PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and Nintendo DS. They also work with some Great IP’s and a variety of game types.

They are seeking a Tools Programmer or Graduate Tools Programmer to join their team developing technology at the core of all their productions, from AAA games on every major console and handheld device (over 100 million units sold to date), to their award-winning TV shows, broadcast around the world.

If successful, you will play a significant part in shaping the way art, animation and designs are produced across new projects, as well as keeping our technology up to date with the state of the art in the industry.

They are looking for candidates with:

• A good degree in Computer Science, Maths or Physics or related subject (2.i or above)
• Fluent in C++ and object oriented programming
• Experience of Direct X, OpenGL or similar graphics APIs Experience of writing user interfaces using one or more common UI libraries (Win32 GDI/wxWindows/Qt/…)
• Ability to interact with non-technical disciplines (such as artists and designers), understand their needs, deliver solutions they find intuitive and helpful
• A real desire to make users’ day-to-day work easier, simpler and more productive

A strong candidate will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience of writing plugins for common 3D and 2D packages (Autodesk Maya and Adobe Photoshop preferably)
• A confident grasp of the mathematics involved in CG rendering and animation
• The ability to analyse and optimise algorithms for efficiency
• Experience developing products for one or more non-PC gaming devices

For more information or to apply for the role, please contact Mark Hope at Aardvark Swift on +44 (0) 1709 834777 or e-mail mark@aswift.com

Apply now

 

Game Programmer

South East

£Excellent + Benefits

My client is an energetic and enthusiastic company of experienced video game developers with offices based in Brighton, UK.
They are a growing company working on projects with small team sizes. They are looking for a Game programmer that is happy to work in whatever area is required of them – this could change on a daily basis!

*Junior/Graduate Programmers with relevant demos and a positive attitude are encouraged to apply!*

Required
• 2.1 degree in Maths, Physics, Computer Science or related, or equivalent industry experience
• Excellent knowledge of C# or C++
• Excellent knowledge of algorithms and data structures
• Experience of creating games on desktop or mobile platforms
• Desire to make great games
• Great communication skills (verbal and written)
• Happy to work as part of a team
• Demonstrable love for some area of game technology
• A passion for playing games and solving problems
• Flexible and keen to learn new skills

Desired
• Knowledge of two or more other programming languages (for example Java, Python, PHP, Clojure)
• 1 or more years of games industry experience
• 1 or more shipped titles on console, desktop or mobile platforms
• Strong knowledge of console, desktop and mobile architectures
• Knowledge of asynchronous engineering techniques
• Experience of Unity, Unreal or XNA
• SQL
• Experience using digital content creation tools (for example Max, Maya, Photoshop)

In return the company offer an excellent Salary and Benefits.

More details are available by contacting Mark Hope at Aardvark Swift via email: mark@aswift.com

Apply now

Train2Game News: Games Industry Jobs – 20.03.13

Posted on by

It is time again for the Train2Game news to bring you some of the latest early entry level jobs.

 

ART

Job Title UI Artist
Job Category Art / Animation
Skills Required UI Artist
Location Farringdon, London, UK & Europe
Job Description Marmalade Studio are looking to hire a UI Artist to work as part of our award winning games studio. The ideal candidate will be experienced in designing UI for mobile games but those with a professional portfolio of interactive artwork will be considered. You should have a good eye for detail and a good sense for layout, usability, colour and typography. You should be comfortable working to deadlines and producing work of a high standard.

The role will include but not be limited to:

  • Creating concept work for game pitches
  • Creating game assets for use on all mobile platforms on a number of devices
  • Creating wireframes and interactive mock ups of UI designs
  • Creating icons, logos and splash screens for all games
  • Working with the design and engineering team to ensure that the project is delivered on time to a AAA standard

About you

  • Expertise in Illustrator
  • Expertise in Photoshop
  • Experience in Flash
  • Experience of working with game engines
  • Experience in video editing is preferable but not essential
  • Experience in 3D is preferable but not essential
  • A history of traditional art is preferable but not essential
  • Capable of working to a brief without supervision and delivering game assets to release quality
  • Strong graphic design skills
  • Solid experience of UI either for web or mobile
  • Experience with typography and layout
  • An understanding of optimal asset creation for mobile devices across varying resolutions
  • Self-motivated with good judgment and the ability to get things done quickly

Personal Characteristics

  • A passion for games
  • Professionalism and integrity to demonstrate a positive image of the company
  • Goal oriented, solution focused, results driven, reliable and capable
  • A structured and organised approach to work with the ability to manage own workload and meet deadlines
  • Ability and willingness to learn
  • Strength to overcome challenges and ability to solve problems creatively
  • Team player, who encourages collaboration, welcomes challenges to achieve greater results
  • Shares knowledge and learning with team members
  • Flexibility

Next steps
Please send your CV and covering letter stating your reasons for interest and current remuneration. Due to the large response we will only be able to contact short-listed candidates.

You can apply for the job, here.

 

DEVELOPER

Job Title Physics Programmer
Job Category Programming
Skills Required Physics
Location North
Job Description Summary

  • You will be working with a highly collaborative, international team of developers, working on a variety of projects and technologies.

Job function:

  • Develop, improve and maintain physics features.
  • Read and analyse unfamiliar code to understand and extend functionality.
  • Debug and fix defects of a reasonable complexity.
  • Develop solutions that address actual needs and to actively verify those solutions.
  • Offer advice and suggestions for improving the development process.
  • Be proactive and help with problem solving.

Skills Required:

  • Advanced understanding of C/C++ and Object Oriented Programming.
  • Excellent 3D math skills.
  • Demonstrable physics programming background.
  • Good understanding of game technology principles.
  • Experience of designing, implementing and supporting code for use by others.
  • Team player who knows the importance of listening to others.
  • Self motivated with an ability to complete work to a high standard.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Desirable Skills:

  • Extensive knowledge of the main gaming platforms and the requirements needed to develop for them.
  • Shader and GPU experience.
  • Unreal Engine experience.

You can apply, here.

 

DESIGN

Job Title MMO Game Designer – Celtic Heroes – Groundbreaking MMORPG !
Job Category Game Design
Skills Required Games Designer, Level Designer, Graduate Game Designer
Location Glasgow
Job Description The team behind ‘Celtic Heroes’ are looking for a creative MMO Game Designer to join their team.

As MMO Game Designer you will have the responsibility of designing and evolving the very experiences our players engage in. You must have massive passion in the MMORPG genre and fully understand the successful game mechanics and quest design that equally challenges and rewards the player.

You must be a creative thinker with the ability to rationalise your ideas into practical game play experiences. You must be a strong communicator at ease working within a development team. A strong portfolio of game design examples in the same genre of ‘Celtic Heroes’ is a MUST!

If you have the skills, qualifications, experience and a passion for playing our kind of games, we would love to hear from you. To APPLY direct online simply follow this link http://bit.ly/joinourclan

Set in an exciting medieval Celtic world of combat, magic and mythology, ‘Celtic Heroes’ is a fully 3D MMORPG available for iPhone, iPod and iPad. Play as a customisable warrior, mage, rogue, ranger or druid. Gain powerful new weapons, armour and items as you explore the vast world of castles, dungeons and outdoor environments. Battle fearsome enemies and complete heroic quests!

NOTE: Must be able to demonstrate eligibility and VALID WORKING VISA to work in the United Kingdom and be willing to relocate / commute to the Glasgow area

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY if you do not currently hold a UK work Visa or are not eligible to gain one.

 

QA

Job Title QA Functional Tester
Job Category QA / Localisation
Skills Required QA Tester
Location London
Job Description Pole To Win Europe Ltd. – Functional QA Testers wanted for video game testing!

Pole To Win Europe Ltd. is looking for motivated and responsible people to join us as Functional QA Testers.

Ideal candidates will have a very strong knowledge of video games, ranging from consoles, handheld consoles and mobile devices. The video games industry is a fast paced industry; the candidate should have knowledge of video games history, having experience on previous generation of hardware as well as understanding the current status of the industry and its future development.

As a Functional QA Tester you will be responsible for finding bugs in the video game that you are testing. You will be making sure that all bugs that you find are written and tracked in a bug database, which the development team will receive and then fix the issues that are present. You will then have to verify that the fix has been successful in a new build, or sent the issue back to the developers in order to ensure the correct fix has been made.

The Pole To Win group is a leading company in providing quality services to the games industry with over 18 years of experience. Our West London Studio opened in April 2012 and has been expanding ever since! This is an excellent opportunity to join our passionate team and pursue a career in the videogames industry with opportunities to move up within the company.

The position is open to any person based in or around London. Contract will be based on the length of the projects.

Required Skills

  • Excellent knowledge of the video games industry
  • Experience in playing video games on a variety of consoles
  • High level of written and spoken English
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
  • Good communication skills and able to work as part of a team

Preferred Skills

  • Excellent MS Office Skills
  • Previous experience with using Bug Databases
  • Understanding of games and game terminology
  • Understanding the roles of other areas of the industry
  • Previous experience of Functional Testing, although training will be given on site

Due to the number of applications we are only able to contact candidates who have successfully passed on to the interview stage, thank you for your understanding

You can apply, here.

Train2Game News: Train2Game radio talks to Laurence Gee

Posted on by

Laurence Gee (Artist)Train2Game radio this week spoke to Train2Game Art & Animation student Laurence Gee. Laurence tells us how he got his job at Brain In A Jar and the exciting new project he is working on which is moments away from going on to Kickstarter!

http://www.braininajar.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/BraininaJarGames

https://twitter.com/openwheelgame

https://twitter.com/Braininatweet

You can listen to the interview here: http://audioboo.fm/boos/1267348-train2game-student-laurence-gee-talks-to-t2g-radio

or read the transcript below:

Hi my name’s Laurence Gee, I’m from Birkenhead and I’m on the art course.

Hiya Laurence, how you doing mate?

I’m not to bad, how about you Mark?

I’m excellent cheers mate. So then let’s start this off. So what’s your story? What are the past experiences that have shaped your life?

Basically, starting from School to College I basically focused my skills on Art and endeavor to get better and better at my art and try to focus on moving from the traditional art to the computer based art that I do now.

Excellent, so what do you currently do for a living?

I work as a 3D artist here at Brain In A Jar games development.

Excellent, how did you end up working there?

It was through placement. Train2Game got me a placement here, which I’m very grateful for, and I worked here for the placement and when the placement was over I was kindly offered the job.

Very nice and how long have you worked there?

2 years actually, just recently became 2 years.

Still enjoying it I assume?

I love it here, yeah!

So, what are you currently working on with the company if I can ask?

You can! We are literally about to release a Kickstarter any time soon, a game called Open Wheel. Kickstarter is a crowd-funding system. There’s a website you can go to and there are loads of different projects you can support. The actual users and the people that actually give them money are actually people of the world and basically Kickstarters a crowd-funding system where people actually get to judge the game themselves or the item it’s self that go on there.

So what we’ve done is we are putting a project on there called Open Wheel. An online racing game that we’ve designed and developed our selves. It’s pretty special because it features unique game connection system. There are no log in screens what so ever, when you want to race you can just drop straight into a game, in to any running server. No lobby’s means more time spent racing. You can customize the cars and drivers, loads of stats to track, on track celebrations, race teams, leagues. There’s lots to go in there.

So what drew you and the company to Kickstarter?

Kickstarter is a great way, for small independent developers like ourselves, to fund projects, especially ones we really care about. If people like what we are trying to do then they can back us and help us out with the funding and stuff. The finances we need will make the game happen with a huge boost and we can make the game really really great!

What is your personal reason for getting into the gaming industry in the first place?

Do you remember Lemmings?

I do indeed, yeah!

I’m thinking back when I was at a really young age and I played my first game. Back from old PC games or modern consoles, I played computer games for a really long time. I was really intrigued by what went into a game, I wasn’t always intrigued about playing the game its self, but I spent a lot of time playing a game to figure who it was made and what made it work. That’s really what pulled me in.

Right is that what drew you to it was it, was that what drew you to the Art in particular or did that come from things in school?

What drew me to Art was that I’ve always done it. I’ve always been drawing and painted. I love to paint, I’m a very traditional artist and I decided I wanted to move in to the art in games because I wanted to see how they did it. When I discovered how they did it I thought it was quite interesting and I decided to take my traditional skills in to computer based skills.

So, how’s Train2Game helped you get to where you are now?

Well I started the course nearly three years ago now, very near the end of it, and I basically started the art course. I was frozen at the point where I had a basic job working in a shop and Train2Game contacted me to let me know they’d accepted me on the Art course and so I accepted, got on with the course, started doing the coursework and basically it was the placement that really helped me get to where I was.

Very nice. So finally then, where can people find out more about the project you’re working on?

Of course, that’s the main part! You can check out our Facebook page, Brain In A Jar, a twitter – we’ve got @Openwheel game and also @Braininatweets check out there – and also go to our website which is, www.braininajar.co.uk

Well thank you very much Laurence!

No worries! Thank you very much

I’ll talk to you again, bye!

Take it easy, bye!

Train2Game News: Games Industry Jobs – 13.3.13

Posted on by

Train2Game brings you more jobs this week from around the games industry. Good luck with any you apply for!

 

ART

Job Title Artist
Job Category Art / Animation
Skills Required Art / Animation
Location Midlands
Job Description Studio Overview

Hardlight is SEGA’s third UK based studio and is focused exclusively on creating high quality, innovative game experiences for mobile and handheld platforms.

The Studio comprises small, agile teams working on new IP & well-known SEGA IP. Project durations are 5-10 months, building on the success of their first projects on iOS – Sonic Jump.

The team follows an ethos of staying compact, agile and focused – combining talent from a variety of game genres and backgrounds, and welcomes applications from candidates of all levels of experience.

Key Responsibilities

  • Produce Concept, Prototype and In-Game Art within design and technical limitations for mobile platforms.
  • Create an appealing and consistent look for the games visuals that suites both the genre and brand requirements.
  • Additional tasks as required

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Self-driven individual with good organization skills
  • Traditional 2D & 3D art skills.
  • A good eye for lighting, shading, colour, detail and form
  • Thoroughly knowledge of Photoshop & 3DS Max and/or similar digital art programs.
  • An eye for accurate proportion, form, and detail

Pluses

  • Previous games industry on smart phone and tablets game titles advantageous.
  • Passion for computer games and digital arts highly advantageous

You can apply by going HERE.

 

DEVELOPER

Job Title Mobile Game Engineer
Job Category Programming
Skills Required Mobile / iOS / Android
Location Midlands
Job Description Studio Overview

Hardlight is SEGA’s third UK based studio and is focused exclusively on creating high quality, innovative game experiences for mobile handheld platforms.  With their first project ‘Sonic Jump’ released on iOS in late October, their next projects are due through 2013.

The team was founded with the ethos of staying compact, agile and focused – combining talent from a variety of game genres and backgrounds and working closely with SEGA R&D Studio to stay at the cutting edge of developments in technology, middleware and game experiences.

Key Responsibilities  

  • Work with other members of the team on creating high quality mobile titles
  • Implement game features in partnership with artists and designers
  • Learn and help develop various areas of features going into mobile handheld titles
  • Constantly develop your skillset and experience in the mobile space

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Development experience in C/C++
  • Experience developing titles for mobile devices (either independently or as part of a larger studio)
  • Comfortable with game design and implementation
  • Examples of own demos, with source code, very beneficial dependent on past professional experience

Pluses  

  • Passion for computer games highly advantageous
  • Development experience with C# or HTML5
  • Knowledge of OpenGL ES and other graphical development libraries

You can apply for the position HERE.

 

DESIGN

Job Title Level Designer
Job Category Game Design
Skills Required Game Design
Location Midlands, UK, Midlands
Job Description Level Designer

My client is looking for a talented Level Designer to join their team. Working as part of the design team the successful candidate will become a key member of a creative group looking to shape the next wave of exciting triple-A action titles.

Requirements

• Understanding of game design theory such as accessibility, pacing and balancing
• Exceptional team player with the ability to collaborate and communicate without losing sight of the gameplay vision
• Previous experience of building levels in a visual game design tool
• Prior knowledge of visual scripting (using CryEngine Flow Graph, Kismet or similar) to define and develop gameplay logic
• Willingness to take design direction when offered
• Work well under pressure to meet deadlines
• Experience playing first-person shooters
• Demo / video examples of relevant work (e.g. personal portfolio or content created in at least one shipped title)
• A general passion for video games, along with the desire to make the best games possible
• Strong interpersonal and problem solving skills
• ‘Outside of the box thinking’ with a desire to create interesting and original gameplay experiences

For more information please contact Simon Hope via email at: simon@aswift.com

 

QA

Jagex Ltd, the UK’s leading independent Online Games Studio, is looking for a passionate Junior Software QA Tester to join our Web Systems team and assure the quality of company websites.

Working within our growing Software Testing Department, you will be responsible assisting our internal web developers with the creation of applications used by staff and our players. The focus of the testing team is to ensure the highest quality and timely delivery of projects. You will also be expected to provide constructive feedback throughout the development lifecycle.

We are looking for highly motivated team players with strong communication and high attention to detail, who have a professional and methodical approach to work.

Key Duties Include:

  • Testing software tools and system applications
  • Providing constructive and qualitative feedback to developers
  • Analysing systems and developing the required tests
  • Providing design input to facilitate module testability
  • Creating structured test scripts and test plans
  • Contributing on a regular basis to improving processes and procedures
  • Regularly informing team leader of project progress and raising issues as they arise
  • Reviewing non-game website content

Essential Requirements:

  • Experience of software testing
  • Understanding of internet technologies including HTTP, HTML, CSS and JavaScript
  • Experience testing web/internet applications, including browser compatibility and security testing
  • Ability to understand software design documents to identify test scope and strategy
  • Excellent communication and organisation skills
  • Experience working in test driven agile development
  • A high level of attention to detail, strong analytical skills and problem solving ability

Desirable Requirements:

  • Good knowledge of bug tracking tool Jira
  • Experience of automated testing using Selenium
  • Experience with automated test tools, processes and test strategies
  • Experience analysing projects and determining their testing requirements
  • Passion for games
  • In-depth knowledge of writing automated and manual test scripts
  • ISEB Foundation qualified
  • Degree in Computer Science/Engineering  or equivalent experience
  • Experience of working on networked and MMO games

You can apply HERE.

Train2Game News: Games Industry Jobs – 06.03.13

Posted on by

It’s the time of the week again for Train2Game to post some entry level jobs in the hope that it will help get you in to the games industry!

Art

Job Title 2D Flash Artist
Job Category Art / Animation
Skills Required Art / Animation
Location South
Job Description 2D Flash Artist

Stainless Games requires a 2D Flash artist with a wide range of skills at our studio on the South Coast of England to work on high-profile projects. We offer excellent conditions and a competitive package in a fun working environment.

Role and responsibilities:

  • Work closely with Art, Design and Programming to concept and then create compelling user interface experiences.
  • Create artwork and animations for the HUD/UI.
  • Prototype interface functionality and aesthetics.
  • Create high quality 2D game art assets using industry standard packages such as Adobe Photoshop and Flash.
  • Fast turnaround of 2D look and feel concepts using Photoshop and Flash.

Skills Required:

  • Passionate about art for games with a strong appreciation of graphic design in games.
  • Good eye for graphic and interface design
  • Professional attitude and work ethic.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Self-motivation and organised

Desirable:

  • Formal qualifications in related fields such as graphic design, visual communication or multimedia design.
  • Traditional art skills
  • Basic scripting

You can apply by emailing : jobs@stainlessgames.com

 

Developer

Job Title Tools Programmer – Runescape MMO
Job Category Programming
Skills Required Tools
Location Cambridge, UK & Europe
Job Description Jagex Ltd, the UK’s leading independent online games studio, is looking for bright and passionate programmers who want to work with cutting edge technology to join our Tools Department. Joining the Jagex Technologies team, you would be developing new in-house tools to support our content development and graphics teams while also working with our code libraries, scripting language and game engine.

Key Duties Include:

  • Develop and maintain bespoke content creation tools using Java to the highest standards
  • Enhance and improve the game engine
  • Research new technology, platforms, techniques and ideas
  • Enhance both the tools team libraries and the game engine libraries
  • Act as lead on project, overseeing design and development

Essential Requirements:

  • High level knowledge of Java, C++ and object orientated programming techniques
  • Strong understanding of computer graphics or computer animation technologies
  • Strong understanding and appreciation of code design philosophies
  • Strong academic background at degree level or equivalent
  • Good industry track record, which may include previously published products, or tools development experience
  • The ability to think creatively to solve coding problems and to demonstrate a high degree of initiative, determination and flexibility

Desirable Requirements:

  • Knowledge of other platforms including, but not limited to, Mac OS, Linux, WII, PS3 and Xbox
  • Good understanding of GUIs and tools
  • Experience of working on network and MMO games
  • Experience as a lead programmer

You can apply here.

 

Design

Job Title MMO Game Designer – Celtic Heroes – Groundbreaking MMORPG !
Job Category Game Design
Skills Required Games Designer, Level Designer, Graduate Game Designer
Location Glasgow
Job Description The team behind ‘Celtic Heroes’ are looking for a creative MMO Game Designer to join their team.

As MMO Game Designer you will have the responsibility of designing and evolving the very experiences our players engage in. You must have massive passion in the MMORPG genre and fully understand the successful game mechanics and quest design that equally challenges and rewards the player.

You must be a creative thinker with the ability to rationalise your ideas into practical game play experiences. You must be a strong communicator at ease working within a development team. A strong portfolio of game design examples in the same genre of ‘Celtic Heroes’ is a MUST!

If you have the skills, qualifications, experience and a passion for playing our kind of games, we would love to hear from you. To APPLY direct online simply follow this link http://bit.ly/joinourclan

Set in an exciting medieval Celtic world of combat, magic and mythology, ‘Celtic Heroes’ is a fully 3D MMORPG available for iPhone, iPod and iPad. Play as a customisable warrior, mage, rogue, ranger or druid. Gain powerful new weapons, armour and items as you explore the vast world of castles, dungeons and outdoor environments. Battle fearsome enemies and complete heroic quests!

NOTE: Must be able to demonstrate eligibility and VALID WORKING VISA to work in the United Kingdom and be willing to relocate / commute to the Glasgow area

 

QA

Area:
South East
Location:
Oxford
Start Date:
ASAP
Recruiter:
NaturalMotion Games

Role Summary:
NaturalMotion is looking for a tester to work on its upcoming mobile platform titles. This is a full time, contract position with an expected minimum duration of 3 months.

Daily duties will include testing and reporting issues discovered, working to use and improve test cases and working with small, project-based teams to ensure efficient testing throughout a project’s life.

While extensive testing experience is ideal, it is not strictly necessary and a little testing experience combined with enthusiasm and additional transferable skills is welcome and there will be a chance to learn and train with the testing team.

Testing will cover such areas as the user interface, menu items, inspecting the 3D assets for errors, gameplay, progression, and all other non-gameplay areas in addition to the game itself. Diligence and the ability to commit to repetitive tasks will be required in these roles.

Requirements:
– Excellent verbal and written English skills as you will be required to communicate with staff from all disciplines (both technical and non-technical) and to write clear bug reports.
– Self-motivation and enthusiasm.
– Diligence in conducting sometimes-repetitive tests and bug isolation.
– Ability to quickly learn new software tools.
– Knowledge of current generation games and hardware.
– Knowledge and use of mobile platforms (such as iOS and Android)
– Previous experience of software testing (including mobile and/or social games)

Desirable additional Skills/Experience:
– Experience of software testing on several different titles.
– Familiarity with testing on the iOS and Android platforms.
– Experience in using bug-tracking and test management tools.
– Experience testing in an Agile environment.
– Understanding of and design of Test Cases.
-Working knowledge of a programming or scripting language.

You can apply here.

Train2Game News: Train2Game radio talks to Neil Gorman

Posted on by

Neil GormanLast week I got to talk to Train2Game student, Neil Gorman. Neil is a full time plumber who has had an incredibly busy games industry career so far and his hard work has paid off! Neil is now on his way to Birmingham University to do a Masters degree in Games Development.

You can listen to part 1 of the interview here: http://audioboo.fm/boos/1249949-train2game-student-neil-gorman-talks-to-t2g-radio-part-1

and part 2 here: http://audioboo.fm/boos/1249947-train2game-student-neil-gorman-talks-to-t2g-radio-part-2

Or you can read the transcript below:

Hi, I’m Neil Gorman, I’m from Worcester and I am on the Art & Animation course.

Hi Neil, how you doing mate?

Not so bad Mark, how are you?

I’m very well ta buddy! So we’ve got quite a bit to cover with you haven’t we?

Oh right! I do try to keep me hand in!

So tell me about all the stuff you’ve been up to lately.

Lately? Uh, well. Over Christmas I did a couple of weeks for Lightwood Studios and Microsoft, doing a little bit of illustration but it was for fifty apps, so I got a bit of a sweat on with that! I had a word with Myra Smallman and she got Cat Forsyth and a lad called Malik involved as well. We managed to plough through them, it went really well, it was a good experience. Before that we did a Game Jam which was a World Record which was really good. I’m doing a little bit for Team Dart, done a little bit of work for Derp, as you know and I’ve just been accepted to Birmingham University on a Masters Games Development course as well.

And I also do life drawing on a Tuesday!

Just to add that little bit extra because you weren’t busy enough!

Yeah that’s right, yeah! Oh I also work full time!

That it now, you sure?

Yeah!

What do you do full time?

I’m a plumber.

How long you been doing that for?

I’ve been doing it for… Well a bit too long really! I’ve been doing it for twenty years.

What made you go from Plumbing to Game Design and Art instead?

Well I’ve always been in to games, since I was about 4 years old when my Uncle got an Intellivision with Pong and all that on it. I always used to go down the arcades and play 1942. I’ve basically seen the games change through to all the console like the Commodore 64, Sinclair Spectrum and all that. Then a few years ago I got a card through the door for Train2Game, it was just a post card saying what Train2Game did and I think it was just a time in my life where I thought, “yeah I’m going to do this! I’m going to try this course out and see how I do.” Before that I never even dreamed about trying to design assets or anything like that, when I first fired up 3DS Max I couldn’t even model a box! So it’s how it came about really and it’s the best thing I ever did.

Excellent! So the Train2Game course has certainly helped you a lot if you are now going for a Masters degree?

It’s been absolutely unbelievable really. The people I met along the way, including yourself and all the lads at Derp, everyone I’ve met along the way. I’ve made so many friends it’s great, it’s been fantastic!

How did the Masters Degree come about, how did you end up going for that?

Well it was just a punt really! When I finish work, I do my coursework and subsidise with digital tutors and other game stuff and I just love it! It’s my hobby as well as my love. So I saw this advertised on the internet and I also saw at Eurogamer for Gamer Camp. I filled it all in, put my details in for what I’ve done in the past, I’ve done BTEC in Engineering and NVQ’s and what not, told them I was with Train2Game, I sent them an email as well and they got back in touch with me and gave me an art test.

Very nice and I assume you passed that with flying colours?

Yeah, it was a bit of a stretch but it was over 2 weeks and you had so many Polygons you had to adhere too and do textures and what not. So I sent it in and then I had an interview, so I had an interview at Birmingham University. So I went and the lecturer got snowed in so I had to do It over Skype. It went really well and a few days later he sent me an email saying I was accepted, unconditionally!

Excellent! So when do you start doing the course or have you started already?

No I start in September for a year, it’s full time.

For a year full time is it? So I imagine you’ll have to give the plumbing up a bit then will you?

A little bit yeah! I’ll still do a little bit, I’ve still got to pay the bills at the end of the day.

So what other things are you doing, you said you were also working with Derp Studios as well at the minute?

Yeah, ever since the Make Something Unreal and the first Game Jam we did I’ve always loved the lads from Derp as they’re a really good laugh and they really get their heads down and work. I went to Nigel’s 30th birthday and I got talking to Chris and he said “Do I fancy doing some Animation and Modelling for him” and I said “Yeah, no problem!”. I’d give up any time for the Derp lads.

So you really just don’t like sleep any more, you just have to do everything don’t you?

I’m just trying to learn as much as I can really!

Yeah, you also said you are doing a life drawing course, is that helping you a lot?

Oh it is! It really is. It’s all naked models, one week it’s a woman and one week it’s a fella and for anatomy and getting the light and the forms and everything it’s just really good. I suggest any artist to go on a life drawing course, it really helps.

What would be your biggest ambition for your career?

For my career? I would love to work for a big AAA company, possibly as a Technical Artist or Rigger or along those lines and just being involved in the games industry as a whole. Early last week I went to the Animex Festival in Middlesbrough and you just get an energy off of people in the games industry, they’re so enthusiastic, it’s addictive!

Yeah I definitely know what you mean there! It does the same for me. What about your own studio, would you ever be interested in making up your own one?

I think when I’ve got more experience, I know there are lads who have started their own studio but I want to get to a point where I am happy with what I am doing with my art and be at a certain level. At the moment I’m still just learning and that’s why I do so much, just trying to learn as much as I can. When I get to a certain level, I might contemplate it but if someone came alone and said “Hey Neil, how would you fancy starting out our own studio” yeah, I would always give it a go because I just love it!

So if a new student came up to you and asked you what your best bit of advice would be, what would you say?

If you’re going to go in to Games Development or Art or Design or anything like that, don’t go in to it half cocked. If you’re going to do it you have got to be 100% focused because there is so many people out there, if you look on the forums or on polycount, there are so many people out there who are good competition, if you really want to do this you have to get your head down and work! But enjoy it! It is great, there is nothing better than getting home from work, getting on the PC and doing any Art & Animation but to do it as a career, that’s what I am really aiming for!

That’s perfect! I think that’s all we’ve got time for today Neil, thank you very much buddy!

No problem Mark, I’ll talk to you soon!

Talk to you soon mate, bye!

Ok, bye!

Train2Game News: From Bedrooms to Billions

Posted on by

From Bedrooms to Billions

NEW MOVIE TELLING THE STORY OF THE UK VIDEO GAMES INDUSTRY LOOKING FOR SUPPORT ON KICKSTARTER!

A scientific curiosity that sparked a revolution

Filmmakers Anthony Caulfield & Nicola Caulfield have announced they have launched a new Kickstarter campaign to assist with the funding of a new two hour documentary movie that tells the story of the UK Video Games Industry, called ‘From Bedrooms to Billions’.

Last year they launched a highly successful campaign on crowdfunding site Indiegogo to raise funds to start the filming, with their movie even being placed in the top 12 movie projects of the year by the US site, the only non-US film to do so out of thousands of entries.

‘From Bedrooms to Billions’ is a two hour feature length documentary film telling the remarkable, true story of the British Video Games Industry from 1979 to the present day and how the creativity and vision of a relatively small number of individuals allowed the UK to play a key, pioneering role in the shaping of the billion dollar video games industry, which today dominates the modern world’s entertainment landscape.

Featuring interviews with key contributors to the UK story in video game development, publishing and journalism from over the last 40 years, combined with compelling archive footage, ‘From Bedrooms to Billions’ is the first to attempt to bring this fascinating story together, starting in the late 70’s, spanning ‘Thatcher’s Britain’ of the 80’s and culminating in the dramatic shift of fortunes for the UK Video Games Industry by the late 90’s and beyond. The film celebrates the importance of this era and why it has become such a landmark period in the history of British invention, creativity and industry.

Producer, Anthony Caulfield said “From Bedrooms to Billions has been a very personal project for us since June 2008. Having completed many documentaries we have always wanted to document the rise of the British video games industry and the incredible story that went with it. What’s so fascinating is how the UK computer scene was originally nothing more than a scientific curiosity which snowballed into something so vast. As we started putting this film together we uncovered so many incredible personal stories, these people had to literally make up an industry as they went, some were very successful, but others were not so, however collectively we felt it a strong story that’s long overdue and should make a wonderful movie”.

Fellow Producer Nicola Caulfield said “This film will be a great piece of nostalgic entertainment that documents an important part of UK history. This era is so often overlooked and not known by young British talent looking to enter the games industry, as the vast majority of UK children, school leavers and even students believe that gaming originated mainly from the US and Japan and have little to no knowledge that a British games industry even once existed. It meant a great deal to us that last year enough people out there wanted to see this film made and backed our original funding campaign to begin filming. However as is common with many films financed via crowdfunding, money is now needed to complete post-production, to secure archive footage, stills, music usage and clearances. Without these crucial elements the film would simply be 2 hours of talking heads and not the true and lasting documentary movie experience that the subject matter deserves. So we hope people will rally and help us make a permanent record of this golden era in British Industry”

The ‘From Bedrooms to Billions’ project went live on Kickstarter on Monday 25th February and has just 60 days to reach its funding goal of £18,000.

To help with their cause as well as having the option to simply order a copy of the film on digital download, DVD and Blu-ray, some of the most famous UK Video Games makers and musicians have donated and signed various items that are being offered as funding perks.

The film’s trailer, as well as further information on the ‘From Bedrooms to Billions’ Kickstarter campaign, can be found at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1195082866/from-bedrooms-to-billions

You can also visit the film’s official website www.frombedroomstobillions.com or by emailing press at b2b@graciousfilms.com

Also the Facebook page for the film can be visited at http://www.facebook.com/pages/From-Bedrooms-to-Billions-History-of-UK-Video-Games-Industry-Movie/136306856397331

Twitter  @FromBedrooms

Gracious Film’s own website can be found at www.graciousfilms.com

Train2Game News: Games industry jobs – 27.02.13

Posted on by

The people at Aardvark Swift have very kindly sent over some more jobs for the Train2Game students to look through.

Junior/Graduate Gameplay Programmer

Our client is one of the UK’s Premier Games Developer. They have a stack of awards and an unrivalled sales track record to back their claims up. They are seeking a Graduate / Junior Programmer to join the Gameplay team

North West

Graduate Programmer

My client offers a relaxed and creatively charged atmosphere where talent can flourish. They pride themselves above all on the games they create and their appreciation of the people who create them.

Due to their recent success they are looking to add to their talented team with the addition of a Graduate Programmer

Yorkshire

Tools Programmer and Graduate Tools Programmer

Our client has been making games for more than 15 years. They now employ more than 150 people and have released games on major platforms like PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and Nintendo DS. They also work with some Great IP’s and a variety of game types.

They are seeking a Tools Programmer or Graduate Tools Programmer to join their team developing technology at the core of all their productions

North West

Graduate Gameplay Programmer

Our client, the developer of award winning titles, are seeking highly skilled graduate to join their programming team as a Gameplay programmer working on a AAA title for next gen.

Cambridge