Tag Archives: Games Industry Jobs

Train2Game news: Job interview advice from Crytek UK

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Train2Game students often apply for jobs in the industry. So, for those fortunate enough to get interviewed for a full-time position in game development, here’s some excellent advice on echnique from Nottingham based Crytek UK, developers of Crysis 2 and the upcoming Homefront 2.

“Research the company you are applying for, know what business they are in, what games they make and what makes them good at doing this.” Crytek Lead Programmer Richard Semmons told Develop in their April recruitment spotlight, adding that potential employers are impressed if you know the company.

“We’re always impressed by people that have taken the time to understand why they want to get a job with us rather than just because it was a mail shot to every company out there.”

If getting interviewed for a job, Semmons suggests having questions to ask the staff conducting the interview is also helpful.

“Prepare questions. You will most likely be sat in front of leads or directors within the industry, these guys will have a wealth of experience and if nothing else comes of your interview, ask questions to further your development or understanding of the jobs you are going for.”

He added that if the developer has a free engine that’s out there to use, then you should definitely use it, in another example of how modding is great for aspiring game developers.

“The CryEngine Free SDK is out there for people to experiment with. You have a chance to demonstrate your interest in the engine, an insight into how we work and how we utilise our technology; take it!”

Develop’s recruiter hot seat is sure to make interesting reading for Train2Game students looking for a job in the industry; you can read it in full here.

There’s more helpful advice from industry professionals on how to give yourself the best chance of getting that all important first job here on The Train2Game Blog.

What are your thoughts on the advice from Crytek? What interview advice would you give?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game news: Dead Space story producer Chuck Beaver on getting into the industry

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Dead Space 2 Train2Game blog image

Train2Game students looking to get a job in the industry should regularly practice their skills and take up modding. That’s according to brilliantly named Dead Space story producer Chuck Beaver.

“I would say practice, practice, practice. Write entire stories for mods on any software you can, and implement them using something like Half-Life’s source code.” he said in EA’s latest breaking into the industry feature, echoing what Valve’s Chet Faliszek and id’s Tim Willits have previously told The Train2Game Blog.

“Oh, and buy and devour Robert McKee’s book called Story. It is the fundamental bible on how to write.” he added.

For those who have eyes on becoming a producer, the Dead Space man suggested internships are the best way forward.

“You need to get in the door as a Producer, so take internships as a Production Assistant in game companies. Learn the ropes of project management, working with creatives, and game making in general, so you can apply your writing training appropriately.” he said, before adding that a game design course is valuable for becoming a writer.

“I would also take game design courses, so you can know what you’re talking about, know the medium you’ll be managing, what its limitations are, etc. That is critical.” Beaver concluded.

The full interview with Dead Space story producer Chuck Beaver is over at EA’s The Beat blog.

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 EA’s The Beat, providing advice on how to get into the industry.

What are your thoughts on Chuck Beaver’s advice on getting into the industry? Do you mod?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Look Who doctored a visit from a Dalek at the Train2Game stand at GSL?

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Train2Game at Gadget Show Live gets a surprise visit from a Dr Who Dalek

Train2Game news: London studio Mediatonic to double in size, advertise 12 jobs

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Mediatonic's Monster's Probably Stole My PrincessTrain2Game students will be interested to hear that London studio Mediatonic plans to double its size, with the game developer beginning by advertising ten new positions on their job page.

These include an internship that Train2Game students might be interested in applying for.

Mediatonic, a studio who specialise in developing games for digital platforms,  has moved to larger offices in Soho ahead of their planned expansion.

“Moving into offices in the heart of Soho has given us the room to grow, with a view to doubling our headcount by Christmas to just over 50 employees.” said Mediatonic Director of Games Paul Croft.

“With the success of some of our recent projects we’re experiencing an overwhelming demand for original game designs and to provide support for live games once they hit the market.” he added.

Paul Croft discussed Mediatonic, the benefits of game jams and more in an interview with The Train2Game Blog last year.

And as previously reported by The Train2Game Blog, the studio was named as one to watch by Industry Gamers.

There’s more on Mediatonic here.

What are your thoughts on the London studio’s planned expansion?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game news: THQ Senior Designer’s advice on getting into the industry – “play a lot of games”

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Train2Game students should play as many types of game as possible in order to enhance their chances of finding work in the games industry.

That’s according to THQ Senior Game Designer Wes Bunn, who was speaking to The Train2Game Blog in a soon to be published interview.

“Probably the biggest thing to do, the best thing, is play a lot of games. Not just the mainstream games, the blockbuster games, play a lot of indie games and expand your pallet so you can touch every area.” said Bunn, speaking to The Train2Game Blog at a UFC Undisputed 3 preview event.

And the Senior Game Designer, who started his career as a QA Tester, said that taking part in testing programmes is also a good way to get a foot in the door.

“As far as getting into the industry is concerned, you break in through focus group tests. Usually a company will bring people in to test their game and give feedback on what they think of the game.” said Bunn, adding that if a developer likes your feedback, they could offer you a role as a QA Tester.

“We do focus tests for our products, there’s usually an opportunity there if they like your suggestions enough to bring you on as a QA Tester or something.”

Bunn added that schools, are also a good way of learning the skills needed to get into the industry, though of course, Train2Game students already know this!

“Now they have the schools you can go to that’s an avenue as well, I have some friends who are enrolled in schools now, but back when I was around they didn’t have that!” said the UFC Undisputed 3 Senior Game Designer.

The full Train2Game Blog interview with THQ Senior Game Designer Wes Bunn will be published soon.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on his advice? Do you agree that playing a wide range of games is helpful for getting into the industry?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game news: Ninja Theory are looking for two Junior QA Technicians

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Train2Game students might be interested in this opportunity with Ninja Theory, the Cambridge studio is looking for two Junior QA Technicians.

Ninja Theory are the team behind Heavenly Sword and Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.  Their next title is DMC, a reboot of the Devil May Cry Series.

The two advertised positions don’t require any previous experience and could therefore potentially provide two Train2Game students with that vital first job in the games industry.  The Ninja Theory Job advert reads as follows:

“We’re looking for two Junior QA Technicians to join our experienced QA team for a four month contract. Under the guidance of more senior team members you will conduct functionality and play-testing as appropriate during the development cycle in order to detect and confirm software deficiencies, reliability, ease of use, and any other areas as directed in order to ensure the overall highest quality of the project.

You’ll take part in maintaining efficient and accurate play-tests producing accurate and detailed reports and working to an ethos of continual process improvement. Following industry and internal best practice guidelines for process of play testing and usability tests you’ll need to highlight any potential risks found with milestones, production tasks and wider studio output.

It’s important you can explain any bugs you find to other studio members so it’s crucial that you are able to create and maintain strong working relationships with other disciplines gaining a good understanding of each requirements and specific method of working.”

Naturally, this could be a great opportunity for a Train2Game Games QA Tester in particular, but Train2Game students of all disciplines may be keen to get their foot in the door.

For more information about the Junior QA Technician positions, and to learn how to apply, visit the Ninja Theory website.

Good luck to any Train2Game students to apply for the positions.

Keep up to date with the latest news in QA Testing here on The Train2Game Blog.

Train2Game news: Mind Candy offer advice on writing a great CV

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Train2Game students looking for work in the industry, or applying for placement schemes, will know that a good CV is of the utmost importance.

They’ll therefore be highly interested in Develop’s latest ‘New Year, New Job’ feature in which Mind Candy’s Head of Recruitment Richard Chipchase gives advice on how to write a stand out CV.

Fast growing, East London based Mind Candy are the studio behind Moshi Monsters.

CV’s should be treated like a first interview. Get it wrong and you won’t be progressing to the next stage  Every recruiter, HR person or agency will have a different opinion on what’s good and what’s not so the best way to improve your CV is simply to go back to basics.” said Chipchase.

“ Ensure you have a Profile, Skills, Key Successes, Career History, Education and Hobbies/Interests section included in the content. Make sure the CV is no longer than two-pages – this differs from country to country – and make sure there are absolutely no spelling or grammatical mistakes whatsoever.”

The Mind Candy Head of Recruitment added that including a portfolio is essential, especially for artists.

“Bullet points are great, gaps in career history should be explained and never forget to include your contact details and link to your portfolio if you’re an artist.” he said.

“If you want to do something a bit crazy with your CV to stand out from the crowd, this is fine but research who will be receiving it and the type of company you are sending it to. It might be entirely wrong for a bank, but perfect for a creative. Again, do your research.” Chipchase added.

Read the feature in full here.

Train2Game students should keep an eye on Develop Online’s jobs feature for more excellent advice from industry professionals. Previous articles include PopCap on how to be a better game designer , and advice from Valve’s Gabe Newell on how to be a better developer.

So Train2Game, have you started to write a CV yet? If so, do you have any advice to share of your own?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Develop]

Train2Game news: PopCap provide advice on becoming a better game designer

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Train2Game game designers should definitely have a look the latest article in Develop Online’s ‘New Year, New Job’ feature, as social game developer PopCap provides advice on how to be a better game designer.

PopCap are responsible for a huge number of games including Plants vs. Zombies, Bejewled and Peggle, and the guide to becoming a better game designer comes from their Senior Designer Dave Bishop. Check out his advice below.

1. Look at/play as many games as you can; not just ones you would naturally gravitate towards.

2. Circulate your thoughts/findings/learnings, especially  where you believe a game breaks new ground and/or does something particularly well – or badly – where lessons can be learnt.

3. Publish the above on your own design related, blog.

4. Organise/run board game evenings (and make sure you play King of Tokyo J)

5. Look for any way to get/be involved in the creative process – ask to be invited to/included in brainstorm and design review sessions. Do your homework so you are well placed to contribute in a meaningful and ‘memorable’ fashion.

6. If already in a design team then offer to help/support/review the design work of your peers.

7. Study design trends and best practices, especially in emerging areas such as social gaming, and position yourself as the company’s expert in one or more of these specific areas of game design.

8. In your own time, create new design ideas/concepts that might fit into your company’s future produce strategy. Look for ways to present these to the key stakeholders within your organisation.

9. Try to attend conferences/seminars etcetera. that will broaden your experience base; for example GDC.

10. Look for opportunities to attend any relevant training likely to enhance you skill set and standing within your organisation; for example, scrum master, product owner, running successful brainstorm sessions etcetera.

It’s excellent advice for Train2Game game designers, who along with all other Train2Game students should keep an eye on Develop Online’s jobs feature for more excellent advice from industry professionals.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the advice from PopCap? Has it given you some new ideas?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Develop Online]

Train2Game news: Gabe Newell offers advice to aspiring game developers

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Train2Game students will know Gabe Newell as one of the most respected  veteran developers in the industry.

The Valve founder has spoken to Develop Online as part of their New Year, New Job feature and offers advice to those looking to begin their path into the games industry as an independent developer. It’s a must read for Train2Game students looking to found their own businesses.

The man behind the Half-Life series says the most important thing for an independent game developer is to treat their customers fairly.

“Do not focus on anyone but your customers. Your reputation will follow you forever so always be fair to your customers, and certainly one thing you need to always remember is that your customers are not going to be fooled.” Newell told Develop.

“Some people think they can get away with something and just hope people won’t see it through the bullshit. The internet is way smarter than any of us.”

“In terms of business, do not take out huge advances to fund projects, because they are only loans, and have strings attached.” he added.

Train2Game students have received advice about getting into the industry from Valve before, as part of to The Train2Game Blog interview with Chet Faliszek. The game writer told us that modding is “a really good way” to get noticed in the industry.

“It’s a really good way for someone to get noticed because it shows that you’re able” he told The Train2Game Blog.

“Normally modders have to work as a team and that’s important, and they also have to be able to finish something and that’s really important. So those two things together are a really good way to demonstrate that you’re ready to work in the industry.”

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Gabe Newell’s advice? Will you be taking it on board?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Develop Online]

Train2Game news: Epic Games provide CV writing advice in Develop feature

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Train2Game students who are already attempting to find work in a games industry should definitely check out Develop Online for advice from Epic Games on how to write the perfect CV.

The article sees Epic Games recruiter Tim Johnson give anyone job hunting in the games industry ten tips for an excellent CV. The tips, listed on Develop Online as part of a New Year, New Jobs feature, make excellent reading for Train2Game students who are keen to take that first step into the industry.

Epic’s tips for an excellent CV are as follows:

1. Use spell check.

2. Make sure that your CV is put into a universally accepted format (MS Word, PDF). Please don’t use a text editor to write your CV.

3. Clearly and concisely list your responsibilities; four or five bullet points are a lot easier to read than a paragraph of text.

4. Include links to work you have created or authored.

5. Make sure you include a link to samples or a portfolio on your resume.

6. Include both your phone number and e-mail address. Sometimes, a hiring manager or recruiter will actually want to call you.

7. Leave the fancy fonts and tables for your portfolio. A lot of companies store resumes in an applicant tracking system, so the more straightforward your resume is, the better.  In short, make it easy to read.

8. Include the companies you have worked for along with the title you have held at each company.

9. Make an effort to use industry standard key words to explain your job duties and responsibilities.

10. Use spell check. Yes, I said it twice, but a resume with misspelled words is a really bad way to make a good first impression.

They’re all important things Train2Game students should consider when compiling a CV!  Of course, as reported by the Train2Game blog, there are some Train2Game students who’ve already been fortunate enough to find work in the industry.

If that isn’t enough advice for you, Epic Games Cliff Bleszinski has also given his own unique guidance on how to stand out in the games industry, which you can see here on The Train2Game Blog.

Train2Game the Epic Games worked together to host the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam over the first week of November. The Train2Game Blog interviewed Epic’s European Territory Manager Mike Gamble at the Game Jam. You can also read his take on the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam on the Unreal Insider Blog.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the advice on writing a CV from Epic?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Develop Online]