Tag Archives: getting into the industry

Train2Game news: Designing games specifically for girls isn’t the way to encourage more into the industry says Jade Raymond

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Train2Game students are likely to be aware that the games industry is currently rather male dominated. And while that’s slowly changing – there are plenty of both male and female aspiring game developers on the Train2Game forum – some believe more needs to be done to redress the balance.

However, according to Ubisoft Toronto boss Jade Raymond, designing games with a female audience in mind isn’t the way to encourage girls into the industry. Rather, if games are good, people of both sexes will be interested in game development.

“It’s not a question of making games specifically for girls, you make a good game and it will be played regardless of gender. A good game is a good game.” she told Eurogamer.

“I come from a family of three girls and we would sit around and play tons of games for our NES. I mean, can you say that Super Mario Bros. 3 is made for girls or boys? No, it’s more about exposure.”

And Raymond says that exposure is changing, as more and more girls own consoles.

“The truth is that perhaps my sisters and I were the exception because we had a console. Now that’s not the case. Games are everywhere. Just as many girls have a Nintendo DS as boys do. That’s step one towards thinking about a career in games.”

“Because if you haven’t been experienced them growing up, then you don’t think that it might offer a career for you. That is changing.” she added.

The full interview is over on Eurogamer, and is a fascinating read.  You can also get some advice on getting into the industry from the Ubisoft Toronto head, here on The Train2Game Blog.

What are your thoughts on Raymond’s comments? What do you think is the answer?

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

Train2Game news: BioWare Associate Art Director on getting into the industry

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Train2Game students looking to make that critical first step into the games industry need to be creative and full of good ideas. That’s according to BioWare Associate Art Director David Lam.

“Like anything in this world, if you want to achieve anything it takes hard work and commitment.” he told BioWare blog, emphasising how you need a good portfolio too.

“Our field is highly competitive, so you have to know your stuff and be able to show it. If you want to be an artist, draw! If you want to be a programmer, code! Never underestimate the power of ideas.”

“Creativity and good ideas are what drives our business. If someone asks you what makes you better than somebody else, have an answer.” he added.

The full interview in which Lam describes his role as Associate Art Director and his life at BioWare is here.

There’s more advice from professional game developers on how to get into the industry, right here on the Train2Game Blog.

What are your thoughts on the advice from the BioWare Associate Art Director? How is your own portfolio coming along?

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

Train2Game news: Mass Effect 3 Development Director’s advice on getting into the industry

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Mass Effect 3 will have Kinect support

Train2Game students looking for an extra advantage in getting that first job in the games industry should get involved with modding. That’s according to Mass Effect 3 Development Director Robin Mayne in an interview with the BioWare Blog.

“There are three avenues I can think of that are worth looking into: get involved with a modding community.” he said when asked how aspiring developers can get a foot in the door.

Modding is something that developers often emphasise as a great way to practice your skills, with Ubisoft’s Adrian Lacey last week telling The Train2Game Blog that the Ghost Recon team features a number of former modders.

Valve’s Chet Faliszek and id Software Creative Director Tim Willits are among those that have also spoke highly of modding when talking to The Train2Game Blog.

Mass Effect 3 Development Director Robin Mayne also told the BioWare Blog, that those aspiring to get in should make themselves familiar with the industry by reading specific websites and attending show.

“Check out the job listings at as many companies as you can and look for patterns in what skills are sought after. Find creative ways to obtain those skills.” he added.

There’s more advice from professional game developers on how to get into the industry, right here on the Train2Game Blog.

What are your thoughts on the advice?

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

Train2Game news: Trion Worlds’ senior producer Chris Lena on getting into the industry

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Train2Game News recently had a chat with Trion Worlds’ senior producer Chris Lena, who is currently working on upcoming MMORTS End of Nations. In a quick interview, Chris discusses what his role involves, how he got started in the industry and offers advice to those looking to follow in his footsteps.

Hi Chris, what does your role as senior producer of End of Nations involve?

It’s interesting, the partnership between Trion Worlds and Petroglyph. Petroglyph have a history of RTS games so they know that very, very well, but making an online persistent game is a lot more than that. So we have people watching the servers, we have the server technology, we have customer support, we have a lot of other departments that are required to support that, and that’s really want Trion’s strength is.

So, on one side I’m keeping an eye on those things, as well as working directly with Petroglyph on making sure that they have what they need to develop the best game possible.

How did you get started in the industry and how did you get to where you are today?

I started in tech support and just kept on working and working. It’s the story of a lot of people in the industry; we love games, we’ll work anywhere in games then see where that takes us and it’s been a lot of fun and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start in the games industry?

The number one advice is to keep on trying. Sometimes it’s difficult to break in, but don’t be afraid to start anywhere in the company if you can get it. Whether it’s in the mail room or driving someone’s car or making coffee, that’s where it all starts.

There’s much more about End of Nations in The Train2Game Blog’s previous huge  interview with Senior QA Tester Karl Tars

And there’s plenty of advice from industry professionals on getting into the industry here on The Train2Game Blog.

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

Train2Game news: Ubisoft’s Jade Raymond offers advice on getting into the industry

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Train2Game students looking for advice about getting into the industry could do worse than listening to Ubisoft’s Jade Raymond. She was responsible for the development of Assassin’s Creed as a new IP and is now charge of the Splinter Cell brand in her role as managing director of Ubisoft Toronto.

In an interview with gamesindustry.biz, Raymond offered useful advice to those looking to get into game development.

First of all, she says it’s important to know what your strengths are when it comes to game development.

“Be honest with yourself about what actually love doing. If you love art and you’re an artist and you’re doodling all the time don’t go into physics. Don’t try and be a bad programmer.” said Raymond.

“But we do have tonnes of jobs for great artists, or music, there’s so many different aspects, so many different specialties that are involved in making a game now almost anything you’re interested in you could focus on that and get a job in games.”

“So I think number one is be honest with yourself about what you actually like and what you’re actually good at and try and become that.” she added.

Of course, Train2Game offers four courses, all specialising in different areas of game development.

The Ubisoft Toronto Managing Director also suggested work placements, something that Train2Game also offers students, are a great way to get your foot in the door.

“And then the second part is to get internships and to really try and get real experience. Even if you’re working for free.” said Raymond.

“Game companies, it’s a big risk hiring someone who’s never worked anywhere before, so if you can work for them for free while you’re still a student and you don’t need or you’re used to not having much money then do that.  When I was young I hounded people, and obviously there’s a line between stalking… [laughs]”

She added that building up contacts and being persistent is key.

“But you know, build up your contacts, stay in touch, try and find out where you can work for free, where are they willing to take me for a couple of months, get some real experience and then you can put that on your CV, and often that company if you do a good job they’re going to hire you in a real role after.” Raymond said.

“And do that while you’re doing your studies so you’re not just doing the school side of it, you’ve got some real world experience.” she concluded.

Speaking of work placements, you can find out what various Train2Game students have achieved on them right here on The Train2Game Blog.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Jade Raymond’s advice on getting into the industry?

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

Train2Game news: Dead Space 2 designer offers advice on getting into the industry

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Dead Space 2 Train2Game blog imageTrain2Game game designers should definitely be interested in this, as Dead Space 2 Combat & Control Designer Brian Bartram offers advice on how to get into the industry.

In an EA feature titled Breaking into the Industry, the Visceral Games man says experimenting with game engines and modding are great ways for aspiring game designers – such as Train2Game students – to practice their skills.

The Train2Game Blog regularly posts about the benefits of modding.

“The best advice is to give it a try. Download a game engine and try building your own levels, modifying existing games, and creating original content.” Bartram told EA’s The Beat.

“There are many communities online for people who are creating games of all types. Game engines like Unity, Unreal, Torque, and Panda3D all make good starting places.”

It was the Unreal Development Kit that Train2Game students used to produced games at last November’s Train2Game & Epic Game Jam.

The Dead Space 2 Combat & Control Designer added that creating user generated content – in using games such as Team Fortress 2, LittleBigPlanet 2  or Infamous 2 for example – is also a great way to gain experience with game design.

“Creating multi-player maps for games is another channel. Some games allow you to create “user generated content,” and I advise aspiring designers to give them a try.” Said Bartram, who also suggested designing board games is a good idea.

“ Another thing that many System Designers do in their spare time is create board games, card games, and other “analog games.” I highly recommend Stone Librande’s speech from GDC entitled “15 Games In 15 Years.” (Which you can read here)

Bartam’s advice is similar to that given to The Train2Game Blog by Red Faction: Armageddon game designer Jameson Durall in an interview last year.

It might be lengthy, but EA’s interview with The Dead Space 2 Combat & Control Designer provides an excellent behind the scenes insight into the industry. You can read it in full here.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Bartram’s advice? Do you produce your own user-generated content?

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

[Source: EA]

Train2Game news: Clue to the future is in Game Dev Story – Brink writer

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Brink Train2Game blog imageTrain2Game students should learn alternative game development disciplines in addition to their chosen field to increase their chances of finding work in the industry.

That’s according to Splash Damage’s Ed Stern, writer of Brink, who likened hiring employees in the industry to mobile title Game Dev Story.

“Learn to code, learn Unity, learn Flash, be able to make a game. Because even if you’re not great a graphics or great at sound you’ll understand what the issues are.” Stern told the Train2Game blog when asked advice he’d give a game designer looking to break into the industry.

“You know that game Game Dev Story? You want to have at least a couple of stats in the other disciplines. Even if you’re never going to be hired to do sound, have some idea what the issues are with sound.”

The Splash Damage Creative Director used an example of a game designer knowing what game artists are capable of as an example.

“If you’re a writer have some idea what the graphic issues are so you don’t inadvertently end up writing a cheque that no one else can cash.”

He also told the Train2Game blog what he looks for when hiring a new employee, and that’s to have completed projects.

“It’s always more important to finish something than to start something, that’s what we look for when we’re hiring,” he said.  What people finish in their portfolio, not what they start then kind of get a bit bored with and give up on”

Of course, Train2Game students have the opportunity to complete projects and the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam this weekend.

Stern’s comments echo those of ID Software’s Tim Willits, who in an interview with the Train2Game blog, said that completing a mod is a great way to get noticed.

“Lots of times we have people who send resumes’ in with 20 half completed mods; we don’t want that, we want a handful of one’s that are actually done, and that’s really important” he said.

Ed Stern was speaking to the Train2Game blog in an interview about Brink, games writing and how to get into the industry. It’ll be published on the Train2Game blog in full on Monday.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the Brink Creative Director’s advice? Have you been looking into learning other disciplines? Do you already have skills in other areas?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.