"Breaking into the Video Game Industry" by Angela Alvarez

There is a war going on. However, you will not hear bombs dropping, gunfire, or depressing clips on the 10 o’ clock news. No one dies in this conflict. This war involves the video game industry’s three consoles (therefore dubbed as the “Console War”): the Xbox 360, the Playstation 3 and the Nintendo Wii, and the games produced for each system. Each company is vying to keep their fan boys, while attempting to steal those of another console. This holiday season proves to be the perfect battleground for these companies, which are competing to have their console the only one gift-wrapped under the tree.

Now as with any war, there is an incredible amount of money made. In 2003, the game industry generated $13.9 billion dollars in revenue, far more than the $9.2 billion made by movie studios. The game industry is clearly profitable and competitive because the idea of creating the next big hit is incredible. “It’s like, who wouldn’t want to be a rock star, given the chance? It would be awesome to work on [the next great title]. It’s a very lucrative career,” said David Allen, an artist for 1^st Playable Productions.

Many jobs in this industry cater to different interests. There are artist positions, a wide range of programming positions for those who work well with computers, and script writing for those who enjoy writing, to mention just a few of the jobs. The road to breaking into the game industry can be a bumpy one, but with proper preparation, your chances are improved.

As with any business, the game one is a tough to break into. “It is extremely competitive. The ones that break in are the ones that put the effort in,” said Shylo Smith, an Assistant Producer for IUGO Mobile Entertainment. The game industry is always looking for new talent, but talent that comes with perseverance. “I first look to see if their skill set and education is a fit for the job. Other than that, I look for a strong team personality,” said Smith. This industry requires energy and time. People pursuing a career in this business should be prepared to work long hours for low pay.

Someone who has an interest in a career in the game industry can take many paths to reach their goal, but there are similar first steps and requirements that echo in this industry for every position available. “The first step is to figure out what you want to do and get a degree toward what you want to do. You have to immerse yourself in the industry,” said Smith. A college education does far more than make your resume look pretty; it actually works toward your advantage. When employers see that on your resume, they not only see your degree but the time and effort you put into it. Developing a game requires an incredible amount of energy, so employers are looking for people who have dealt with the pressures and deadlines that college presents. Additionally, higher education better prepares you for the industry.

Even with a four-year degree in your hand, your chances at immediately breaking into the industry are still slim to none. Where you live can be a factor in how easy it is for you to get your first job. It is more difficult to land your first job on the east coast rather than the west, because there are fewer companies in the east. “They have to remain competitive, and hire people who have experience,” said Allen. While moving to another location is one option, there are others for those who do not want to leave where they feel so comfortable. “I would suggest networking for people who don’t want to move,” said Allen. “It’s very difficult to get a job.”

Networking is not only important for a person who does not plan to move, it’s important for anyone who is pursuing a career in the game industry. A great place to start is the International Game Developers Association, which is an organization that works to connect people in the game industry with its chapters across the world, and much more. It is simple to locate your chapter and become involved with it, and is a great way to gain connections and experience. “People should get involved with their local IGDA chapter. Give some time to the community and industry, volunteer. And always ask for a business card,” said Smith. The NYC chapter of the IGDA has a mailing list of nearly 300 people. “Most employers give jobs to people connected with someone in the company. Therefore, the “it’s all about you who know” mantra works in the game industry too.

You do not need to be someone who is great at playing games to be a success in this industry, but you do need to have a strong interest in them. After all, you will be working on them and the more you know about them, the better your input will be. “You have to be enjoying what you do… It’s part of the mindset that goes into making a great game,” said Allen. Your attitude toward games could be what determines your success in the business. “People with no passion will not last or succeed,” said Smith.

With your passion, your degree and your experience all done, the only thing left is the pursuit of that first job. It’s great to have your resume as packed as possible, that is, with relevant experience and useful skills. “It’s [also] helpful to have something to show, whether it’s mod or an independent game you’ve developed yourself,” said Greg Costikyan, CEO of Manifesto Games and a member of the NYC chapter of the IGDA.

It may be a lot of work trying to get into the industry, but those that have a serious enthusiasm for games will find themselves saying, “Damn it, I love what I do for a living.”