Game Industry Career Guide Podcast

This week's question is from Bryan, who asks "Where can I find reviews for this business site and is this a legit website that I will not be scammed by?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/testing Thanks for listening! I'm going to take a break from podcasting for a while, but please stop by and see me at the website, GameIndustryCareerGuide.com. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Max, who asks "Hello, I don’t miss an episode of your podcast ever since the first one. I have a question: What are some specific examples of demos you could prepare for different game programming positions? Could you provide some specific examples that a hiring manager would like to see for positions such as Gameplay Programmer, Graphics Programmer, or Tools Programmer, to name a few? Thanks a lot and keep up the excellent work." LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/what-should-i-put-into-my-video-game-programming-portfolio/ http://glslsandbox.com http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/the-very-best-game-programming-books/ Thanks for listening! Want to stay up to date? Subscribe to my mailing list from any page on the website. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Jesse, who asks "My biggest question is how does the game industry adapt to new technologies?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/careers Thanks for listening! Do me a favor and rate this podcast on iTunes. It would mean the world to me. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Indigo, who asks "I have a question about taking a job in a position you don’t want just to get your foot in the door. I’ve had many teachers and other people tell me that taking a QA job or a 2D art job is a good idea just to get in. But I know that I really wouldn’t enjoy it nearly as much as a 3D art position. But it’s pretty hard to find a 3D position. So I’m not sure what to do. Any advice would be great." LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/artist http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/testing Thanks for listening! Remember: Work hard, work smart, don't give up, and you WILL get that job. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Travis, who asks "I am a recent computer science graduate. I applied for a tester job at Ubisoft and, following your advice, I submitted everything as a PDF file. But I recently listened to another podcast that said big companies, like Ubisoft, don't actually read resumes, computers do, and that we should use a plain resume with specific fonts and save it as a Microsoft word or a TXT file so the computer can parse the information. Is this true? Is my application going to be overlooked because I submitted PDF files?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/resume http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/tester Thanks for listening! And thanks for being my trusted friend in science. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

Today is the 3rd birthday of GameIndustryCareerGuide.com, let's celebrate! LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/careers Thanks for listening! Press "play," listen all the way to the end, and then there will be cake. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Ashely, who says "My name is Ashely and I am a recruiter that is new to the Video Game recruiting world. I wanted to combine what I do with one of my favorite hobbies which is playing video games. I discovered your blog and see that you are an expert in the field. Do you have any advice for me as a recruiter or can you guide me to any blogs that can help me crack into this industry?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/careers http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/tester Thanks for listening! You're the meaning in my life, you're the inspiration. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Dillon, who asks "I am really interested in becoming a video game tester! I really like finding bugs and sharing about it to my friends. The only problem is I'm not a great writer. Would that be a major deal breaker?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/how-to-become-a-video-game-tester/ Thanks for listening. Your mission: Share this episode with just 1 other person who would like it. Thanks. :) To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Supreeth, who asks "Hey Jason! Supreeth here, we here in India appreciate all the information provided in you website and I'm a huge fan of your podcast :). So, I would feel glad if you could provide me any certain information regarding, How do I make a game programming demo to apply for jobs? How should the demo be? In video format? How do I show my code along with my demo reel?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/resources/ http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/best-way-to-learn-video-game-programming-in-high-school/ Thanks for listening, and for sharing this with other aspiring game programmers. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Taylor, who asks "I am incredibly committed to my craft and improving at it, yet I am under the impression that when I apply for jobs, along with my application there may be 30+ talented artists who have been in the industry before. Do hiring managers occasionally consider candidates that have potential, despite not having the experience? Or do they only seriously consider ones that have industry experience?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/you-can-swim-with-the-big-fish/ Thanks for listening, and for sharing this with other people who are bustin' their butts to get a job in the game industry. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week, I'm reading you a free chapter from my book, "Land a Job as a Video Game Tester." GET YOUR COPY Thanks for listening. If you liked the free chapter, please consider buying the book. I think you'll love it! http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/tester To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Anthony, who asks "One concern I have is, what if being a game designer makes me hate gaming? A friend of mine said that he has talked to developers and they have told him that it’s like eating your favorite food 20 times a day. Is that true?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/video-game-industry-work-life-balance/ Thanks for listening, and for sharing this with other people who want to become game designers. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Kit, who asks "I live in a state where there is no real game development work around, which puts me in a pickle because when I graduate I will have a degree but nowhere to use it. I already know that my best bet is to move to another state like Washington, but how does someone like me who will be new to the industry land that first job when migration cost has to be a factor? I've heard that some companies will help with this if they really want you to work with them, but I will not have a reputation at this point so I don't see that happening. Do you have any suggestions?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/video-game-job-hunt-guide/ Thanks for listening. Email me if you'll be at GDC 2016, let's connect! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Derek, who asks "I’m interested in both game programming and general game design, my talents lying mostly with programming. Do game programmers often get much input in the game design outside of simply how the game functions? I assume this would largely depend on the size of the team. But I’m just wondering if it’s likely I’ll get to participate in both areas." LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/careers Thanks for listening. Email me if you'll be at GDC 2016, let's connect! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Dylan, who asks "I want to use Game Designer as a career path and I was wondering if being a game programmer would help with that?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/make-your-first-video-game-today-using-these-free-tools/ Thanks for listening. Glad I'm not the only one who geeks out about video game careers! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Danielle, who asks "I'm looking to go into Game Design. Do you have a suggestion for the best laptop to use? What are some of the requirements a Game Designer would want in a computer?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://docs.aws.amazon.com/lumberyard/latest/userguide/setting-up-system-requirements.html https://unity3d.com/unity/system-requirements https://docs.unrealengine.com/latest/INT/GettingStarted/RecommendedSpecifications/ Thanks for listening. You're the reason I overclock my brain to do a new podcast every Sunday night! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Mihai, who asks "I have a question regarding game art colleges. I've watched Marc Brunet and other artist's videos and they strongly advised us not to attend any colleges as long as our portfolio is as strong as the Industry demands. Would you recommend attending a game art college if I already have a game studio quality portfolio?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/art-degree-vs-art-portfolio/ http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/tag/art/ Thanks for listening. Don't think I didn't notice! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Andrew, who asks "Hello, I’m in 8th grade and I was wondering if USC was a good school to go to for video game design. I have heard good things about it." LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/top-game-design-colleges-universities/ Thanks for listening! Today's quest: Share this podcast with your friends on social media. Thank you! :D To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Robert, who asks "I’m in high school and I was wanting to know how long you have to be in college to become a Lead Game Designer. So I was wondering if you could give me information on this career and the path to take." LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/game-designer-education-requirements/ Thanks for listening, and thank you for spreading the love. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Hy, who asks "I am good in math, I love coding, and I have a strong passion for gaming. So I think being a game programmer fits the best for me. I want to know what are the disadvantages? I found out that programmers have to sit in front of a computer all day, that really scares me. Any advice for me?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/game-developer-health-fitness-strategies/ Thanks for listening! I spent my Sunday evening making this because I know you care. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Blake, who asks "I want to become a game tester, but I am not sure if I have the right qualifications. So I was wondering, are there any special requirements for doing this job? Also, I’m 16 years old. How old do you have to be to get this job, and how much do you get paid for your work?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/tester http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/salary Thanks for listening! You should know, I'm your biggest fan. :) To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Paulo, who asks "In terms of the gaming industry, the topic that matters to me the most is video game localization. I'm a Brazilian translator and I would love to translate games as well. I don't know if you have already written anything about that, but I would love to know more if possible." LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/careers Thanks for listening! You are the wind beneath my wings. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Mihai, who asks "Is it better to be a freelancer or an employee in the game industry? I've read some articles about this but they didn't offer me enough information to actually make a definitive decision." LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/careers Thanks for listening! Let's make this the best year ever. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Ramo, who asks "I am currently an airman in the navy, but when I get out I would like to fulfill my dream of becoming a sound producer for a video game company. I would like to know what schools could I attend, and what people I should I connect with?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/careers http://www.gamesoundcon.com http://www.fullsail.edu Thanks for listening! Everything I do, I do it for you. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Josh J., who asks "I have only recently started learning how to code games, I'm starting with Game Maker Studio. However, I know I'm not ready to put the ideas I have in my head into code yet, I just have not learned enough yet. I am a decent writer however (if I do say so myself). And it's my stories and imagination which I want to put into games most. Is it possible to write the story, plot, script etc. of a game and sell it to studios?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/writer Thanks for listening! You're the best. To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from John Paul, who asks: "I was wondering a few things. 1: Do you get paid more for being at a company, say 10 years versus 2 or 3? And 2: If you work for a bigger company are you more likely to make more? 3: How many years of schooling do you have to go to for most companies to hire you?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/salary Thanks for listening! (Don't tell anyone else, but you're my favorite listener!) To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Gabor G., who asks: "I found a lot of useful information about game testing in this post. And now all I need is a CV or Resume. And that is the part where I need a little help. I have almost no experience in CV writing and I don’t find any useable example or template on the Web." LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/resume Thanks for listening! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Ahkanu, who asks "I've come upon a lot of upsetting articles about the game testing jobs that are out there. They state how badly people get treated at work, are shown low respect, and have their contracts terminated or not extended for unacceptable reasons. How many of these negative views of the business are true, and can you give me an honest answer about the bad side of the life of a game tester?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/tester www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/salary www.glassdoor.com Thanks for listening - you are awesome! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Eziel D., who asks "I had to take a test to get a job as a game tester for one of the famous game developers. Currently I’m waiting for a call for an interview. I want to ask you, what should I do to prepare for the interview call?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/telephone Thanks for listening! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

This week's question is from Joseph F., who asks "I'm a high school student considering a career in game programming or design. I'm trying to learn C++ on my own with no background knowledge of programming and I wondered if you could recommend any tips for learning game-specific coding. My school doesn't offer anything code related until junior or senior year and I'm having trouble knowing where to start. Is there anything in particular I can focus on to start practicing game coding while I'm in high school? BTW, thank you for all of the resources you're providing, they've been super helpful and encouraging. LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.tutorialspoint.com/csharp/ https://unity3d.com http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/make-your-first-video-game-today-using-these-free-tools/ Thanks for listening! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

Today's question is from Matthew, who asks, "I was looking into trying to get a job as a QA tester but all companies require years of previous experience. How do I get experience if no one will hire me unless I have it?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/strategy http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/tester-book http://www.gameartisans.org http://www.polycount.com Thanks for listening! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

Today's question is from Paul N., who asks, "I was working full time for a small game company, but they closed and I was laid off. I've been looking for a new job ever since, but it's been 18 months and it's really starting to take an emotional toll. I'm smart, personable, creative and have numerous credits to my name, yet I always seem to come in second. So my question is, what the heck am I doing wrong?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/jobhunt Thanks for listening! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

Today's question is from Mpho S., who asks, "The main thing I'm worried about when it comes to considering a career in gaming, is wondering what a day to day cycle looks like. What is a typical day as a game developer?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/video-game-industry-work-life-balance/ Thanks for listening! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email. For more information on getting a job in video games, visit: http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

Today's question is from Samantha, who asks, "My husband is studying to become an Art and Animator in the game industry. We live in England, but realistically we would like to move to the US in 3 to 5 years to have better and bigger opportunities. Can you suggest any specific company or organisation in the US which could advise us on how to make this dream come true?" LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/relocate http://www.uscis.gov http://london.embassy.gov Thanks for listening! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email.

Today's question is from Lance, who asks, What does a video game writer do, and how can I start in that career? LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/writer http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/jobs Thanks for listening! To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email.

Today's question is from Mark O., who asks, Which video game job pays the most, and what education is required? LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/salary http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/schools http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/jobs To ask me a question to be answered on this podcast, just leave a comment or send an email.

Today's question is from Shravan, who asks, Is it difficult to get a job at a video game company? LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/careers http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/schools

Today's question is from John, who wants to know, How can I get an internship at a video game development studio? LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/jobs http://www.Gamasutra.com/jobs Thank you so much (yes, you!) for listening.

Today's question is from Arun, who wants to know, Is it possible to do game testing as a part time job while learning programming languages and securing a degree? LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE Land a Job as a Video Game Tester book: http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/tester-book-pdf Thanks for hanging out!

Today's question is from Mark H., who asks "What are the best job websites to post my video game resume or CV?" To ask me anything about getting a job or building your career making video games, find me at www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/search-for-video-game-jobs/ https://orcahq.com http://gamejobhunter.com

Today's question is from Grzegorz N., who wants to know, how can a video game developer stay healthy, while working all day in front of a computer? To ask me anything about getting a job or building your career making video games, find me at www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE Setting up an ergonomic computer workstation: http://ergonomics.ucla.edu/office-ergonomics/4-steps.html Video of me doing parkour :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcg-7KclHeA

Today's question is from Justin, who wants to know how he could change careers and become a professional video game developer instead? To ask me anything about getting a job or building your career making video games, find me at www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE Unity game engine tutorials: http://unity3d.com/learn/tutorials/modules

Today's question is from John, his son is wondering if he should drop out of college and learn to make games on his own? To ask me a question about how you can get a job making games, hit me up at www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/5-legit-reasons-not-to-drop-out-of-college/

Today's question comes from Sabrina M., who’s wondering whether she needs a college degree to become a video game tester? To ask me a question about how you can get a job making games, hit me up at www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE Land a Job as a Video Game Tester book: http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/tester-book-pdf Find jobs: http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/jobs Thanks for listening!

Today's question is from Chris B., who’s wondering whether a computer science degree would be helpful to a video game design career, or in the video game industry in general? To ask me a question about how you can get a job making games, hit me up at www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com For detailed information about game industry salaries, read the article www.gameindustrycareerguide.com /video-game-developer-salary/

Today's question is from Julie, who wants to know whether she should relocate to a different city to look for higher-paying game jobs? To ask me a question about how you can get a job making games, hit me up at www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com For a list of the top "game development hotbed" cities in the USA and the World, check out the article at http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/best-cities-for-video-game-development-jobs/

Today's question is from Dennis, who wants to know what are the all the different job occupations in the video game industry? To ask me a question about how you can get a job making games, hit me up at www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com For more details about the different jobs in the game industry, check out the article series at www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com/quest-for-your-video-game-career/

Today's question is from Gena, who wants to know whether the work life balance in the video game industry is as bad as she's heard it is? To ask me a question about how you can get a job making games, hit me up at www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

Today's question is from Autrey, who wants to know how she can get a job testing video games from home, but also avoid getting ripped off by a game testing scam? To ask me a question about how you can get a job making games, hit me up at www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com

Today's question is from Michael, who wants to be a video game designer/programmer/artist... if that's even possible? To ask me a question about how you can get a job making games, hit me up at www.GameIndustryCareerGuide.com