Ultimate Game Design : Building game worlds

Building Game Worlds
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U L T I M A T E G A M E D E S I G N
TM: What do companies look for in game design candidates?
MW: Mostly, companies look for experience and passion. There’s a lot of “wannabes” out there
trying to get into the industry, and while that’s great—it keeps our industry fresh—the hiring
managers are looking for the people that will give them the most bang for their buck … and that is
someone who’s already got a proven track record of success. And that success means they’ve worked
on a title that’s shipped, they’ve worked on a hit title, they’ve got proof of the quality of the work they
can do, they’ve shown they can work on a team, under pressure, through long hours, and still come
back for more.
TM: How do recruiters assist game developers?
MW: We provide developers with a new resource for finding the best talent out there. Most
companies simply can’t spend all day hunting for talented people. They have to depend on traditional
channels like job listings, shows, job fairs, or word of mouth. As recruiters, we spend all day looking for
people with experience to show to the developers.
TM: What are some do’s and don’ts when approaching recruiters, and how much experience
should you have before contacting a recruiter?
MW: One thing you definitely don’t want to do is hound a recruiter. Most recruiters don’t get
paid unless they place you. So they don’t need you calling or writing each day saying “Anything yet?”,
“Anything yet?”, “Anything yet?”. Asking once a week is enough. But believe me, when a recruiter has
a job for you, they will let you know!
As for how much experience should you have, the more you have the better. If you have less than
two years’ experience, even if you worked on a big kick-ass title, a recruiter won’t be able to place you.
Why? Because two years in this industry is a minimum! There’s lots of people who have been in it far
longer who may also be looking for something new, and when a company looks for experience …
well, you can do the math.
TM: How volatile does the gaming market appear to be with respect to hiring and layoffs?
MW: This is one of the most volatile businesses I could imagine. I talk almost every week to people
who have just been laid off. I’ve been in it close to 15 years and I’ve been laid off twice myself! This
industry is very much a “who’s hot now” kind of business and companies must constantly evaluate and
adjust their positions to stay either on top or at least solvent. There’s nothing guaranteed here, even
with the “big boys.” We are at the whim of fickle consumers, changing economic conditions, changing
technologies, and attempts to run sound business plans against it all. Make no mistake … its the
toughest industry I’ve ever seen.
TM: What advice would you offer to a new game designer in finding work in this area?
MW: First, be prepared to “pay your dues.” Many, many people who are now designers started
in QA as testers. Not everyone, some got lucky, but starting in QA is the surest way. It also has the
benefit of letting you see how things operate first hand. Who knows, in the end a would-be designer
may find it’s a lot more work than they thought and explore something else. Once you’re on the inside,
make friends with people. And not just in QA. Without causing a disruption, talk to the people on the
development teams, ask them what they’re doing. If you have some samples you’ve done, take them
to lunch and ask them to critique your work. But do not impose yourself on anyone who is busy, under
a deadline, or working like mad. This industry is too small to make any enemies. But take your time,
pay your dues, have patience, have confidence, and you’ll make it.