How to get a good job in video games?

There's a couple of books written by big names in the video game industry that talk about what it's REALLY like to work in the industry, and how to get into it if you're interested. I will say this. I've known a few folks who have worked in the video game industry. They all burned out after a year or so. It's a brutal environment. You are expected to work long hours for no additional pay. You are not allowed to choose your project. After all, for every CoD or Battlefield, there's dozens of My Pretty Prancing Pony type title that these studios pump out to finance their bigger titles. And don't expect the company to care. After all, if someone quits there's dozens more who would kill to get in - like you for instance. Personally, I'd rather keep video games as a hobby, not as my industry. If you are still interested though, be prepared to work hard in school and out of school. You'll need a lot of math and computer skills which you'll get in school. You'll also need to start designing and creating your own games outside of school. There is no replacement for experience. Start with something small, like using a built-in level editor, or Little Big Planet's editor. From there start learning to program so you can start using more complex tools to create actual standalone games. When you get to college, you'll need to learn more about programming, about digital art, animation, and math. Lots of math. Statistics, probability, logic, game theory (no, it's not about how to get high scores in PacMan). All the while, keep designing games. It doesn't matter if the game is a failure. Honestly, being able to say "This is a failure and here's why..." will be a lot more interesting to companies. It's expensive to fail on the job. If you can look at a project and realize it has problems early on, you won't just save the company millions - you might just save the company. Period. At least with a broad, general background, if the video game thing doesn't work out you can still get a job elsewhere in the computer industry.

I guess you want to become a video game tester. First you must have excellent problem solving skills. You must be able to articulate what you did to cause problems in the game. Also, call companies to ask if they hire QA or Quality Assurance directly or through a separate company. Never call yourself a game tester. Now, to pop your fairytale bubble. Being a QA is very difficult, you must play the same level over and over and over. You only get to play one game, and nearing the release date you may have to work 15+ hour days. Generally you will HATE the game you are playing, and don't plan on getting to test Call of Duty quality games until you have gone through 1-3 YEARS of playing things like farmville and childrens games. Edit: Also don't plan on working for the same company for more than one release, unless they are constantly pumping out new games.

Well to get a good video game job, you have to be really good at what you do, and i mean the best. Keep checking major gaming websites such as Capcom, Ubisoft etc, check out their recruitment and see what jobs they are looking for. If you are lucky enough to get an interview be prepared to travel a very far distance, and then a very far distance back home, get a letter and be told no, that is the reality of what will happen. You really have to be the best if you want a good job in video games. But none the less, the more work in the gaming industry you do, the better chance you have. Whether its packing games in warehouses for EA and driving their lorries. Or whether its being a game tester, selling games in a shop or creating small website games for small businesses, the more involved you are, the more likely you will be to hear of a major job opening in Infinity Ward then the guy who lives round the corner working in a restaurant or making burgers for McDonalds. Study hard at college and University, when you are at home make it your hobby to create your own video games, publish them on the web and get noticed. Thats what Notch done, and look where it got him and how old he is now, it can take years, if your lucky only months. Just stick at it. Hell make a game for me and i'll play it and tell you what i think of it.

Check out these articles from G4 gaming website and network. Their packed full of information (including videos) from industry professionals on how to get in the game. Its fun and interesting just as school should be. http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/tag/12334/game-jobs/ http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/716473/how-to-get-a-job-in-video-games-your-career-resource-guide/

Ah it does sound fun :D If your good in visual arts or programming, you can find a job. I think they have trusted video game testers as well... I dunno but I guess those are a few.

cyber cafe

best buy maybe haha

Well to get a good video game job, you have to be really good at what you do, and i mean the best. Keep checking major gaming websites such as Capcom, Ubisoft etc, check out their recruitment and see what jobs they are looking for. If you are lucky enough to get an interview be prepared to travel a very far distance, and then a very far distance back home, get a letter and be told no, that is the reality of what will happen. You really have to be the best if you want a good job in video games. But none the less, the more work in the gaming industry you do, the better chance you have. Whether its packing games in warehouses for EA and driving their lorries. Or whether its being a game tester, selling games in a shop or creating small website games for small businesses, the more involved you are, the more likely you will be to hear of a major job opening in Infinity Ward then the guy who lives round the corner working in a restaurant or making burgers for McDonalds. Study hard at college and University, when you are at home make it your hobby to create your own video games, publish them on the web and get noticed. Thats what Notch done, and look where it got him and how old he is now, it can take years, if your lucky only months. Just stick at it. Hell make a game for me and i'll play it and tell you what i think of it.

I guess you want to become a video game tester. First you must have excellent problem solving skills. You must be able to articulate what you did to cause problems in the game. Also, call companies to ask if they hire QA or Quality Assurance directly or through a separate company. Never call yourself a game tester. Now, to pop your fairytale bubble. Being a QA is very difficult, you must play the same level over and over and over. You only get to play one game, and nearing the release date you may have to work 15+ hour days. Generally you will HATE the game you are playing, and don't plan on getting to test Call of Duty quality games until you have gone through 1-3 YEARS of playing things like farmville and childrens games. Edit: Also don't plan on working for the same company for more than one release, unless they are constantly pumping out new games.