Breaking Into The Games Industry Discussed

Thanks to GameZone.com for their interview with Marc Saltzman discussing his book, Game Creation and Careers: Insider Secrets from Industry Experts. The book includes interviews with many leading creators, plus design docs from Chris Taylor of Dungeon Siege/Total Annihilation notoriety, as well as "..everything from how to protect your game idea, how to sell it, getting a job at a development studio or publishing company, setting up your own development house, working with headhunters and agents, doing it yourself by selling games online (shareware, etc.), proper game testing, marketing, public relations and key organizations, conventions, Web sites and schools." He also tries to address the paradox stumping many wannabe game professionals: "..how do you get experience when no one will hire you without any?"

Comments

Simple answer

[DumbWhiteGuy777]

"He also tries to address the paradox stumping many wannabe game professionals: "..how do you get experience when no one will hire you without any?" "


Who needs experience when you can just tell them your slashdot karma?

Why?

[saden1]

Why do so many people have such a grand view of what life is like a game developer. Life as a professional game developer sucks. It is long hours and pay low compared to the rest of the IT industry. And don't forget about the whole sale firing/hiring that is going on in the gaming industry.

Stick to Mod development where there is no pressure and spend your week days working for company X developing business applications.

Re:Why?

[2megs]

Why would you want to spend half your waking hours doing something you don't love? Personally, I think having the opportunity to devote 60+ hours a week to game development more than makes up for the low pay. :)

But no, it's not for everyone.