Dear Developers: 9 Ways To Get Into The Game Industry

Getting into the game industry as a beginner can be challenging, but there are several ways to increase your chances of success. Here are nine of the best ways to get started in the game industry:

1. Get involved in game development communities: Joining game development communities such as forums and Discord communities can help you connect with other developers and learn from their experiences. 

No one said you had to work for an established company, some Indie devs came into the industry... via their first title.

2. Create a portfolio: Building a portfolio of your own game projects is essential to showcase your skills to potential employers. 

This can come by way of your contributions to a project... if it's not a game you developed on your own. Even if you haven't worked on a game yet, you can still showcase your skills via your art, sound effects, voice acting + more!

3. Attend game development events: Attending game development events such as game jams, hackathons, and conferences can help you network with other developers and learn new skills. 

If you attend such events, be prepared so you have business cards, notepads, or anything else for networking and gathering new information. If you walk out with nothing more than memories of the event, you just may have wasted your time.

4. Learn the necessary skills: Building games requires a variety of skills such as programming, art, and design. Learning these skills through online courses, tutorials, and books can help you build a strong foundation. 

No college required.

5. Participate in game development contests: Participating in game development contests such as game jams and hackathons can help you build your skills and gain exposure. 

This is similar to number 3, but... gather any information that will benefit you in the journey. Going and forgetting vital information would... suck... royally.

6. Apply for internships: Interning at a game development studio can provide you with valuable experience and contacts in the industry. 

This one could be tricky to even obtain but always remember... Google search is your friend!

7. Build relationships with industry professionals: Building relationships with industry professionals such as game developers, publishers, and journalists can help you learn about the industry and potentially lead to job opportunities. 

At times, it's who you know but... it might be easier to meet them in a non-business setting. Building a relationship on the outside could help you get access just as quick or even quicker than being on the inside because if they're around you and know that you're skilled... they'd be more enthusiastic to want to help a friend. Professionally doesn't hurt either, especially if that person lives by the rule of not working or living with friends to avoid ruining their friendship, but... they could give you an alley-oop into another studio.

8. Seek out mentorship: Finding a mentor in the game industry can provide you with guidance and advice on how to succeed in the industry. 

The earlier you find a mentor for yourself or your child (15 to 24) the better. The older a person gets, the less people want to help them. Don't miss this boat, there are mentorship programs out there, do a Google search for local mentorship programs in the game industry. Also, check with your local government to see if they have any programs funded by the city that help youth with such a thing.

9. Be persistent: Getting into the game industry can take time and persistence. Keep practicing, building your skills, and pursuing opportunities until you achieve your goals. 

Always keep in mind, to protect your ideas. Just like you're looking for opportunities, there are people also looking for new concepts to make money from, and... if your idea isn't protected consider it snagged. It's uncool, but some consider it... business (and don't be surprised if some of those people are a part of bigger studios).

Lastly, while in pursuit of your career, never stop chipping away at an indie project. Just because you don't have a job yet, doesn't mean you can't create one for yourself if your own project hits the mark. You can start this as early as today because game dev projects don't have an age requirement, but I do encourage parents to ensure things are... kosher if your child has a team developing a game with the desire of releasing it on the market.

Sophima | Guest Contributor

                                      + BLU 

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Potential Developers: How long are you going to wait to start?

There are individuals out there like yourself with aspirations of becoming a game developer, taking dreams and making them a reality, but... procrastination is dominating the clock. I'm going to keep it real with you, how in the hell are you going to make a dream come true if you don't start doing the work to make it a reality?

Every morning, ask yourself... "What am I waiting for?". It's an honest question, especially if you have spare time. Spare time is grind time. Spare time gives you the grind time to make your dreams of game development a full-time reality.

I know that some of you might be curious with a side of doubt right now... but don't worry, I'll explain.

I could say it's simple, but I won't say it's extremely difficult. It all boils down to the route you choose to take. There's no-code software out there that gives you the ability to create games utilizing the capabilities of a game engine, and some engines allow you to create original artwork within the software. You'd be surprised of the various things you can do with certain game engines by way of your creativity and effort. You aren't stuck with the same game engine either, but take advantage of any engine you become familiar with because it's another pathway to creating games. Not saying you need all game engines, but if you find one that works great for you, don't utilize it for just one game and then move on. Game engines are a tool, and if you have various ideas that you're able to bring to life with that engine... do your thing.

If it's a simple engine to get the ball rolling, nothing wrong with that. If you're thinking, "I wouldn't even know how to get started with a game engine", no worries... there are so many affordable courses out there for game engines. So... learn it up!

As you continue to grow and gain the ability to do more, you'd be taking another step from spare time to full-time. When you get to the point where you're hiring team members to cover various positions, you're on your way... and I wish you the best. The links you see in this article can help you get started... even if you grab some with a plan to get started at a certain time (when you make better sense of your schedule).

I have to say this in terms of your schedule, be honest. If you find yourself binge-watching TV shows, ask yourself how much of that time is taking away from your dreams or contributing to them? Consider giving yourself at least an hour of learning 4 to 5 days per week. I wouldn't say just go all in if this is your spare time and it's limited, even if it's more on the unlimited side... you need a schedule for structure. 

If you have to work, and you have an hour to spare... it's worth it. If you like to watch TV and Film, use it to your advantage. While watching your favorite shows and films, look at how stories are laid out, look at angles, pace, music... and all that good stuff. You can help your endeavors via one of your favorite pastimes. So with all this said, take a look at the links you see here... see what you think (because research is of great importance) and... go ask yourself, "What am I waiting for?".

When you ask yourself this question, please do not think about your race, age, sex, or anything else that has nothing to do with development becoming a possibility. It simply requires your effort to make it happen, don't let nonsensical excuses get in your way. You can use your race, age, sex, and overall experience to develop different stories, but roadblocks... heck no. Hop on your PC and get started. 

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Dear Developer: Is your User Interface... functional?

I'm not going after any particular developer in this article (although I could) but... I want to talk about the UI in games.

Short for User Interface... its "the means by which the user and a computer system interact, in particular the use of input devices and software." - Oxford Dictionary

For the life of me, I don't understand why some User Interfaces are so... freaking... complicated. One thing that continues to hold true for me and many... many... many many many many many people that I know, is that we don't care for complicated UI.

It goes a bit further than this though, because many things can initially be or appear to be a complicated process... until you learn them. That said, complicated UI should always come with a full blown tutorial that keeps it so simple... a child can do it (or at least the least technically savvy person in the room).

Even if i'm able to play a certain game or use a certain program and find it easier to navigate the UI, it doesn't mean that applies to everyone and it should be important to all software developers (not just game devs) because the skill levels of your customers will always vary. This is just a fact.

It drives me nuts when I can't navigate a UI and there is nothing available to truly explain what does what.

The more complicate the UI is with little to no "Step by Step Instructions" to utilize each aspect of the interface... the more likely someone will walk away from that particular software and any other software you release on the market. Even if future software is simpler or provides full instruction... you don't always get a second chance.

There are software developers who even have the nerve to sell instruction guides for their software, instead of including a simple guide. I can see if its more advanced techniques and things of that nature, but... every owner of your software should know how to use it.


Think of the results that follow an easy-to-use interface:

• Great software builds confidence in the customer.

• A customer who enjoys your software will likely recommend it to others.

• If the customer is able to utilize the software and get their full use of it, the chances of buying new software goes up (if they can afford it and find a use for the upgrade).

Just think about how crucial the UI is when it comes to utilizing the software. It can be the coolest software on earth, but if you can't use it... it's just a waste. Think about it.

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Save it Phil, the Unreal Engine 5 was revealed on the Playstation 5!

Press play... and then hear me out afterward.

Following this tech demo, Phil Spencer chimed in with the Duh of the Day... by saying (via Twitter),

Incredible work by the team at Epic, many of our XGS studios are using Unreal, like the team at Ninja Theory creating Hellblade II, and are excited to bring these UE5 innovations to life on Xbox Series X.

Yeah... ummm, no offense but... screw the tweet, even if it's true... they weren't the ones showing the tech demo. They weren't even showcasing full-on gameplay in the "First Look Xbox Series X Gameplay" video, so... it's fair to say that Phil can save it. This doesn't mean the Xbox Series X won't be good, but I don't want to hear it when they had the chance to kill it with a superstar first impression. Even if I can't give the props directly to Sony, the Unreal Engine 5 Reveal was on the Playstation 5 and... more than a few people will remember that.

To hell with a tweet Phil, your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to kill it... not follow up with tweets to Playstation 5 videos saying that we can do that too.

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Violent Video Games Linked To Increased Physical, Aggressive Behavior In Children?

Okay ladies and gentlemen, its time to get a bit... deep (but we've been here before)! My responses are highlighted in gray. - Blu

Provided by Austin, TX Based - Clinical Forensic Psychologist Dr. John Huber

Do video games make children more prone to violence? An analysis of numerous studies by researchers at Dartmouth University found that children who play violent video games show an increased tendency toward physical, aggressive behavior.

Previous research has shown that children who play violent video games are more likely to exhibit physical aggression, but a vocal minority disputes these findings. Researchers conducted a thorough meta-analysis of 24 studies from locations around the world from 2010 to 2017, with more than 17,000 participants ages nine to 19 years old. 

My argument has never changed on this subject... and my questions remain the same. Some of you remember my argument from over 10 years ago (yes over 10 years ago). Why are some PARENTS buying their children video games that aren't for their age group? Seriously, why? It doesn't matter what they want or how bad they want it... you can't buy your elementary school kid Call of Duty, Resident Evil, Grand Theft Auto, and a number of other Mature games... only to complain and blame games and their developers. Check out the shirts below.

No Ma'am & no Sir(!)... doesn't work like that. Do you know what personal responsibility is? If you don't know... let me spell it out: Personal responsibility is when a person is held accountable for their own actions. The ESRB ratings are on the games for a reason. Has yet to stop some parents from buying certain games for their kids only to have some of the up yay hours of the morning online swearing and sometimes swatting other gamers. Video games are not forced into anyone's home against their will for their kids to partake in, neither are violent movies, neither is music with explicit lyrics, neither are adult movies, neither are guns and a number of other things. What about making sure your kids can't access certain content online (including violent videos posted on Youtube)?

https://www.ESRB.org

Speaking of guns... do you lock them away or tell your children that they're hands off?

What about adult movies and tv shows that cross the line of what's appropriate for an underaged audience? The rabbit hole goes deep folks. I'm not saying that some video games have content that can assist in grooming a child's aggression and interest in violence. My question is... why provide an impressionable child such games? There are tons of games they can indulge in that don't involve headshots, and beating digital people to a bloody pulp, but are you willing to provide them with that?

If your child is already in the deep in, seek help. If your child is swimming in that direction... seek help. If your child has yet to even partake in games... make a choice to be the adult and keep the game purchases... age appropriate. While you're at it... do the same for other forms of content. The game industry can't raise our children. My daughter's name is Clementine, after the Walking Dead's Clementine... but she's just a baby... she has never seen me play such a game or watch the show (I'm cognizant).

Every child won't turn out violent or more aggressive from games (I'm living proof) but keep it age appropriate just in case. If you also game, consider stashing your games and playing when they aren't around. There are a slew of kids who outfox their parents and other family at times... so I can't say its always preventable, but the effort helps.

Q&A

Q. What are your thoughts about this study and do you agree that video games can cause people to become physically aggressive?

A. Yes... it's definitely possible, just like other forms of entertainment (i.e. MMA) could possibly cause people to become physically aggressive. There are people who don't play video games, but they like to put their hands on other kids, teens, and adults.

Q. Do you think a person who plays a lot of video games has a “disease”?

A. Again... it's possible, but some people become obsessed with their favorite pass time. If someone just loves video games and its a way to escape, I wouldn't call it a disease. There are some kids who have to move from area to area based on a parents job, kinda hard to make friends... so they game online to enjoy a slice of social life. This also includes adults. There are tons of adults that work so much that social life is non-existent, especially if they have to move around a lot for their job. Sometimes that friends list is the only group of friends a person may have... so what may seem like a disease may be their only social life.

There are people who forget to bathe, eat and take care of themselves to the point that their health is affected. There are people who go nuts if they can't play a game daily. I'd see that as a potential disease, but for others... no, there are circumstances outside of a love for gaming that nabbed any chance of a solid social life.

Q. Do you think that video games can actually have a positive impact on a person’s mental health?

A. Absolutely. Video games not only help with hand-eye coordination for many gamers but look at the games that challenge players to... think. There are games that challenge your memory in some areas, while others focus exclusively on brain building. I can't give this credit to all games... but it's safe to give it to most games.

Q. If the US embraces The World Health Organization’s decision on video games does that mean that drugs will be able to be prescribed in an attempt to treat or cure the disease?

A. I don't know. I don't know if that would be a good thing or a bad thing. I guess they can help some people with a deeper problem that involves obsession, but I don't think the meds will help everyone. It's a great excuse to pump out more meds, but let's be honest... there are a lot of meds that have screwed up a lot of people. Look at the commercials, some mention a solution during 10% of the commercial... while the other 90% of the freaking commercial focuses on the side effects... which sometimes include death. At times the problem can worsen too.

I can't remember how many times I've seen a commercial showcasing a new medication... and the persons at the beach or doing something fun... and then... a year or two later there's a lawyer seeking clients who fell victim to said medication (i.e. "If you or one of your loved ones used... blah blah blah... you may qualify for a settlement").

Thanks for the questions... and if anything I hope my responses make a positive impact.

Check out the full story at the link below

https://www.studyfinds.org/violent-video-games-linked-physical-aggressive-behavior-children/

What are your thoughts about this topic? Email your responses to SdgtEnt@SdgtStudio.com

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Dear Developers: Game Reviews

To opt-in or out of consumer game reviews... that is the question.

EPIC's game store is a place where developers (or publishers I should say) can decide whether gamers can review their titles or not. To opt-in or opt-out... is a great question to juggle.

There could be a benefit in opting out... because of the gamers that rate games based on their ability to play them well. A game's potential can be affected by something that's incredibly unfair, and I totally get that... but opting out can also delay potential sales until platforms like SDGT Entertainment and others provide reviews for gamers that rely on us.

That brings up the benefit of opting in. Reviews can increase the sales of a game if they're positive. I've seen games lacking major advertising... do well with quarterly unit sales and I feel it's because of the positive reviews. I won't say that a good trailer can't sell a game initially... or even the title art, but reviews play their part and can shift sales up.

I think that if Epic made a review system that asked specific questions about likes and dislikes, gamers can get down to the bottom of the yays & nays. This can result in a scoring system that's not the norm. I'm not part of the company so I won't be serving up any ideas on how that can be done... but it can be done to make both sides happy.

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