Hey Blu: Where Can I Find Game Industry Opportunities?

I won't mention any names, but I was contacted about opportunities in the industry. Who you know is honestly one of the faster tracks to gain access, but... it isn't the only one. A previous article touched on this... which is more than likely the reason for the message, but... I'll deliver more information here.

One thing I will say is... you don't have to work at an established game studio in order to gain access to the game industry (as mentioned in the previous article). Having the ability to develop games gives you access as an indie developer, but if you want to work for an established company... click here.

Regardless of working for yourself or a company (which is great experience and a resume builder), you will have to do indie in some form so that you can gain experience for that job you desire.

Full courses are available outside of a college classroom, without the debt... including courses for game development using the new Unreal Engine 5 (literally 8 courses for $25, which this sale lasts until May 26, 2022). Learning how to create levels and characters is great, but don't feel left out if you're more so skilled with music, programming, or even making cool voice impressions, these all play a hand in games.

At times it will require you to work a day job while honing your skills, but at least you have a goal... and these skills won't go up in smoke. You have the ability to actually do something with them. Once you get the ball rolling, consider creating a LinkedIn account so that you can rub shoulders with other developers and companies. You will be able to include your work history, skills, and all that good stuff, which can turn heads and possibly get someone's attention. You will also see jobs promoted on this platform also, so... take advantage of every avenue possible when it's go time.

There are also Mod and Indie platforms out there that allow you to collaborate with others, just make sure you get with people you vibe well because it could actually turn into a game studio before you realize it. Ultimately, just avoid wasting your time and you will be fine. If you're a teen reading this, you and do the same things as far as learning and developing your own games, but consult with your parents before taking the step to share or release them so that your ideas are protected.

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Hey Blu: Why is it so hard to get a tech job?

This is a simple question, that requires a not so simple answer. Hmmm... when you apply to a position in fields that may require more skill than flipping a burger at the local shack, the employer seeks more (most of the time).

Nickelodeon's Good Burger

It's not just tech, and actually... flipping burgers requires you to do more than flip burgers. You have to sanitize, prep, maintain quality standards to avoid cross-contamination that may get someone sick, etc. Totally more than meets the eye, so I shouldn't just say flipping burgers. Back when I asked people if they'd like to upsize their combos, I also had to wash dishes, clean fryers, clean bathrooms, the dining area, etc.

I say all that to say... when it comes to some of these positions in tech... you have to be able and willing to do it all for some companies. Not everyone lands the position where they get to do the sole thing that they love, some companies want the jack of all trades... cramming as many positions into one. Sounds good on paper until some employers realize it resulted in a revolving door because it actually takes more than one person to do all those things efficiently.

I say some, because... some employers are still hell-bent on trying to fit a marble into a pinhole, in order to save money. So you have to dig and dig in order to find what you're actually capable of doing. There are many who just shrug as they lie on their resume, and they improvise to remain employed. You don't have to go this route if your reputation matters to you (and many get exposed), but knowing a little about a little... can go a long way when paired with your main skill (the main objective they seek to have accomplished).

At times you have people who focus on hiring who they know... ahead of what that person actually knows. There are tons of unemployed college graduates and many others working in an unrelated field... so the degree doesn't always result in a job either. Unfortunately, some hiring managers also discriminate based on a number of reasons that may include race, weight, disability, gender, age, gender identity, and even attraction or a lack of attraction. So even if the question is simple, the answer isn't as simple.

If it were me... I'd probably work a 9 to 5, and look for local tech enthusiasts that get together for various activities. Based on your tech interests... consider taking that route, or learn about it online if it doesn't require a degree. There are a slew of online communities regarding tech, and if you budget the right way... you can invest in what may ultimately get you in the door thanks to your hands-on experience.

The great thing is... you don't need anything except your know-how to create your own opportunities in tech... and games are the perfect example. Look at all the indie games available (i.e. Shantae 1/2 Genie Hero Ultimate Edition). 

Independent developer, Wayforward, has been around since 1990! So it all depends on the route you want to take, but if you go indie... you still have the route to work for others. You're gaining experience on the indie front... and most of all... you're not just waiting around doing nothing.

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