Got game? What the gaming industry looks for in you

For the high school seniors out there, you’ve already come to that point where you can look forward to college. In hope or in dread, we can’t help you there. Alistair Wallis of GameCareerGuide.com could, though. Although addressed to college seniors rather than high school seniors, “What Game Companies Want From Graduates” helps the shiny-faced, wet-ears high school senior, too. After all, you’ve got four years to prep yourself to be the kind of guy that Ubisoft wants, right?

The article features interviews with gaming industry recruitment people from Electronic Arts, Insomniac Games, and THQ, and demands the Read link below. Long story short, however:

• (At least EA) encourages the traditional educational route: the hard work through a regular collegiate degree. “Game schools” are nice, too – although the idea is so new as its impact in the industry is, well, “unclear.” (We can presume that the first batch of graduates from these courses have more than their merits and skills to prove, but their alma maters, too).
• (Hey, just be glad Harvard won’t be on the top of the most wanted list in this department anytime soon – but don’t tell Harvard.)
• The industry loves people with a passion for the industry (duh): make sure this is reflected in your course work (as much as you could) and internships.
• Flexibility is key, Kim – not to mention good interpersonal skills, diligence in the work, creativity and talent (not to mention endurance). But, as Insomniac’s recruitment/staffing chief puts it, they’ve got no “cookie cutter” in their recruitment office (at least for Insomniac). There really is no mold of sorts to fit – it comes back to the passion and the talent, really.
• Individual companies often have individual requirements (depending on shortages of personnel in key areas, key projects in the pipeline, etc.).
• When you finally decide to submit that application, or sit down for that interview: do your research, bring your “A” game. Demonstrate how you can  stand out of the crowd – you know, like making your own games, for example. Well, the PSP, NDS, and XNA homebrew communities down here have that one nailed.

For the high school seniors out there, you’ve already come to that point where you can look forward to college. In hope or in dread, we can’t help you there. Alistair Wallis of GameCareerGuide.com could, though. Although addressed to college seniors rather than high school seniors, “What Game Companies Want From Graduates” helps the shiny-faced, wet-ears high school senior, too. After all, you’ve got four years to prep yourself to be the kind of guy that Ubisoft wants, right?

The article features interviews with gaming industry recruitment people from Electronic Arts, Insomniac Games, and THQ, and demands the Read link below. Long story short, however:

• (At least EA) encourages the traditional educational route: the hard work through a regular collegiate degree. “Game schools” are nice, too – although the idea is so new as its impact in the industry is, well, “unclear.” (We can presume that the first batch of graduates from these courses have more than their merits and skills to prove, but their alma maters, too).
• (Hey, just be glad Harvard won’t be on the top of the most wanted list in this department anytime soon – but don’t tell Harvard.)
• The industry loves people with a passion for the industry (duh): make sure this is reflected in your course work (as much as you could) and internships.
• Flexibility is key, Kim – not to mention good interpersonal skills, diligence in the work, creativity and talent (not to mention endurance). But, as Insomniac’s recruitment/staffing chief puts it, they’ve got no “cookie cutter” in their recruitment office (at least for Insomniac). There really is no mold of sorts to fit – it comes back to the passion and the talent, really.
• Individual companies often have individual requirements (depending on shortages of personnel in key areas, key projects in the pipeline, etc.).
• When you finally decide to submit that application, or sit down for that interview: do your research, bring your “A” game. Demonstrate how you can  stand out of the crowd – you know, like making your own games, for example. Well, the PSP, NDS, and XNA homebrew communities down here have that one nailed.