3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Agree with everything Chinyere wrote.
I'll add to it a little bit.
When you're looking to get "in" as far as game development, you're probably going to have less choice than when you've got a bit of experience.
Check out Glassdoor.com and read reviews of studios.
It's very accurate from my experience.
That can tell you volumes about how you might be treated at a specific studio.
"Crunch" is becoming a naughty word nowadays. And with the entrance of unionized studios I don't know that it will even be a thing much longer.
Crunch usually is because the powers that be have scoped the project wrong (overpromised in a small time frame) and then they expect the people at the studio to basically pay for their disorganization.
That used to be fairly commonplace, but as game dev has evolved there's a lot less of that.
You'll also be able to see if crunch is a thing on Glassdoor.
Game development can be amazing, and it can be miserable. It really does depend on the studio. I've been on both ends and in between.
When you start out, do your research, try to pick a good studio (or handful) and see if you can get in. If you love it... stay. If you're miserable... look elsewhere there's LOADS of studios out there.
Good luck!
I'll add to it a little bit.
When you're looking to get "in" as far as game development, you're probably going to have less choice than when you've got a bit of experience.
Check out Glassdoor.com and read reviews of studios.
It's very accurate from my experience.
That can tell you volumes about how you might be treated at a specific studio.
"Crunch" is becoming a naughty word nowadays. And with the entrance of unionized studios I don't know that it will even be a thing much longer.
Crunch usually is because the powers that be have scoped the project wrong (overpromised in a small time frame) and then they expect the people at the studio to basically pay for their disorganization.
That used to be fairly commonplace, but as game dev has evolved there's a lot less of that.
You'll also be able to see if crunch is a thing on Glassdoor.
Game development can be amazing, and it can be miserable. It really does depend on the studio. I've been on both ends and in between.
When you start out, do your research, try to pick a good studio (or handful) and see if you can get in. If you love it... stay. If you're miserable... look elsewhere there's LOADS of studios out there.
Good luck!
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Rey,
Great question! In video game development or design, the work environment can vary depending on the company, but here are some general aspects to expect:
1. Collaborative teams: Game development is highly team-oriented. You’ll work closely with programmers, artists, sound designers, writers, and producers. Good communication and teamwork are key, as everyone’s contributions come together to create the final game.
2. Creative atmosphere: Game studios often encourage creativity and innovation. You'll be brainstorming ideas, designing mechanics, or solving problems, all in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
3. Long hours and deadlines: There can be periods of "crunch time" leading up to a game release or major milestone, where long hours and overtime may be expected. Some studios are better at managing this than others, but it's a reality of the industry.
4. Flexible and remote work: Many studios now offer flexible schedules or remote work options, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This depends on the company’s policies, but it's becoming more common.
5. Learning and growth: The gaming industry evolves rapidly, so staying up to date with new tools, technologies, and trends is part of the job. Game designers often have opportunities to experiment with new ideas or work on different types of games.
Overall, it’s an exciting but sometimes demanding field, where passion for games can drive a fulfilling career.
Best wishes!
Great question! In video game development or design, the work environment can vary depending on the company, but here are some general aspects to expect:
1. Collaborative teams: Game development is highly team-oriented. You’ll work closely with programmers, artists, sound designers, writers, and producers. Good communication and teamwork are key, as everyone’s contributions come together to create the final game.
2. Creative atmosphere: Game studios often encourage creativity and innovation. You'll be brainstorming ideas, designing mechanics, or solving problems, all in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
3. Long hours and deadlines: There can be periods of "crunch time" leading up to a game release or major milestone, where long hours and overtime may be expected. Some studios are better at managing this than others, but it's a reality of the industry.
4. Flexible and remote work: Many studios now offer flexible schedules or remote work options, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This depends on the company’s policies, but it's becoming more common.
5. Learning and growth: The gaming industry evolves rapidly, so staying up to date with new tools, technologies, and trends is part of the job. Game designers often have opportunities to experiment with new ideas or work on different types of games.
Overall, it’s an exciting but sometimes demanding field, where passion for games can drive a fulfilling career.
Best wishes!
ok then! thank you so much!
Rey
Of course!
Chinyere Okafor
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Hi Rey,
No matter how much schooling you do, when you come into the game industry, prepare to keep learning. The industry is always evolving so you will be learning new techniques, new technology, and new ways to work more efficiently.
Best thing you can do now is to start learning how to make games. Start learning a game engine like Unreal, Godot, or Unity and look online for free course/tutorials for each engine. You can teach yourself how to make a simple game in no time. Yes, it will seem hard at first (and it is), but it's very rewarding when you see your own game up on the screen. Start small.... a simple 2D game with a square moving across the screen. That's an accomplishment and celebrate it. Then, keep building on it and trying new things.
No matter how much schooling you do, when you come into the game industry, prepare to keep learning. The industry is always evolving so you will be learning new techniques, new technology, and new ways to work more efficiently.
Best thing you can do now is to start learning how to make games. Start learning a game engine like Unreal, Godot, or Unity and look online for free course/tutorials for each engine. You can teach yourself how to make a simple game in no time. Yes, it will seem hard at first (and it is), but it's very rewarding when you see your own game up on the screen. Start small.... a simple 2D game with a square moving across the screen. That's an accomplishment and celebrate it. Then, keep building on it and trying new things.