Do you want to work in the gaming industry?

14 Apr 06

Happy Easter to everyone. E3 is rapidly approaching this year. So is graduation time. People are always talking about how great it would be to work in the gaming industry, but then they turn around and don't do the legwork to get themselves contacts within the industry. I can tell you from experience, that without contacts it's hard to find out about job opportunities in any industry. The web's great, but if you can find that opening so can millions of others.

So am I just whining or offering a solution? Well, there are lots of solutions. Start as a tester is a classic one. I'm sure it works for some people. It's probably not the job you dream about coming out of college though. The specialty schools are probably a better route. I know the Guildhall at SMU up in Dallas has some great guest lecturers. Sure, some schmoozing is involved, but if you don't show your interest, they won't do it for you.

It may be too late for that for some of you. Let's take me for example. If I seriously wanted a job in the gaming industry, here's what I would do. First, I set myself up as a freelance writer. I'd crank out reviews, previews and interviews and submit them to the larger websites. I'd work my way up the food chain until I can get articles published in the 1up/IGN/Gamespot circle. I'd also try to get some stuff in the print media. I know my local paper prints some freelance gaming articles. Of course, the main thrust there would be for the enthusiast magazines.

Once I had established a body of work, I'd hit the next E3. I'd use my contacts here from the site and those I'd make in the media to schedule meetings with the major publishers and developers. Of course, all the output from those meeting could be sold, but that's not the point. It's not hard to dress more professionally than the bulk of E3. You can even do it while remaining comfortable. Looking sharp makes me memorable. Then I make sure I exchange business cards with everyone. After E3, I'd contact each of them both for follow up information and to keep me in their mind. I'd make sure they get copies of my final product.

Now I've got an even larger network of contacts. If time is not critical, I'd write some industry pieces and call all of them for quotes. Hopefully, I'll even be able to get some follow up articles on the games I covered. While publishers coving travel expenses are rare, if I set up enough visits, a west coast trip might not be a total money sink. The articles would help cover the costs, but the important thing would be reinforcing the contacts. I want to make sure they know who I am.

Eventually, I put out the word to all my contacts that I was interested in trying out the other side of the industry. Obviously writing, PR, and advertising would be the prime starting positions. Even if a contact doesn't know of any openings, there's still the chance they'd be willing to be a reference. With a combination of industry and media references, a published body of work and hopefully a few personal recommendations from within companies, I should be able to get some interviews. Then it's just about landing the best of those opportunities.

That seems like a pretty grandiose plan for something I'm not going to do. So what's the point? The point is you. Or at least, some of you. Yes, those very people I was talking about originally who want to get into the industry. I'm not saying mine is a flawless plan, but it could be modified to fit your needs. Oh, and I'm willing to help. Of course, I'm willing to evaluate and publish some of your early work here. Then I'd be happy to put in a good word to other websites if you're trying to submit articles for them. I have a bunch of PR contacts and can help you get in contact with people for previews and interviews. If you have a way to get to E3, I can also help you get press credentials and set up meetings for you. Of course, all this assumes you have some drive and writing talent. If that's you, let me know. Who knows? If I ever change my mind, perhaps you'll be an important industry contact for me.

Jason