In this series fom ABC, they take an in-depth look at some of the key careers within the Games Industry talking to game developers across Australia. This video shows what it takes to get a job working as a programmer on games.
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If you know anyone affected by the layoffs announced at Krome, please ask them to make contact with the only global games recruiter with an office in Australia, Interactive Selection. You can contact Anne Marie Anetts, MD Asia Pacific, in Canberra on annemarie at interactiveselection dot com or you can contact David Smith in London on jobs at interactiveselection dot com Hannah Crosby, Australian Character Artist with Microsoft Rare, met with Antonia Cullum of Women in Games Jobs at the Develop Conference in Brighton, UK. Her advice on the qualities needed seeking a job in the games industry. “I think persistence; there are sometimes a limited number of roles, especially in character art out there so you might need to be prepared to go into a slightly different role. I started out in environment art even though character art is what I wanted to get into. There are a lot more roles in environment art, so sometimes you need to get into a parallel role or into a similar industry. Basically doing your own work. If you go as an artist and having a portfolio of art you can present that shows you know how to do this stuff and that you’re passionate about it and do it on your own time.” Halfbrick is a growing Australian game development company, established in 2001. They are dedicated to providing a rewarding working experience, building games with innovative gameplay while using quality development practices to make sure that everything is done on time with high production values. Here is a short tour of the Halfbrick studio in Brisbane from 2008. They are developers of quality hand-held titles on the iPhone, DS and PSP. Listen to the staff and managers talk about what it’s like to work there.
Australia Games Jobs is the professional group for all working in the video games industry in Australia or all interested in moving to work in games in Australia. This is a forum to exchange ideas, help and advice on current topics and trends in jobs and careers within Australia. If you are a member of LinkedIn, you can now get together with over 500 others who share the same interests. Please link through to http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2827468 . Start a discussion, share news! Just join the group and start networking. Good luck. Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria, is set around the shores of Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay and boasts a lively and cosmopolitan pulse, with chic boutiques, buzzing cafes and bars, immaculate gardens and festivals and popular sporting events. The city sits on the Yarra River, about five kilometres from the bay. One glance at a map and it’s obvious Melbourne is a planned city: a tidy, balanced grid of neatly angled streets. But beneath this sense of restraint lies a restless creative energy. Discover the work of talented local artists, architects and designers in stylish fashion boutiques, buzzing laneway cafes, hidden galleries and trendy bars. Melbourne is a city of style and sophistication, with an inviting cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is a melting pot of cultures reflected in its microcosm of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. Melbourne’s dining offers a dizzying spread of great cuisines, serving meals from the substantial and classic to the truly exotic. From locally designed originals to the best of international fashion brands you’ll be spoilt for choice in Melbourne’s shopping precincts. Explore the inner city shopping centres and the city’s myriad of arcades and laneways. The CBD is made up of many precincts – enclaves with their own distinct flavour and charm. Some are just a lane or two, while others cover a suburb or a busy CBD street. Spend time experiencing the richness of Melbourne’s different cultures from the Greek Quarter around Lonsdale Street, Italian in Lygon street, Vietnamese in Victoria Street to the Chinese culture in Chinatown and the upmarket Paris End of Collins Street. Leave time to admire the elegant Victorian-era streetscapes, take in a film or food festival and add a visit to one of the many galleries and opulent theatres. Krome Studios is a client of Interactive Selection. Please send your CV through to jobs@interactiveselection.com if you are interested in the latest jobs from Krome. Austalian Gamer took a short tour of the Sega Creative Assembly studio in Brisbane, Australia. Developers of Medieval II: Total War and the Kingdoms expansion, General Manager George Fidler also talks about their next project on the next gen consoles.
1. ALWAYS REGISTER WITH AT LEAST ONE AGENCY You cannot know of all the vacancies that exist in the marketplace. It is our job to know. We don’t promise to know every one, but we do know of 95% and more importantly, we know exactly who to get your resume or CV to. Don’t assume that all resumes or CV’s sent to a company find their way to the right person’s desk. 2. SELECT YOUR AGENCY CAREFULLY Who has given you a good service in the past? Which agencies have a good reputation and which ones have appalling reputations? Ask around. Study testimonials on site like LinkedIn. 3. BEWARE REGISTERING WITH MULTIPLE AGENCIES Candidates good at their jobs need only work with one agency (to help organise interviews for them). Candidates only average at their job should register with different agencies in different areas of expertise – they will need more help. Do NOT register with as many agencies as possible. Some companies reject resumes or CVs if received from more than one agency because they do not want to risk disputes with different agencies. Also individual recruitment consultants value the trust of exclusive relationships and will not spend as much time on candidates that they know have registered with multiple agencies. 4. PUT TOGETHER A PROFESSIONAL RESUME OR CV Speed isn’t everything in finding your next job. Even top artists can design adisappointing resume or CV. Get your agency to advise you on your resume or CV. They are probably writing resumes or CVs every day of the week and they know what makes a good one. You may only do it once every few years. 5. THINK ABOUT YOUR JOB HUNTING STRATEGY Think about what you realistically want from your next job. Apply for jobs that you stand a chance of getting! A senior artist job in one company may be just as prestigious and well paid as a lead artist in another company. Be flexible about the location that you want to work in. Don’t rule out relocating for the right job. This is expected more and more. 6. COMMUNICATE YOUR STRATEGY TO YOUR AGENT AND MAKE SURE THEY FOLLOW IT Discuss your strategy with your agent to make sure it is realistic. If it is, don’t let your agent send your resume or CV just anywhere. It may damage your credibility and could cost you your existing job! 7. KEEP A RECORD OF WHERE YOUR RESUME OR CV HAS BEEN SENT By all means allow your agent a free hand in selecting companies for you – only if you want your agent to have this freedom. Remember that you will get a bad reputation in the marketplace (as well as the agent) if you resume or CV goes to a company that already knows you or which you subsequently have to disappoint. 8. TALK REGULARLY WITH YOUR AGENT A good agent will always find time to talk to you. If they cannot take the call immediately, they should at least be able to return your call. The best agents are extremely busy and do not have the time for everyday chats, but they should be able to take a call every 2 weeks or so. Beware of agents that never return phone calls! 9. DONT TOLERATE POOR STANDARDS FROM A BAD AGENT! Find a good agent and develop the relationship with him or her. If you hit a serious problem, you can terminate your relationship with an agent at any time, provided that you let them know of this, preferably in writing. You are the principal and they are working for you! Most agents are professional and doing their best. But don’t tolerate bad practice or sloppy behavior. Your reputation within the marketplace is at stake. 10. DON’T PANIC! The economic climate is not good but it is improving slowly. There IS demand for game professionals provided you show a little flexibility in salary and location. Your time will come, so stay calm. A good agent will not stop working for you. You have someone looking after your interests. Work together and in 6 months time you will be wondering what all the fuss was about! |
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Krome Studios, Australia’s largest independent developer, have just announced the closure of their studio in Adelaide and cuts in their studios in Melbourne and Brisbane. Interactive Selection are looking to fill over 200 roles in game development around the globe. Most (but not all) jobs are listed directly at 
