Discussion How To Get A Job In The Video Game Industry?

[JeZxLee]

Hi,

I've been making 2-dimensional video games for almost 20 years but can't seem to get a job in the industry?
My resume can be viewed at the below URL link:
http://www.JessePalser.com
http://www.JessePalser.com
My video game design/programming Internet portfolio can be viewed at below URL link:
http://www.16BitSoft.com
http://www.16BitSoft.com
I have three live HTML5/JavaScript video games at the below URL links:
http://www.LettersFall.com (free open-source spelling game)
http://www.OpenTetris.com (free open-source puzzle game)
http://www.OpenTetris.com/files/TAA/HTML5/index.html (GameMaker:Studio made puzzle game)

I know C++ well and have expert knowledge of HTML5.
Every now and again I email my resume and Internet portfolio to game companies only to not receive a response?

I've successfully built two custom 2-dimensional video game engines:
- "GT-R Twin TurboCharged" - C++/SDL2 (P.C. Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 / Linux)
- "Mustang GT 5.0 SuperCharged" - HTML5/JavaScript (desktops/notebooks - Internet browsers)

I am currently unemployed.
I found a great free website with game dev jobs on it: http://www.GamesJobsDirect.com
and frequently look there for jobs and apply but still no phone calls?

What am I doing wrong?
Guess I should try a different profession?
Comments and suggestions are welcome, thank you!

 

[JeZxLee]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply to my post.

The first game I made was back in 1998 (P.C. D.O.S./Windows 95).
Yes, I admit that most of my games focus on Tetris - I just love the game.

My two 2-d game engines are not racing games - they are frameworks to create 2-d games on various platforms.

It's tough to come up with unique ideas for 2-d games.
My best unique game has to be "LettersFall":
http://www.LettersFall.com

Another issue is I am flat broke and can't afford to hire graphic artists or music/sound effect artists.
Puzzle games are best for someone like me because they have little in terms of graphics/sound.

I'll keep trying, thanks!

 

[Yokcos]

I mean, in 20 years you could have learned to skillfully create music and art. In the next 20 years you could learn that!

In the meantime, there are free sources of music, art and sound effects available if you have a sharp eye.

Even without these resources, you can still make a great game that is complex and impressive to people looking to employ you. Take The Greatest Game Ever Made(tm), Dwarf Fortress. Doubtless a game that will live in the annals of history for ages to come, and it uses ASCII art. Sound is no part of its charm. You too can work around your limitations instead of being stumped by them. Thomas Was alone is a game involving a narrator talking about some rectangles. The World's Hardest Game is a game about a square avoiding circles. Undertale's art is atrocious. Minecraft is popular.

So, you could put renewed effort into the concepts of your games and use your limitations to strengthen your games and as a result your entire portfolio. Additionally/alternatively, you can create for yourself a job in the industry. After creating a game of some magnitude, it is now easier than ever to put it in the hands of the public, and to put the public money in your hands. Steam and the various mobile stores are about as inpenetrable as a swollen balloon. Securing a job at some larger company may not be the future you want, and it's still worth considering others.

 

[RangerX]

With what you have here, forget about design jobs. Your have a problem/presentation image here I think. You lack to be believable and to show something really interesting.
What I am wondering now though.... couldn't you apply for programming jobs?? I think you have what it takes to be a programmer right?

 

[studio furukawa]

Choose one area of profession first and highlight that, like others said maybe be it programming. The video game industry is more saturated then ever, so trying to be unique and modern is key.

 

[Matthew]

The most reliable way is to befriend someone who is where you're at (or perform some favors, nudge nudge). The second best way is to actually make an enjoyable game.

 

[frozenwisp]

First off REDO your website here are some free templates below
http://www.free-css.com/free-css-templates

Second stop making the same game I want to see you try create a:
-RPG
-RTS
-Platformer
-stealth
-shooter
-ANY THING ELSE other than a tetris clone
people don't what to hire a guy who can one make one thing especially if they have 20 years of experience. (I would kill for that by the way)
In that time you should of learn to create and animate art assets or create music assets. So please start now there are so many tutorials.
Some of my favorites:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGOJ92rTGadpUha61KrqrLQ
https://www.youtube.com/user/uheartbeast
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8jGg0D_YjLSx38umBcDMMw
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoLblLUQbqjfCAmU13LbwHw
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrFBb3Fas3dTJoUbENeM0JQ

Remember this is just my opinion but you need to some thing really badly.

 

[metateen]

I just sell games on Itch does this count? It better count.