Task 1-Research
A) Three Jobs In Your Area:
For my chosen career path is to be a games designer and to do Uni and choose a game design course. However, I might still and find some sort of game apprenticeships.
Search for one area in the media industry - Video Games
Post information and career opportunities in THREE potential job roles:
Video game careers:
Gaming is a very popular hobby across the globe. The Market intelligence company Newzoo have reported that there are as many as 37.3 million people in the UK that play games. Therefore choosing a Job in the gaming industry is a perfect choice for my self especially becoming an increasingly popular career choice, with many technical and creative roles available for those who have a passion for gaming. There are many potential job roles in the gaming industry however, there are three which has caught my attention.
Potential job role one: Game Artist
As a game artist, your role is to create concepts of art, storyboards and designs for packaging and marketing materials. You're expected to master specialist software packages and tools such as ZBrush, Maya, Photshop, 3DS Max, Substance Painter and Mudbox.
Types of work:
In larger game companies in particular, you may specialise and work on a specific area of art such as:
Roles may not have such clear boundaries in smaller (independent, or "indie") companies, and you may get involved in other elements of the game creation process such as design or development (programming).
2D artists are sometimes known as "concept artists" and their sketches can help 3D artists to picture what the game could look like.
Jobs are available across the UK, but the highest concentrations of game companies are in London, Manchester, Guildford and Aldershot, Slough, Heathrow, Cambridge, Bristol, Sheffield, Glasgow and Liverpool. The majority of game companies in the UK are micro businesses, with only a handful of employees. Larger companies will employ more staff, so the proportion of roles available in particular area will depend on both the number and size of companies.
Responsibilities:
As a game artist, specific duties and responsibilities will depend upon the size of the company and the nature of the role. These however, may be broader and less clearly defined in a smaller company.
Here is what you need as a game artist:
Salary:
Starting salaries for game artists are typically between £18,000 and £25,000.
More experienced and senior artists can earn between £30,000 and £40,000.
Lead artists can earn higher salaries ranging from £40,000 to in excess of £60,000.
These salaries wont the actual one as it can vary depending upon the type of company you work for, including it's location and size. Salaries are often negotiable, depending on your experience.
Most companies will offer additional benefits such as health insurance, gym membership, profit-sharing schemes, bonuses and extended holidays.
Working hour:
Working hours are usually 35 to 40 hours per week between 9am and 5pm, but flexible working may be possible. You may also need to work early mornings, evenings and weekends at busier times, particularly as deadlines approach.
The majority of game artists are employed on a full-time basis. Some positions will be on a fixed-term or contract basis and you may be able to work as a freelancer once you have experience.
Qualifications:
You don't need a degree, foundation degree or HND to become a game artist, as most employers will judge candidates based on their experience and portfolio. However, many individuals entering the industry will have a relevant degree in a subject such as games art and computer games modelling.
Work experience:
There's strong competition for entry-level game artist roles, and getting relevant work experience can help you to stand out. It's an opportunity to build up your much-needed portfolio and strengthen your CV. Companies will want to see that you've done more that just complete your degree.
Looking out for opportunities to take part in such as game jams, where you collaborate with others (such as developers) to create a game within a short space of time. Sites such as itch.io and Indie Game Jams list upcoming game jams.
Even creating a game in your own time will be looked upon favourably by employers as this shows your motivation and enthusiasm to keep working on your skills. You could team up with someone who has the required coding skills.
As well as responding to advertised work experience opportunities, you could increase your chances by applying speculatively to companies of interest when no role is advertised.
Professional development:
Training is typically on the job and you'll receive guidance from more experienced colleagues, and may have the chance to shadow them. There is often in-house training available in relevant software packages, for example, which may be peer-to-peer.
Mudbox:
Potential job role two: Game Designer
As a Games Designer, your role is to come up with original ideas for games and overseeing the creative process. This could be across a number a number of platforms, including mobile, console and VR/ AR. Game design requires a mix of technical and creative skills to develop and test your creations as you may need to work with a range of programming languages and software package's including C#, C++ and Python.
Responsibilities:
As a game designer, you'll work on a design that you've conceived yourself or from a pre-approved idea, such as a game based upon a film.
What you'll need to for your role as a game designer:
Salary:
Qualifications:
As a games designer, you do not need a degree or HND to become one as many employers are interested in your experience and games knowledge. However, the majority of game designers do have a degree and useful subjects include:
Look for job vacancies at:
C) FIND CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR CURRENT SECTOR
For my chosen career path is to be a games designer and to do Uni and choose a game design course. However, I might still and find some sort of game apprenticeships.
Search for one area in the media industry - Video Games
Post information and career opportunities in THREE potential job roles:
Video game careers:
Gaming is a very popular hobby across the globe. The Market intelligence company Newzoo have reported that there are as many as 37.3 million people in the UK that play games. Therefore choosing a Job in the gaming industry is a perfect choice for my self especially becoming an increasingly popular career choice, with many technical and creative roles available for those who have a passion for gaming. There are many potential job roles in the gaming industry however, there are three which has caught my attention.
Potential job role one: Game Artist
As a game artist, your role is to create concepts of art, storyboards and designs for packaging and marketing materials. You're expected to master specialist software packages and tools such as ZBrush, Maya, Photshop, 3DS Max, Substance Painter and Mudbox.Types of work:
In larger game companies in particular, you may specialise and work on a specific area of art such as:
- Character
- Texture
- Environment
- Lighting
- Specific assets, such as vehicles or weapons.
Roles may not have such clear boundaries in smaller (independent, or "indie") companies, and you may get involved in other elements of the game creation process such as design or development (programming).
2D artists are sometimes known as "concept artists" and their sketches can help 3D artists to picture what the game could look like.
Jobs are available across the UK, but the highest concentrations of game companies are in London, Manchester, Guildford and Aldershot, Slough, Heathrow, Cambridge, Bristol, Sheffield, Glasgow and Liverpool. The majority of game companies in the UK are micro businesses, with only a handful of employees. Larger companies will employ more staff, so the proportion of roles available in particular area will depend on both the number and size of companies.
Responsibilities:
As a game artist, specific duties and responsibilities will depend upon the size of the company and the nature of the role. These however, may be broader and less clearly defined in a smaller company.
Here is what you need as a game artist:
- Create high-quality artwork for a game, such as the texture, characters, environment or certain assets.
- Ensure artwork follows the agreed project style.
- Work collaboratively with other game artists, as well as members of the wider team, such as designers, developers, animators, quality assurance testers, and those involved in management and marketing.
- Take on board implement feedback from the art lead by making appropriate changes to the artwork you've produced.
- Report progress to your manager/ lead artist on a regular basis.
- Work to deadlines to help the team to produce the game efficiently and in line with the required schedule.
- Keep your skill set up to date and learn about new software as and when required.
Salary:
Starting salaries for game artists are typically between £18,000 and £25,000.
More experienced and senior artists can earn between £30,000 and £40,000.
Lead artists can earn higher salaries ranging from £40,000 to in excess of £60,000.
These salaries wont the actual one as it can vary depending upon the type of company you work for, including it's location and size. Salaries are often negotiable, depending on your experience.
Most companies will offer additional benefits such as health insurance, gym membership, profit-sharing schemes, bonuses and extended holidays.
Working hour:
Working hours are usually 35 to 40 hours per week between 9am and 5pm, but flexible working may be possible. You may also need to work early mornings, evenings and weekends at busier times, particularly as deadlines approach.
The majority of game artists are employed on a full-time basis. Some positions will be on a fixed-term or contract basis and you may be able to work as a freelancer once you have experience.
Qualifications:
You don't need a degree, foundation degree or HND to become a game artist, as most employers will judge candidates based on their experience and portfolio. However, many individuals entering the industry will have a relevant degree in a subject such as games art and computer games modelling.
Work experience:
There's strong competition for entry-level game artist roles, and getting relevant work experience can help you to stand out. It's an opportunity to build up your much-needed portfolio and strengthen your CV. Companies will want to see that you've done more that just complete your degree.
Looking out for opportunities to take part in such as game jams, where you collaborate with others (such as developers) to create a game within a short space of time. Sites such as itch.io and Indie Game Jams list upcoming game jams.
Even creating a game in your own time will be looked upon favourably by employers as this shows your motivation and enthusiasm to keep working on your skills. You could team up with someone who has the required coding skills.
As well as responding to advertised work experience opportunities, you could increase your chances by applying speculatively to companies of interest when no role is advertised.
Professional development:
Training is typically on the job and you'll receive guidance from more experienced colleagues, and may have the chance to shadow them. There is often in-house training available in relevant software packages, for example, which may be peer-to-peer.
ZBrush:
Maya:
Photoshop:
3DS Max:
Mudbox:
Potential job role two: Game Designer
As a Games Designer, your role is to come up with original ideas for games and overseeing the creative process. This could be across a number a number of platforms, including mobile, console and VR/ AR. Game design requires a mix of technical and creative skills to develop and test your creations as you may need to work with a range of programming languages and software package's including C#, C++ and Python.
Responsibilities:
As a game designer, you'll work on a design that you've conceived yourself or from a pre-approved idea, such as a game based upon a film.
What you'll need to for your role as a game designer:
- use your creativity to design games for a range of devices and platforms that engage and capture the imagination of the user.
- consider, plan and detail every element of a new game including the setting, rules, story flow, props, vehicles, character interface and modes of play.
- put together a concept document and use this to convince the development team that the game is worth proceeding with.
- conduct market research to understand what your target audience wants.
- transform a rough idea into a detailed concept and then implement it.
- write scripts and design storyboards.
- work collaboratively with others, including games developers, artists and programmers, to produce a prototype - a small-scale playable version of the game.
- make adjustments to the game design specifications to reflect developments as the project moves forward.
- train quality assurance (QA) testers to play the game so they can test it properly.
- lead on the user experience (UX) design of the game, ensuring players have the best experience.
- work alone or within a larger team overseen by a lead designer.
Salary:
- Salaries for entry-level positions, such as a junior/intern, typically range from £17,000 to £18,000. Salaries for quality assurance (QA) tester roles, another common way into games design, are approximately £18,000 to £22,000.
- Level designers can expect to earn in the region of £20,000 to £35,000.
- The average salary for a game designer is £30,000, although you can earn up to £45,000. As a senior game designer you could earn up to £65,000.
There are benefits, especially with the larger companies, can be very generous. These can include relocation packages, access to game rooms, fitness/ gym membership, private healthcare and store discounts.
Working hours:
As a games designer, you'll typically work between 30 and 40 hours per week on average. Flexible working hours may be available. You'll also may need to work weekends and evenings as deadlines approach.
The majority of game designer are employed full time, with a small number being self employed or working part time.
Qualifications:
As a games designer, you do not need a degree or HND to become one as many employers are interested in your experience and games knowledge. However, the majority of game designers do have a degree and useful subjects include:
- Computer games art
- Computer games design
- Computer games development
- Computer games technology
- Computer science
- Interactive media
- Mathematics.
Entry to game design is commonly either through a
junior/intern games designer position or following promotion from a quality
assurance (QA) testing role. QA positions involve testing applications and
games in order to locate and report issues across different hardware platforms.
They provide good experience in how the company operates and how a game is
made.
It's important you build an online portfolio of your
projects and any work you've completed to showcase your games design skills and
experience.
You'll also need to be up to date with current trends within
gaming across all platforms and enjoy playing games as well as making them.
It's possible to get into the industry through completing a
higher apprenticeship, which allows you to earn as you learn through on-the-job
learning. A good website for apprenticeships is called NextGen Skills Academy which shows a list of apprenticeships which offers a range of short courses in areas such as game design.
Work experience:
Becoming a games designer is very competitive and it's essential that you get relevant work experience. Employers typically expect games designer to have at least two years' work experience within the industry. Ideally, this experience should be with both free to play and premium or AAA games across a range of platforms.
One way of building up experience is to participate in game
jams. The aim of these game jams is for groups of people to collaborate to
plan, design and create a game in a short space of time, usually over one or
two days. It's an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills, obtain
evidence to put in your portfolio and network with others. You can find game
jams listed on sites such as itch.io and Indie Game Jams.
You could try applying for an internship or placement with a
games company during or after your degree studies. Games design internship
opportunities are occasionally advertised, but applications for these are
fierce. Grads in Games runs annual challenges Rising Star and Search for a
Star, with prizes including an internship or possibly an interview with a top
games company.
However you do it, the best experience is to actually design
your own game, by putting together the storyboard, prototype and demo. You can
then place this on your online portfolio. It's important for prospective
employers to be able to try out your work, so ensure the demo can be downloaded
or, at the very least, make sure video footage of the game in action is
available.
Professional development:
When first starting out you'll receive support from more
experienced colleagues, including the opportunity to work shadow them in their
role. As you get more experience, you'll usually be responsible for managing
your own professional development.
As the games design industry is fast-moving, it's essential
that you stay ahead of the game by keeping your technical skills and knowledge
up to date. This can be done through in-house training, completing short
courses and developing your own bank of skills through self study. Attending
events and networking can form an important part of your professional development.
Potential job role three: Game developer/ Game programmer
As a game developer/ programmer, you're responsible for taking the ideas of the designers and writing the code required to build a playable game. It's vital that you're able to understand and follow instructions to bring the creative vision to life. You'll typically work in a team headed by a lead programmer. A knowledge of game programming languages and specialisation in a particular platform, such as PC, mobile or consoles, would aid your progression. You could focus on an area of programming such as AI, audio, controls and interface, game physics or 3D engine development.
Potential job role three: Game developer/ Game programmer
As a game developer/ programmer, you're responsible for taking the ideas of the designers and writing the code required to build a playable game. It's vital that you're able to understand and follow instructions to bring the creative vision to life. You'll typically work in a team headed by a lead programmer. A knowledge of game programming languages and specialisation in a particular platform, such as PC, mobile or consoles, would aid your progression. You could focus on an area of programming such as AI, audio, controls and interface, game physics or 3D engine development.
Working in games development, you'll be involved in the
creation and production of games for personal computers, games consoles,
social/online games, arcade games, tablets, mobile phones and other handheld
devices.
With a large games company, you may focus on a particular
area of programming such as network, engine, graphic, toolchain and artificial
intelligence. With a smaller independent 'indie' game producer, there's often
much less of a distinction between the role of developer and designer, and your
job may incorporate both programming and design.
The making of a game from concept to finished product can
take years and involve teams of professionals. There are several stages,
including creating and designing a game's look and how it plays, animating
characters and objects, creating audio, programming, localisation, testing,
editing and producing.
Responsibilities:
As a game developer, you'll need to:
- design, develop and deliver systems and high quality code using programming languages, such as C++ and C#
perform code reviews to ensure code quality- refactor code to improve the design of existing code
- quality test coding in a systematic and thorough way to find problems or bugs and record precisely where the problem was discovered
- debug programs and solve complex technical problems that occur within the game's production
- collaborate with games development team members to meet the needs of a project
- work closely with designers, artists and other staff involved in the design process in order to create a quality product to schedule
- perform effectively under pressure and meet deadlines to ensure a game is completed on time.
Depending on the role you may also:
- develop designs or initial concept designs for games including game play
- generate game scripts and storyboards
- create the visual aspects of the game at the concept stage
- use 2D or 3D modelling and animation software, such as Maya, at the production stage
- produce the audio features of the game, such as character voices, music and sound effects.
In a more senior position, you might:
- have responsibility for technical strategy and execution of projects from concept to market
- plan resources and manage both the development team and the process.
Salary:
- Typical starting salaries are around £19,000 to £25,000.
- Once you have a few years' experience, you may earn a salary of £35,000 to £50,000.
- One you're in a senior position, such as team leader or technical director, your salary can range from £55,000 to in excess of £75,000.
Salaries vary depending on your specialism, as well as on
the type of company you work for, its size and location. Some companies offer
bonuses or a profit-sharing scheme.
Working hours:
Developers often work a 40-hour week, although the role
offers some flexibility and you won't necessarily work 9am to 5pm. You may have
to work extra hours when deadlines approach. On these occasions you could work
over the weekend and into evenings.
Qualification:
Although you can become a games developer with any degree
subject, employers often look for a degree, HND or foundation degree in:
- computer games (development or design)
- computer games programming
- computer science
- games technology
- mathematics
- physics
- software engineering.
If your work includes design as well as development, a
degree in a subject such as animation, interactive media, games design and art
or graphic design may be useful. The Independent Games Developers' Association
(TIGA) accredits a number of games courses at both undergraduate and
postgraduate level.
Entry without a degree, HND or foundation degree is
sometimes possible, particularly if you have relevant experience, although most
people who work in games are graduates.
An alternative route into games development is as a quality
assurance technician or tester. Although you don't need to have an HND or
degree for this role, some programming experience is desirable, as well as
extensive experience of game playing, an understanding of different styles, and
platforms and database skills.
Although having a postgraduate qualification isn't essential
it might be useful, especially if your first degree or HND doesn't involve a
games specialism element.
With the increasing popularity of games and advances in
technology, the industry offers a range of opportunities, but competition is
intense at all levels and you'll need to demonstrate a high level of commitment
and achievement.
Work experience:
It's essential that you create a working demo with examples
of game programming you've created to show employers your technical skills and
creativity. The ability to code in programming languages such as C++, scripting
experience and knowledge of specific software tools are also useful skills. For
design roles, you should also have a portfolio of your artistic work.
Relevant work experience gained, for example, through an
industrial placement during your degree, is also valuable and may help you to
network and build contacts.
A strong interest in games and a knowledge of the industry
is vital. Get involved in online forums to increase your knowledge of current
industry hot topics and read games development magazines.
Professional development:
You'll typically begin at a junior level and will train on
the job under the supervision of a more experienced lead developer. Some companies
develop their own software, specific to their needs and much of the training
for this is done in-house.
As the games development industry is fast-moving, with
changing technology, software packages and working methods, you must be willing
to manage your own learning, teach yourself new skills and keep up to date with
technological developments.
It's also possible to study at postgraduate level to develop
your skills in a specialist area of games development. Courses in subjects such
as games programming, software development and game engineering are available.
B) Progression opportunities:
Games artist:
B) Progression opportunities:
Games artist:
For freelance opportunities as a Games Artist, there are allot of ways and websites you can do to become a freelancer your self. An example of a website for being a freelance is a website called Fiver where people post examples of their previous work that they've managed to produce and what they can offer to producing your work for a business or anything. You set yourself a price tag and also have an eye catching description to get more attention from people and to produce the right work what they wanted. This is a good start to help produce work for people for money.
Games designer:
For a freelance opportunities as a Games Designer, Freelance game designers at the very top of their field can earn around thirty pounds an hour. Typically, a freelance programmer will earn the most. One of the biggest drawbacks being there is no job security. You may have work for a month or two and then suddenly nothing. Many people can find this hard, especially when they have bills to pay regularly but no regular income. Aside from this factor freelancing is a tough business to be in. It’s a common thought that freelancers will spend more time looking for work than actually doing work. This isn’t so true once you’ve been doing it for a while and built up a client list but starting up can be very tricky.
Probably the best way to getting consistent work, is to gain contacts by networking. Go to parties, industry meet ups (GameDev, Meetup.com, E3 Expo etc.), let family and friends know you are freelancing create a LinkedIn account and visit groups and advertise yourself on online forums by being an active member.
A big part in knowing how to become a freelance game designer is to understand quotes and contracts. When discussing a contract with a client make sure you are very professional, do what you say you can/will do and present yourself in a clear manner. Make sure they know what they are paying for. There are generally two ways to offer your work; in a pay per asset (i.e. a sound effect/3D model/cut-scene etc.) or a pay per time (i.e. a week/month/year). For larger scale games it may be preferable to work on a per-month or per-project basis as opposed to per asset. This is because it will then not be about trying to create as many assets as possible in a short space of time but rather it’ll be about producing your best quality work.
Games developer:
For a freelance opportunities as a Games Developer, you need to be able to show your client what you can do. The first thing to do is to build your portfolio with all the games that you've made. If you have none, then it's time to start making one. And remember to publish your game even if you think it's not beautiful.
If you want to work as a freelancer, you need to build your network. This is one of the most important investments that you can do in your life. Go to events, meetings, co-working and to whatever event that can help you create a good network of contacts.
If want to work as a freelance game developer, it’s better that you start to manage your time as best as you can because time is money. The more you’re able to manage your time, the more money you can make.
There are basically three ways to find clients. The first is to meet them at some events. The
second is to contact some recruiters, you can find a lot of them on LinkedIn or around the web. Recruiters will look for companies that need profiles with your skills and abilities.
Another way is to use websites like Monster Jobs or indeed to find companies that are looking for a contractor. Furthermore, once you’ve loaded your cv in one of those platforms, there is a high probability that you’ll be discovered again by some other companies/recruiters in the future.
You can use other platforms like Upwork to find a lot of jobs. You can be hired directly through the platform, but usually the work is underpaid, so I suggest this platform only for beginners that don’t have a lot of experience.
If you’re working with a specific platform like “Unity” for example,, you can use the community forum to find clients or collaborations.
The first thing to find out is how much money to ask per one day of work. The daily price depend on your experience and the place where you live. Let’s say that for example that your average rate is 200£ per day. When a client ask you to develop a project, the first thing to do is to estimate the amount of days needed to complete the job and based on this you’ll have an idea on how much to ask. I usually add on top of that costs of the taxes.
Working as a freelance game developer is not easy at the beginning, but with a little bit of effort and patience you’ll be able to find what you need and start to work as a freelancer.
Possible business opportunity:
How to start a video game company:
In this link it provides all of the information on how to begin a business for you self in a game company. It will cover everything such as, planning your business, the costs involved in opening a video game company, ongoing expenses, target market, how to make money, charging customers, profit, name and ect....
Employment opportunity:
Most employers are small independent games studios. However, there are also opportunities available with a number of multinational games producers based in the UK. The UK also hosts the European headquarters for several overseas games companies, which opens up opportunities to work abroad as well as in the UK.
Although self-employment and freelance roles are rare, with experience you may be able to work as a game design consultant.
Games are now also being widely used across a diverse range of industries including healthcare, fitness and education. This means that there may also be opportunities with:
- advertising firms
- broadcasting companies
- computing and electronics organisations
- creative agencies
- education providers and education resource suppliers
- esports associations
- event organisers
- hardware and software distributors
- PR, communications and marketing firms
- software developers
- trade and retail organisations.
- Gamasutra
- Gamesindustry.biz
- Grads in Games Jobs
- TIGA
Student membership of Ukie (UK Interactive Entertainment) provides access to paid placements and internships as well as CV advice, industry guides, careers advice and industry news.
Most employers will welcome and encourage speculative applications. See Ukie - Our Members for a list of 400 games-related organisations, including game companies as well as those who sell games or provide services or support to the UK games industry.
A small number of specialist employment agencies advertise games roles, including:
- Aardvark Swift
- Amiqus
- Datascope
Higher Education options:
There are allot of choices to choose from for University's and allot of them are very good ones for Games designer. I found a link where it lists the Top 5 Universities in the UK for Games Designers.
C) FIND CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR CURRENT SECTORI've found a very good Job that I've even applied for where you're a game tester. This helps with volunteering, full time and even casual if I want to participate in a specific project to test the game, give feedback ect. This is a good way to give me a better understanding on what us people want in specific games and also what people have managed to produce as their fully finished game that needs to be checked and tested to see if anything else needs to be added before it goes up in the shelf to the public. This would give me ideas on what I could produce for my very own game and what I could improve on my own game when making it my self. As of now game tester is a solid starting point for me when it comes to becoming a games designer or even a programmer if I change my mind.
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