Post by leunas on Feb 27, 2007 4:14:07 GMT -5
There's a few gaming jobs to go around, but how can a fresh-faced n00b find a spot? Here's a roundup of the best positions in the industry that require the least experience.
Maybe it's a byproduct of the nomadic ways of a game journalist, but I've always had a wandering eye trained on new jobs opening in the gaming industry. While I'm perfectly content in my position here at Games.Net--though if that job at the Cheeto factory opens up, I'm out--I can't help but pay attention to the new jobs popping up and the requirements necessary to acquire them. For those of you who have a smattering of skills but are a few years away from the Lead Producer position, here's a roundup of some prestigious yet reachable positions. A quick note--just about every gaming job of note is located in either Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York. Sorry Midwest:
New York- Video and Computer Game Content Raters (ESRB)
For those of you that don't mind working for "the man", the ESRB position seems to be as good an entry-level position as possible. The posting touts freelance hours, which means you won't have to give up your job and start buying ramen to get your foot in the door. According to the listing "Experience with children is preferred. Prior experience playing games is not required and training will be provided." Basically, they want clueless parents. Let's get some knowledgeable people in there before every game with a gun receives an M-rating.
Los Angeles- Quality Assurance Technician (Capcom)
Normally, I'd steer clear of recommending a QA job--as testing is easily the least glamorizing gaming job that doesn't require a nametag, but there are a few factors that make this one seem a little more amenable. It's for Capcom, who've been a vital part of the gaming industry for years; and it's in the mobile gaming department, where I'd assume things are a little more chill. I mean, these things aren't being put in a box anywhere. As for requirements, one is listed as "Experience with the Windows environment and software." Basically, if you're reading this on a PC, you're qualified. Check it out, and make me a mobile Final Fight!
San Francisco- Reviews Intern (1up.com)
Normally, an intern is also a pretty unglamorous position, but in the gaming media, it's gained quite a bit of prominence. Essentially, an intern is as close as you can get to a full-time job without actually having one nowadays. You get the duties of a freelancer with the valuable face-time with real important peeps. While the call for applicants ends tonight, putting together the required samples shouldn't be too tough if you've got a strong opinion on the gaming industry. And heck, even if that one passes you by, have I mentioned that Games.Net is in need of freelancers and an intern--both paid? Drop me a line on why you think you'd be prime for a particular position--the latter is SF-only--and whip together a snark-filled sample blog post as proof of your potency. But seriously, if I find you writing an article about other jobs, you're freakin' fired.
www.games.net/blog/22853/get-off-your-@$$-and-get-a-gaming-job-loser?&AFC-HSUIT&ATTR=DIGG
Maybe it's a byproduct of the nomadic ways of a game journalist, but I've always had a wandering eye trained on new jobs opening in the gaming industry. While I'm perfectly content in my position here at Games.Net--though if that job at the Cheeto factory opens up, I'm out--I can't help but pay attention to the new jobs popping up and the requirements necessary to acquire them. For those of you who have a smattering of skills but are a few years away from the Lead Producer position, here's a roundup of some prestigious yet reachable positions. A quick note--just about every gaming job of note is located in either Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York. Sorry Midwest:
New York- Video and Computer Game Content Raters (ESRB)
For those of you that don't mind working for "the man", the ESRB position seems to be as good an entry-level position as possible. The posting touts freelance hours, which means you won't have to give up your job and start buying ramen to get your foot in the door. According to the listing "Experience with children is preferred. Prior experience playing games is not required and training will be provided." Basically, they want clueless parents. Let's get some knowledgeable people in there before every game with a gun receives an M-rating.
Los Angeles- Quality Assurance Technician (Capcom)
Normally, I'd steer clear of recommending a QA job--as testing is easily the least glamorizing gaming job that doesn't require a nametag, but there are a few factors that make this one seem a little more amenable. It's for Capcom, who've been a vital part of the gaming industry for years; and it's in the mobile gaming department, where I'd assume things are a little more chill. I mean, these things aren't being put in a box anywhere. As for requirements, one is listed as "Experience with the Windows environment and software." Basically, if you're reading this on a PC, you're qualified. Check it out, and make me a mobile Final Fight!
San Francisco- Reviews Intern (1up.com)
Normally, an intern is also a pretty unglamorous position, but in the gaming media, it's gained quite a bit of prominence. Essentially, an intern is as close as you can get to a full-time job without actually having one nowadays. You get the duties of a freelancer with the valuable face-time with real important peeps. While the call for applicants ends tonight, putting together the required samples shouldn't be too tough if you've got a strong opinion on the gaming industry. And heck, even if that one passes you by, have I mentioned that Games.Net is in need of freelancers and an intern--both paid? Drop me a line on why you think you'd be prime for a particular position--the latter is SF-only--and whip together a snark-filled sample blog post as proof of your potency. But seriously, if I find you writing an article about other jobs, you're freakin' fired.
www.games.net/blog/22853/get-off-your-@$$-and-get-a-gaming-job-loser?&AFC-HSUIT&ATTR=DIGG