Can't get into the industry? Become the Industry
Howdy Day! For some context, this is my first blog post and I am still figuring out WIX as I go along.
This post, is to highlight how difficult it is to get into the industry without going into why. Use the quick links below to jump to different sections.
What's the issue?
Regardless of background, whether it be you are designer like me, an artist, a composer, or pretty much anything else, a lot of new graduates face the same issue:
"Do you have 2+ years of industry experience for what was typically an entry level role?"
No, I don't. I have experience but it is within university, or within my personal projects.
What's the Industry's Solution?
I have seen a dozen or so positions for internships within the video game industry. I am not knocking that these work and are great, especially at AAA studios that look good on a CV.
These internships of course are competitive which is fine, however, from what I have found they are located in places where rent and overall monthly living is a little higher.
"Surely they pay you enough to make ends meet." I hear you say. Some do, some are generous. However, some places (typically outside of the U.K.) don't pay you claiming experience is the payment, others pay just enough for you to pay your rent if you were to move there but don't account for food, utilities, etc.
What's My Solution?
I've thought about ways around this issue. Below are some options I came up with:
Get lucky that somebody takes a chance on me and gives me a good paying position
Work full time as an intern and get a part time job to help support myself
Continue working on my portfolio and try to work in industries I can get into, such as hospitality.
Promote myself as a freelancer.
I decided to do all of these while also doing something big. I realised I wasn't the only one in this position. A lot of those graduating alongside me were in the same place as me.
What's Happening?
Well although it is optimistic with the current state of the video games industry, myself a number of those graduating alongside me have decided to go into business together.
It is still in the very early days and we are going through a lot of the legalities of setting up a business, but we are hopeful. We have a good game idea, and we are a skilled enough team to complete our vision.
What is Cool About Us?
I can't speak much on our game idea, due to I.P protection and all of that, however I can say that we will be streaming development, setting up podcast-like talks where we can answer questions from potential players.
On the business side of things, we are looking at setting up as a co-operative. No unfairness, just a bunch of new grads trying to become the industry.
Final Words
I appreciate the time you have taken to get to this point, keep up to date with me and my blog to learn more about the upcoming game and company I am involved in, as well as getting my views on Video Game Accessibility and Inclusion.
Have a good morning, and in case I don't see you, have a good afternoon, good evening, and good night.
Ben L. K Galloway | Accessibility and Inclusive Design
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