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Denver, 11:11 PM
Fri Dec 11
54 posts in the last 24 hours
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11/12/09
PLEASE GOD MAKE IT HAPPEN ONCE MORE! :( #tnawrestling
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08/07/09
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08/07/09
I have a degree in Software Engineering, another degree in Computer Games Production but no official experience, I live in the UK and the Smackdown team is in Agoura Hills, California (though I would move in a heart beat).
Any suggestions people? Or has anyone with a similar story, chased down their dream job and nailed it?
08/07/09
08/07/09
08/07/09
That being said, don't lose hope if you can't get the exact job you want when you want it. You may have to shotgun that resume around a little and take a job with another studio that feels you are a better fit at the time. Just be sure to take something that will help your resume for when you apply to THQ again a few years down the line.
Also, be sure to put together a resume and cover letter that lays out *why* you are interested in THQ and what experience you have that would make you valuable to them. Have friends and family proofread it. Make sure it is 100% mistake free, in clear english, and expresses coherent thoughts.
If you do get a phone screen, be prepared. Do your homework on the studios, past games, people involved.
And since you are foreign, look into what it would require for you to obtain a work visa. Have those answers already done *FOR* them so that they don't have to do any legwork. And be absolutely sure that you *can* obtain those visas before you even submit a resume. If it is difficult for them they will be much more likely to look elsewhere...
Lastly, think about a way to relocate yourself without having to hit them up for cash to get moved. I wouldn't suggest this for *ANY* job unless it is something you *REALLY* want to do, but this sounds like this case. Again it comes down to making things easy for them. Unless they randomly fall in love with your voice or accent, being hit up for an extra $5k to move some brit out to Cali could be a dealbreaker. Heck, you might want to try to make it sound like you're moving to LA anyway, and since you're out there you'd love to work for them.
08/07/09
But I did it, and I met people there who opened the doors I needed. I chased my dream through testing to scripting to finally programming. Do what you need to do, but networking can be a better skill than programming when you're getting started. Or switching jobs.
Like an artist who has to work on a demo reel, use your skills to mod games, or make small games that test out mechanics. Anything you can bring to the table will make your resume better. And, be sure to show your willingness to get the visa to come down here (to the States) and work. Smackdown will be around for a while. You've got some time to make yourself what they are looking for.
08/07/09
It's weird being called foreign lol.
My worst fear is coming off like a crazy person who has stalked them forever.
I have unbelievable product knowledge, my last two university projects were a year long dissertation entitled "The Definitive Approach To A Wrestling Game Story Mode" and a job application/mock interview for a position in the Smackdown team as a Creative Manager.
I trained to be a wrestler for a little while just to get extra incite for the games, I came 7th in a WWE Fantasy Season game that spanned 3 months and had 1000's of people. (product knowledge that you can't teach) I have played every wrestling game made in the last 20 years and I know why the ratings are slipping and exactly how to reverse that.
I have hundreds of design idea's and notes written out, all based on wrestling games and I'm not talking about little notes. These are more often than not several pages long with reasons as to why they would work, what design issues developers would run into, what other aspects of the game they will improve, how they can be advanced in the future and which critiques would love/hate the idea's.
Some of the concepts I have shared/debated about on forums then a year or two later, I have seen them appear in the game and they have always been the praised aspects of reviews. (more than likely, pure coincidence, though some times it's eery while other times frustrating because it's like the developers didn't quite nail it).
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That's my other fear, coming off like I know better than the people who have been doing it for years (even though sometimes it seems that way). I am not like that, it's just I really, really, really want the job.
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@Malthius: It sounds like you got your way there dude, well done.
Believe me, I am more than willing to start at the bottom and work my way up but the trouble for me is, even though I have a degree in software engineering - programming is not something I am great at. I am the creative guy that comes up with idea's, designs the document, manages the project making sure everything goes right, picks the flaws and knows how to patch it. There are a million people out there that can program better than me and another million that can draw better (I can trace lol) - all with more experience than me.
I just know that the job for me is Creative Manager in the Smackdown team, it's like I was made for it. If they have a Jr role, I haven't found it but I would be more than happy with assistant, tester, etc. (providing I can pay the bills with that)
(just reading this back to myself I sound like an ass)
08/07/09
Scary as hell!
But thanks to all for the advice, you really do never know until you try. Worst case scenario, I can ask for pointers on how to get the job.
08/07/09
I can't make any guarantees, but I can make sure it gets to the right people.
08/11/09
Thank you, I have sent the resume and I eagerly await any response.
Thanks again.
08/07/09
Best movie ever?
08/07/09
08/07/09