Week 3 - Requirements needed in the games Industry

If you want to work for a games company you need to know what is required in order to qualify and even stand a chance to get the job. Most of the time if you don't meet at least 1 requirement then you probably will not get the job unless you are able to show them some amazing work that is good enough for there company. For this week I am going to look at some of the companies that have made some of my favorite games and see what they say is needed to stand a chance for there job.


Epic Games in Poland - Texture Artist

I have chosen Epic Games for a type of job role that they have to apply for. This company worked on one of my favorite games on the Xbox 360, Gears of War. I loved this game when it was first released in Europe in 2007. They cover quite a lot of technical qualities that you need in order to apply for this job. I mean if you are good at texturing then this sort of job would be a good choice but you need to be good at texturing all types of models from character models to environments. 

Treyarch - Senior Environment Artist

This is another company that produces one of my favorite games of all time. I am a big fan of FPS games so Call of Duty has got to be my favorite game.

We are looking for a top-tier Senior Environment Artist to join our studio. We desire someone who has honed their craft to a razor-sharp edge and is dedicated to high quality production values. The ideal candidate will also be a dedicated team player and be flexible to the day-to-day needs of the project. 

Home to some of the industry's best and brightest talent, Treyarch is an industry-leading game developer whose Call of Duty: Black Ops II set world-wide launch day records, and whose previous game Call of Duty®: Black Ops set an entertainment launch opening record upon its release in 2010 and continues to be one of the best-selling games of all time.

What you'll be doing:  

• Model and texture realistic, modular, hard-surface and organic set pieces and props for a diverse set of environments using cutting-edge art tools.

• Create realistic materials using physically-based shaders for use on architecture and terrain.

• Proactively work with level layout designers to deliver on gameplay functionality while achieving aesthetic goals.

• Work from photo reference, style sheets, and concept during the art creation process.

• Engage in active research and development that takes environment art to a higher level of fidelity and technical prowess. 

• Adhere to the aesthetic and technical standards set by the Art Directors and Environment Lead.

• Mentor junior artists to develop their artistic, technical, and communication skills.

The skills/experience you'll need:

• Master level experience creating a diverse range of photorealistic set pieces, props, textures, and materials that push the limits of game development hardware.

• Master level experience using Zbrush, and Autodesk 3D packages to create high resolution models for baking down to game-ready assets.

• Master level experience creating clean and efficient models with proper UV layouts.

• Master level experience using Adobe Photoshop to create photorealistic textures based on concepts and/or photo reference.

• A deep understanding of physically-based shaders and the ability to achieve the desired surface qualities across a variety of environment assets.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in full-cycle AAA game development.

• Two or more published games in a Senior Environment Artist role.

• A portfolio demonstrating the ability to execute a diverse range of environments including hard surface props, weathered architecture, destruction, and organic assets.

• Work well in a large team environment, be proactive, and have excellent communication skills.

• Skilled at time management and balancing art quality versus performance in the game engine.

• A passion for making great games

And you'll really get our attention if you have:

• Experience creating next generation game foliage using traditional 3D methods or procedural 3D packages.

• Experience using NDO, DDO, Substance Designer and 3D painting packages to paint models.

• Experience assembling and lighting environments in Radiant, Unreal, or a similar level editor.

• Research and develop experience for next generation game development.

As you can see from the massive list of requirements this sort of company is one of those companies at the top of the charts and is doing really well in the market with there games, especially the recent Call of Duty games which made so much profit. You have to be professional at nearly everything in order to work for this company.

Infinity Ward - Game Designer/World Builder

This will be the same sort of thing as Treyarch where you will only get this sort of job if you are really good at everything to do with making games and have the work to prove it on your portfolio which is as good as there work from models from Call of Duty.

Company Overview: 
Infinity Ward, Inc. is the award winning developer of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Since its inception, the studio has consistently produced blockbuster hits and critically-acclaimed titles, including Call of Duty, Call of Duty 2 and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, helping to make the Call of Duty series the #1 first person action franchise in the world.

We are fiercely dedicated to creating the best games on the market, and strive not only to exceed the standard in game development, but define it. An incredibly talented team, an exciting work environment, and competitive compensation await those who are interested in creating cutting edge games. For more information on the studio, visit: www.infinityward.com.

Job Description:
Do you want to be a Single-Player or Multiplayer Designer on some of the best selling and most critically acclaimed shooters of all time?
Infinity Ward wants to talk to you if you fit this description:
• You are a master of building beautiful levels and environments with a critical eye towards first-person shooter gameplay scenarios.
• You are extremely proficient with 3D modeling either in proprietary tools (Radiant, UnRealEd etc.) and/or commercial 3d packages.
• You can show us phenomenal screenshots for full 3D levels for an existing title or personal 
 project. 

 Requirements:
Demonstrable experience that will blow our minds: we are very selective, but it's worth it if you make the cut.
• Strong game design skills: must be able to intelligently discuss the strengths of weaknesses of recent games. Must be able to list techniques used to make fun FPS combat.
• Serious long term passion for First Person Shooters, Console or PC.
• Ability to collaborate with your team to create and refine gameplay mechanics.
• Prioritize well and meet deadlines.
• Communicate progress with the lead designer well and frequently.
 
Pluses:
• Drawing/art skills
• Programming experience
• Professional full time industry experience
How do I apply?
Show us a portfolio of polished, playable 3D levels (and screenshots of them), with an explanation of what substantial role you had in completing them. This is the best possible way to get hired.
Bonus points for a complete single-player level. A portfolio like this is something you can build up whether or not you have ever worked in the industry, and to us, is the strongest indicator of skill and passion for the job.
And if I don't have a relevant portfolio but want to create one?
Our tools are available for download. You can create levels for your Infinity Ward application using the most relevant tools available.
We're looking for the "wow" factor; game design that will blow our minds. Make a level that will knock our socks off. It's a challenge, but it's worth it if it means you get a job here.

We look for both scripting and level design skills (if you are stronger in one skill set than the other, make your maps shine in that area.) Show us your best work. Specifically, we look for:
• Dramatic single-player mission design ability
• The skills and judgment to implement your design using CoD4's level scripts and Radiant
• Composition skills
• Detailing skills
• Realistic scale and feel
• Technical ability with the COD4 tools 

The pluses at the bottom are a bonus to you if you have experience in some or all of the points they mention. If you have then you stand a good chance of being able to work for this company plus the requirements they want.