How to get into the games industry – networking

We’ve got a Reddit thread for this, whith lots of conversation happening.

For this ongoing event, I plan on illustrating a number of ways that you can get started in the gaming industry, regardless of your background. You don’t need to be a rock star programmer or have a degree in fine art to begin. Fortunately, the internet has more than enough resources to get you off the ground, and I am to highlight some of the best ones out there.

In part 1 of this series, we explored the importance of creating an online portfolio, which is great for getting exposure and showcasing your work. Now that you’ve got that done, it’s time to start networking and introducing people to your portfolio.

There’s lots of conversation going on at Reddit for part 1 of this series and you can find the first video here.

I also wrote a blog post about how I got started in Tech Evangelism, and it largely had to due with my digital resume and online presence. Take a look. 

 

Links mentioned during the talk:

GDC Europe 2011

Panelist / Speaker – Indie’s Got PR Talent
A panel of veteran indie games journalists share their opinions, advice and expertise critiquing the PR efforts of indie developers in the format of popular game show Britain’s Got Talent.

GDC Europe 2012

Speaker – Marketing For Indies – The Indie Games Summer Uprising
A 60 minute speech, where I covered the ins-and-outs of a marketing campaign in which we gathered over 70 XBLIG developers to promote the best titles on Xbox LIVE.

Events

Business Cards

Networking

At the event, got your cards, now what?

  • Talk to people!
    • Everyone is there because they LOVE games too. You have something in common right away!
  • Stay out late
    • Doesn’t mean drink, it means socialize
    • Build relationships
  • Don’t ask if they are hiring
    • Save that for later. This is the time to simply get to know somebody
  • Don’t be afraid to say that you are new
    • Others will often want to help or make introductions for you

Approaching Journalists

They also love games, but they’ve got a job to do.

  • Not the best time to pitch
    • Again, make friends, worry about pitching later
    • Besides, it’s awkward for both side

Afterwards

  • Consider adding them on LinkedIn
  • Definitely follow them on Twitter
  • People are often private about Facebook, so take this on a case by case basis
  • Give them a few days to cool off. Probably have e-mail to catch up on.

 

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