The Games Industry is Scary

I recently talked to one of my professors about his experience in the games industry, and we discussed how most jobs are already taken before they go public. How, you may ask? One word: networking.

Yes, networking, the monster of any career in the medias, is my way in. Thankfully, I like to think I am quite good at it; but not because I fake my interactions or because I actively try to network. No, rather, I enjoy talking to people! I enjoy making friends and connecting with peers, talking about the latest releases and how BADLY I want to have time to play them, getting Boba tea with new buddies, or attending concerts and parties.

I've heard that one's social life is just as important, if not more so, than one's skills in this industry. Technical skills can be taught, but social skills are something one must learn on their own, and that takes work, discipline, and a good personality! It takes a person that truly enjoys other people and works well with them. If you can't do that, you simply will not make it in this industry. And that's why it's scary.

And it's okay for it to be scary! You need to be scared, to be put out of your comfort zone, to break out of your shell. You need to push yourself technically and socially, in every way imaginable. You need to be better. And that in itself is scary.

Currently, my social skills got me to a place where I know plenty of peers in my industry. I'm hoping that will help land me a job one day. On top of this, pushing myself forward landed me a gig with Californian band The Wrecks making a game for their upcoming tour with a group of really talented peers I have the pleasure of leading.

The Wrecks - Darren Craig

AND IM HORRIFIED! Because it's change! It's a huge opportunity and I'm afraid of messing it up and being seen as worse off. That's the gambit, though. I can't get better if I don't risk failure.

So yes, I will continue to be scared. But hopefully as I push myself more and more, I will be more confident in my place here in the industry. I am going to leave a mark, however small, however grand. That's all I need to keep telling myself.

See you next week.