Best Of

In retrospect, there were several factors contributing to my struggle to establish myself in the gaming industry. I'd attribute it to a 60/40 split, with 60% of the responsibility lying with me and the remaining 40% on the gaming companies I had the "privilege" to work with.

For those familiar with the Polycount community, I've been a silent observer since the days of Perna, EarthQuake, Pedro, Kawe, Eric C, and many others who generously shared their knowledge through daily uploads of help, tips, and tutorials for fellow Polycounters facing challenges.

I absorbed, practiced, and gained invaluable insights. Applying these lessons, I found fulfillment in assisting others. The experience of helping others proved to be a profound learning journey, surpassing my initial expectations. My first professional endeavor involved modeling hard surface assets for a "pretend" game company in Berlin, where the workload far exceeded my initial expectations. Initially tasked with creating assets for a linear gameplay experience, the project's scope ballooned as our leader's ambitions grew unchecked, evolving into an open-world concept. With minimal experience and lack of compensation, coupled with being the sole world builder, the situation became overwhelming.

Repeated assurances of imminent financial support from investors, coupled with promising gameplay features, sustained my hope for four months without income. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to resign, severing ties with the delusional leadership. Despite the cancellation of the project, everyone else received compensation, leaving me empty-handed. It was a disheartening introduction to the gaming industry.

My next employment opportunity was with a mobile gaming company in central Berlin, boasting two successful game releases. Hired to fill in during the lead artist's maternity leave, I soon found myself tasked with cleaning 3D scanned meshes for an undisclosed project. After three months, my contract was terminated due to the project's cancellation by investors. While I was compensated for two months, the third payment was withheld under the pretext of lacking a tax number, despite having received payments previously.

With legal assistance, I pursued the owed payment, which, after nearly two years of persistence, was finally settled with interest. Amidst job hunting and halfway through a German language course, I was offered an art test for a prominent gaming company in Germany. Securing the position, I encountered grueling work hours but found solace in a supportive team environment and invaluable learning experiences. Despite the pandemic-induced layoffs, I cherished over a year of meaningful contribution to a released game.

During my six-month job search, I landed a role in the mobile gaming sector. However, the position of a level builder, devoid of significant 3D modeling tasks, dampened my creative passion. After nearly two years, HR fabricated grounds for termination, leading to an amicable separation.

Reflecting on my journey, I acknowledge my shortcomings. Despite multiple offers from triple-A studios, I prioritized financial stability for my family over career advancement, foregoing opportunities for growth and mentorship. While I have no regrets, I recognize the value of surrounding oneself with peers who challenge and inspire growth.

As I navigate parenthood alongside professional aspirations, I assume full responsibility for my circumstances. Neglecting personal projects and succumbing to boredom hindered my professional development. For aspiring individuals entering the industry, I advocate for proactive engagement in personal projects, embracing imperfection, and honing time management skills to meet industry demands.

In conclusion, my journey serves as a testament to the importance of personal growth, resilience, and self-accountability in navigating the gaming industry's challenges.