Mediocre games, interviews, and lying.
polycounter lvl 18
Sure, sure it's part of Hollywood culture. But do we also need to evolve the same way?
I constantly hear about how companies want people who like their games, who have this "stokeness", and even more people who say as much in interviews. The problem is, what if their games really aren't that good?
I mean especially for someone entry level, you take what you can get. But most of the games you do like are only from companies that hire vetrans, or no interns, or are located half-way around the world.
How could you be,I guess the idea is like a business version of "politically correct" to them, without lying through your teeth? Try to point out the stronger assests like the character texturing? Without mentioning how utterly slow and boring the game play itself is? What about children's games? Do you have to like them as well, or just show you respect what the developer is doing? I don't want to give any example as I know people here who work for one in particular.
I constantly hear about how companies want people who like their games, who have this "stokeness", and even more people who say as much in interviews. The problem is, what if their games really aren't that good?
I mean especially for someone entry level, you take what you can get. But most of the games you do like are only from companies that hire vetrans, or no interns, or are located half-way around the world.
How could you be,I guess the idea is like a business version of "politically correct" to them, without lying through your teeth? Try to point out the stronger assests like the character texturing? Without mentioning how utterly slow and boring the game play itself is? What about children's games? Do you have to like them as well, or just show you respect what the developer is doing? I don't want to give any example as I know people here who work for one in particular.
Replies
A job interview is selling yourself to a company so they will pay for your services.
Familiarizing yourself with that company's product is paramount. Showing enthusiasm for that product is part of what they want to hear. Good pay, benefits, royalties, etc is what you want to hear, and how the company sells itself to you. Only time will tell if you or your employer told the truth.
Personally, you shouldn't try to work where you don't want to work. Nevertheless, I understand we all gotta eat. At this point, give your ego a rest and be a true professional as best you can.
Another perspective to consider is, they are the ones making the games, they are the one paying the bills, maybe the games are actually good, and you're just being immature and negative.
On the other hand, try going in there, fully and confidently tell them how you really feel, and answer every question as honestly as possible. It would be entertaining for someone.
Welp, I'm done building this playground, ya'll have fun. :P
Or are you stating, just only allowing the few good "tidbits" shine in your conversation to them. Again as above in the original case situation.. making no mention of the game play. In short, not offering any of the "downers" of the game.
Maybe trying to skirt the issue and refocus them back on your portfolio like a good politician? ??
?
"Yes, I have played "X" game, and the character design was great. Speaking of character design, have you looked at mine?"
(Shoulda been a lawyer I tells ya!)
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Another perspective to consider is, they are the ones making the games, they are the one paying the bills, maybe the games are actually good, and you're just being immature and negative.
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AFAIK A perspective as the above has nothing to do with maturity or negativity. It more reflects the own thinkers short sightedness. It's the same as movie people getting mad at others for saying "X" movie sucks. Then responding that they weren't involved, as such they shouldnt be judging it. But it takes a more mature person to realize that everyone has an opinion. Especially so since the movie was made for the end user, not the movie makers themselves.
Its like "The History of the World Part 1" (love that movie). Where the caveman makes the first wall painting. The voice over goes "The first artist". Then the leader above looks at it a bit, and pisses on it with the voice over "the first critic".
Does bring up an idea I have been thinking about. To me, all the best rockbands the members had differences. Police, Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin. It made the music more dynamic. It seems without that tension and differences all team creative endeavors have a tendency to deflate like a balloon. To become boring and static. At least without a strong central character. Modern Business practices seem to make the strong character dilluted in the layers of management. (This is an opinion, which like assholes....)
(Hey your talking to someone who totally believes in the Peter Principle, so granted my viewpoint is colored).
"Oh and can you make that spaceship more ninja-ish? Thanks."
hawken: Yeah, I thought this was going to be about bought reviews in the gaming media as well.
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I feel sorry for anyone who has that game on their CV
So now Im totally confused. You guys didn't need to be the fan boy.
As for the subject at hand, I don't think you need to be a fanboy at all but I guess it depends where you work. Heck, where I work there are a ton of people from a film background who don't even *play* videogames. They managed to get employed no problem.
How fast do you work?
Can you learn quickly? Ie: How much training will you need to be brought up to speed?
Are you a good teamplayer?
Is your communication good?
Are you prepared for the level of effort that will be required of you to do the job?
The issues of whether you're a fan of the company's products or the genre they specialize in only becomes an issue if there are numerous other applicants to the position who are as good as you in terms of their abilities to do the job. Person A may be just as good as person B, but if one of them is already familiar with the work that went into the company's previous products then they'll have an edge since they will require less training to get them up to the required level of performance.
Bottom line is that most companies are looking for professionals who can fill their production needs with the least amount of extra work involved.
i doubt many companies want retards working for them.
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*giggle* I'll keep quiet.
Interviewer: why do you feel our games suck so bad and how can you help?
So anyway, after working there for a few months, I begin to figure out that a large portion of the art team does not play the game/sim just for fun. I was a bit concerned about this, but nevertheless, the game did very well, and consistently got reviews in the mid 90s.
The reason for this is that you can make good art, and take pride in your work, even if you don't care for the game that you are working on. I actually had a good time making assets for the game, and looked forward to the challenges that the game presented.
Did I actually enjoy playing it? Nope. I couldn't understand why anyone would want to play it.
Did I enjoy working on it? Yes. Very much so.
Making games and playing games are two very different things. Just because you like playing games, does not mean you will enjoy making them. And just becuase you have a good time making them, does not mean that you will enjoy the style of gameplay.
Any smart company will hire the artist who will do the best job. This does not necessarily mean hiring some geek who just really likes playing the company's games. It means hiring the artist who will do the most high quality work.
also, there is a huge difference between a company that makes games that you don't like and a company that makes games that you don't play.
My studios mode of operation is to put the responsibility of combining the conceptual artists ideas into the art directors hands, so that all 3d artists contribute to a similar artistic style.
So when I hire 3D artists, I would say that the major ability I look for is the ability to adapt your artwork to the in progress creations of the other artists, directed by the art director. And our art tests reflect that.
Passions for creating new worlds and new games are a must. I could care less if you've ever played a game before. It may help for ideas on gameplay and such, but its not really needed. If our games bomb, then I would expect a "lessoned learned attitude" from everyone, unless it puts us out of business completely, which is doubtfull.