Canada - the promised land!
So, Canada tends to be talked about a lot over here (Denmark) because of their booming games industry.
So I was wondering, is it scary for Canadian companies to hire people from out of Canada? Do they tend not to hire people out of Canada?
Is there something you should definitely do/not do if you want to work in the Canadian games industry? Is it better to already be in Canada when looking for jobs there?
Any people here that made the grand move, and have any advice for a starry eyed fan of Canada?
Visa's are hard, and it seems pretty impossible to get one without a job beforehand, so I'm looking for any advice or do's&don'ts before plunging into bureaucratic hell.
So I was wondering, is it scary for Canadian companies to hire people from out of Canada? Do they tend not to hire people out of Canada?
Is there something you should definitely do/not do if you want to work in the Canadian games industry? Is it better to already be in Canada when looking for jobs there?
Any people here that made the grand move, and have any advice for a starry eyed fan of Canada?
Visa's are hard, and it seems pretty impossible to get one without a job beforehand, so I'm looking for any advice or do's&don'ts before plunging into bureaucratic hell.
Replies
It sucks. I know i applied to several places on Canada a long time ago and had replies like that.
Dunno how you can get around that loophole tho.
But yea... Canada has tons of good studios.
in case denmark doesn't have the opportunities right now, at least you should be able to get around in the EU rather easily for the time being.
Seeing that you're from Denmark it's probably easier to just immigrate. But you have the best restaurant in the world! (according to Anthony Bourdain).
According to this latest industry survey (pdf pg 37, actual doc page 35) http://theesa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ESAC-Video-Games-Profile-2013-FINAL-2013-10-21-CIRC.pdf it can take you 13 weeks to have your work visa processed.
Quebec and Ontario are pretty hot right now hiring wise. Province like Alberta where original Bioware is located don't give a damn about the film or game industry as far as granting subsidies 'cuz their oil reserves are projected to last for over a 100 years. So their focus is on the energy corps and supporting industries like construction.
If you're a noob and don't have a problem living on an island, Halifax studios have been ramping up for the last couple of years. Racism have been in the national news though: http://www.ccla.org/rightswatch/2013/05/28/racial-discrimination-in-nova-scotia-leons-halifax-fire-department-and-zellers/ so if you're sensitive about that it's something to consider if it's the right place for you.
Was surpised to see on linkedIn recently one of my former co-workers now with ILM Vancouver (since when did ILM set shop over there?). Dude was a programmer who took the 1 yr VFS 3D program.
One sample of my fav city
http://www.rockstargames.com/jobs/openings/rockstar-toronto
I'll definitely be polishing my portfolio and try to get some experience closer first, but honestly the industry isn't looking too hot around here. I'll probably try to squeeze myself in sneakily somehow. Or not so sneakily.
Thanks for the fantastic advice!
The company took care of almost everything. It all went quite smooth, but this was because it is hard for companies in Canada to find technical artist.
They try not to get international people and hire Canadians first. If they really can't find them, they will look for international people.
This is how I understood it ... I could be wrong.
The laws also changed recently, making it much harder for artists to get a work permit. But this is a rumor I heard, so no hard evidence from my side.
At the moment, only Ubisoft and Gameloft seem to be hiring non-local cantidates, the rest seem to be poaching incestuously from other studios, or applicants offering to relocate themselves.
I think a few Senior positions they might consider relocating someone from within Canada if an exhaustive local search doesn't yield any suitable candidates.
There's also some companies in other provinces like Prince Edward Island that might hire people overseas. Give it a shot! http://www.candevs.ca/atlantic.html
I do think its stupid the way these companies bandy round wherever they get subsidies, which never last then they just move onto the next country.
This has been posted countless times, but...
http://www.gamedevmap.com/
a good starting point but seems to be 2-3 years out of date in some areas
So, which on is better than the others? Which one is more safe? I know every city have problems with criminals, drug dealers etc. But which one can you suggest?
Having lived in all except Montreal I'd say if you just use common sense you'll do okay.
Best city for you? I recommend actually visiting each city (but not in winter) and factor in your career (cost of living vs expected salary, etc) and lifestyle choices (are you gay, you like outdoors a lot, you like crowded downtown, etc).
If you're just relying online for info try checking the internet versions of local news media (just google) to give you a current snap shot of crime news.
But like I said, use common sense and you're fine. You get mugged....just give your stuff. No mma skillz gonna save your life if you get stabbed in the back and get punctured lungs.
Though... staying in Montreal past the end of the work permit limit is a bit more difficult. (Quebec has special extra rules on immigration)
Hmmm. I don't like really Montreal because of the French and additional rules.
For me,
i don't care about weather for example, i like hot summers, and winters with or without snow.
I want to live closer to area with a lot of markets, especially food markets. I always cook at home anything i want. Rather than eating outside. Some day i might decide to eat outside, but it is very rare.
I don't care about condo. Just want to have place to for my pc to work, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom.
For salary well, i want fair salary if it's possible?
I only care about crime in city. I know every city has a crime, but the more someone avoid the better for him/her.
Have you worked at Vancouver or Toronto? Can you tell me something about it? All i know that Vancouver is damn expensive.
I have worked in Vancouver and Toronto. They're both good cities if you're into big city life and want to experience big multi-cultural communities.
You can counter expensive Vancouver if you're willing to live in cheaper suburbs and take public transportation to work. Same in Toronto. Or share condo with others.
You shouldn't really be paranoid with random crime cuz number 1 there's no huge gun culture here like in the States. There ARE drug gangs with guns but they'll only kill you if you mess with their business or their girls.
Once you actually move into any city you'll find out quickly anyway which neighborhoods to avoid. Just ask people who lived their already.