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What does it take to get in the MMO industry?
kikan1
Member Posts: 50
I would like any information that can help me out. Im from Australia and i want to pursue the video game industry, specifically the MMORPG industry. I have a really big passion for MMO's, I have a large collection such as WAR, WOW, Aion, AoC, PWI, RoM, DDO and PWI.
So if anyone knows what qualifacations i need and how i can get there, it would be greatly apreciated!
kikan
Comments
ummm no offence... just having video games doesnt mean your qualified to make games.
the MMO field isnt not actually a field in the game indy. its just another form of game creation.
what you have to do is figure out what you want to do FOR the gaming field.
be it
3d mesh/textures
3d animation
game coding
and a few others that i cant remember anymore...
you dont just join the MMO field. you get your foot in the door at a game company and help make games. that may or may not be MMOs. working on games like farmville could get you in to places like EA or blizzard which inturn gets you in to other game development areas. and then mmos.
a decent way to get your name out there in the gaming field is to get jobs on video games as either VOL game master/moderators or as game testers (not typical beta testing but actual pre-alpha testing)
the other way is to go to school and take one of the gaming courses (good collages have decent classes but arent cheap)
then make REALLY good game related stuff and hope you get picked up
only qualifications i can think of that arent related to school courses is to be passionate and determend and not give up when it gets hard cause making games is not as easy as playing them..... not by a long shot...
hope that helps you
im sure others have more knowledge then i have.. for you
There is no MMORPG development going on in Australia.
The only MMO-related company I know of is Big World, who make middleware (an MMO engine, basically). But as a technology company, they would likely only be hiring technical people, not game designers or anything like that. So you would need extensive industry experience as a games programmer to get a look in, I would think.
If you want to get on the road to games programming, my advice (as someone who has worked in that field and been involved in giving advice on hiring) is not to do one of those game development courses - they're widely perceived as a bit of a scam. I would pursue a traditional programming career path, get a Comp Sci degree, get work programming in a corporate environment, and work on some games as a hobby. Someone with genuine software development experience, and a game they've written to show off, will get a lot further than someone with a diploma in games programming or some such crap.
None taken, i know just having video games dosent make me qualified and i know i cant just barge in and go "I CAN HELP!" Im 15 and i want to plan in the long run, and since this is Australia the gaming industry isnt well supported here. Your advice is apreciated and i will look into those things you've told me.
kikan
Hey mate, im in aus too and i looked this up also. There are game design courses at both rmit and swinburne down in melbourne. my bros gf did one of them and by the end of it her group had to make a full game and present it, so thats always a good place to start. look them up, its better then having no qualifications
there should be webforums that deal with the gaming field, try googling some. not sure how helpful they are but any help is better then none haha.
tho you might have to look at relocating as i dont think downunder has much gaming anymore... do to the government laws and such.
a decent area for gaming would be the usa or europe unless you know korean or japanese.
but do check out some of the game forums and any sites that deal with putting ur foot in the door. its not easy. even if your have a bach-dep from harvard people like EA wont look at you until you prove your good.. one of the bones of gaming companies.. costs alot to make games soo they dont just taken anyone.
but go to school for what area you think you really want to do. then try to get in with some gaming companies like valve or something as a volunteer for a game of theirs or something and work up.
good luck to you either way
Hey mate, your from melbourne? hi neighbour :P
RMIT yeah ive heard of that, seems like a good choice since its internationally known.
Planing on going overseas Canada or America. Australia's gaming companys arnt making profit and the only one that did well was De Blob, the rest are either rugby or footy games.
Yes you do have a good point, major gaming companies want to know your good and have the skills not just some piece of paper. Yeah i might just do som VOL or testing like you said for a start then build up from there
Thankyou
kikan
There are basically two ways to get into the field, particularly to the point you aspire to:
1) Go to school, learn how to code (in school or as a hobby), become a tester, and work your way up the corporate ladder. Eventually, you will be coding and designing important concepts - if you are good. This approach takes many years, but results in you being very well rounded and understanding those who work under you.
2) Make money, create a proposal, and get like-minded people together and start the project independently. You can pay for the project outright (millions of dollars), or pay for part of it, which shows good faith and would encourage outside investors to put their money on the line for you. You could make money as a real estate investor, lawyer, restaurant owner, it doesn't matter.
There are advantages to each. If you go the first route, you are almost guaranteed to have very little money and be at the mercy of the people who do have it in every project you work on. If you go the second route, you will likely not know nearly as much about coding, but will have the advantage of complete control over your project.
All of the truly groundbreaking games I know of started out as "garage games" and were developed independently. However, as MMORPGs become increasingly expensive, it is becoming more and more difficult to finance your own project. This is why putting, say, a million of your own dollars down, is a good way to show faith in your own project and encourage a large firm to give you financial backing.
I highly recommend checking out Core Talent Games, at coretalentgames.com You could probably learn a great deal at their site.
Don't let people tell you that there is only one way to do something, or that you aren't qualified without years of tedium. There are a million ways to get to any goal, and if you're driven and talented, you will get there.
Best of luck.
If you want to do modeling or animation get Blender or 3ds Max and dig in. You can find everything you need on the internet. No schooling required.
.
It's a talent thing which means not everyone can do it well. If you're lucky enough to have the talent, you can do well.
Well shave my back and call me an elf! -- Oghren
A few things off the top of my head.
Most people who work with making games are either programmers or artists. You'll learn a little of everything if you choose an education focused on computer games, but the industry just wants people with exceptional skills in one or the other. If you don't have much artistic talent, you may as well focus on a pure programming education. In my experience, C++ is the language anyone serious about programming should be 100% proficient in, though there are of course plenty of exceptions. Just don't expect to get far if you pick an education that focuses on high level programming with flash and multimedia courses.
Gaming companies will just discard any applications that don't come with a portfolio. If you are an artist you need to show off drawings, 3D models, etc. If you are a programmer, you should supply fully functional code. AI routines, network code, one or more games or applications you have created, etc. Expect to work a lot on your spare time with this.
If you are serious about getting into the MMO industry, I suggest you look up open source projects. They'll let anyone participate, and you'll get tasks based on your programming experience. Being part of an open source project shows that you have a passion for creating games, and it gives you something to put on your resume even if you haven't had a paid job in the industry yet. Creating (legal) mods and addins for games made by companies you are interested in working for is also useful experience, and worth putting on the resume.
Make sure you know what you are getting into. The MMO industry is no goldmine for regular employees. If you are talented enough to get a job in the industry, you can expect to get paid less, and work more than you would in another job requiring the similar skills. Of course, money isn't everything, and if you are lucky, your job will feel like a hobby. Good luck.
Don't discount the numerous browser games made using flash.
Many of these are very addictive and do not require massive budgets.
I'm not saying flash is useless. Just that if you apply for a job in the MMO industry, flash experience is only relevant if you are going to work with flash applications. If, on the other hand, you can create a game from scratch in a 3rd generation programming language, it will be more obvious that you can adapt to tasks requiring various tools. Almost anyone can learn enough flash to create a simple game, so there's no reason to focus an education around it other than learning game design principles... and game design isn't something you are likely to get paid for working with straight out of school anyway.
From my experience in playing MMOs for 13+ years I say you would need to be 100% against innovation.
Since every damn game releases only slightly different than the games before it this seems to be the only thing mmo devs from WoW on will be remembered for.
Playing: Rift, LotRO
Waiting on: GW2, BP
Experience wise the easiest thing to do is one of two things:
If you have artistic talent build up a portfolio of 3D models / 2D concept art based on game related material. An art degree is always good too, but not really necessary, your talent is what will ultimately get you a job. An art degree never hurts too.
If you don't have any artistic talent learn how to write programs. Computer Science is where you will want to start at university and then branch out from there. Since you're only 15 you can definitely start learning on your own if they don't have programming classes at your school. Go to the library and check out a book on C++ to get you started.
Write small programs or games and build up a programming portfolio similar to what you would do if you are an artist. Something tangible to show the companies you will be applying for.
Those are probably the two easiest (being a relative term) ways to get noticed once you graduate college and start applying for jobs in the game industry.
There are other ways to get your foot in the door as well if you aren't an artist and find you hate programming. Applying to be an on-staff game tester is a good place to start. These are usually entry level positions and you'll make about as much as flipping burgers at the local McDonalds.
Also music, writing, or a business degree are other alternatives, but these positions usually require a lot more experience than the artist/programmer positions.
And last but not least, making friends with people already in the industry. This is how a lot of people get hired in the gaming industry, referrals from other gaming companies.
Edit: I left out one more way to get your foot in the door. Create a really well done fansite for a game being developed by a medium to small size development company. If your website becomes the go-to fansite for that game then you have a real shot at a job in community relations.
This has happened numerous times over the years with various different development companies.
"There is as yet insufficient data for a meaningful answer."
Thanks for all your tips and info everyone, im actully starting a plan right now.
Apparently all it takes is a talent for copying everything that has been released up to now which has made mega-bucks, then sticking a different name on it.
imo. play more games.
The poster above that stated you need to learn either coding or modeling making are correct. If you want to do the model making, then the industry standards are Max and Maya, although you can get something like Blender for free and start practicing your model making skills.
If you want to code, learn C++ or Python. Plenty of tutorials for both on the net.
The other area that is extremely useful is server architecture. This is the main thing that makes an MMORPG more complex than all other games, the server architecture.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Client%E2%80%93server_model
If you are willing to learn model making, animation, server architecture, C++ or Python, then you can start by joining a team at MMORPGMaker.com and helping an indie on their project.
Once you have some experience, you can get a seat on a team using Big World Tech, or Hero Engine, the same engine used to make The Old Republic.
Here is a link which will help you get started on your long term goals:
The Academy of Interactive Entertainment
The Academy of Interactive Entertainment is the leading school for getting your 3D Animation & Programming qualifications, their Sydney Campus is located only a block away from Team Bondi and various other studios, so there is excellent opportunities to get a glimpse into gaming industry, they also have guest speakers coming over once in a while to give advice on getting into the industry and whats in store in their future projects.
They are currently taking applications for mid-year intakes into some of their courses, but since youre still 15, I suggest you finish your HSC's first.
You will need to decide what part of the industry you would like to work in, like previous posters have outlined, there are 3D Modelers, Texture Artists, Animators, Programmers and QA Testers. On the subject of play QA Testers, it is certainly a great way to get your foot in the door before completing your qualifications, but its not all fun and games when it comes to being a Tester, you will be playing the same game(s) for hours on end for the sole purpose of finding Bugs and Exploits, you will then need to try and reproduce those glitches over and over until you are overcome with the tedium of it all, and you will also need excellent reading and writing skills because after all the testing is done you will need to write up detailed reports of where the glitch is, how to reproduce it, etc, etc...
I am currently waiting on word myself to see whether my enrollment has been accepted, as their mid-year intake has been quite popular, and I lost most of my portfolio because my last computer had a melt down, so I am not too confident of having secured a place. Portfolios are not always necessary, but it sure helps to have a collection of artwork you have produced to show to others. Start sketching and doodling figures, objects, fruit... anything basically to show that you have a sense of perspective.
Also, in regards to become a 3D artist in the game industry, dont expect to get into the industry if all you know how to do is modeling, or your only experience is using photoshop like a pro. All artists are expected to have a basic understanding of the different fields. Nothing is more valueable than a 3D modeler who can do animation, or an Animator who can create textures. Sure, you can focus on your modeling skills if that is your true passion, but try to become a jack-of-all-trades as well.
Hope that gave you some helpful insight into starting into the industry, I am not in the industry myself, but this is the advice that has been given to me, and I think it is very sound advice.
Good Luck in your future endevours!
EDIT #1: Some more links of companies that operate in Sydney:
Bungie: Halo
Bethesda: Fallout 3
Red Storm: Ghost Recon
2k Games: Bioshock 2
EDIT #2: Some links on the mainstream programs being used to develop games and films.
Maya
3D Studio Max
MudBox
ZBrush
One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching.
That is over-simplifying it a bit, every man and his dog has a 'marketable' idea of some sort or another, and becoming a Creative Director is near the top of the hierarchy when it comes to the Games Industry, because they have the responsibility of seeing the companies vision for a game being kept on track and coming to fruition.
One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching.
The fact that you made this topic, says - that there is a very big chance you'll never do that... Playing games is one thing, making them is another. So far you've seen only the good part from the chair of the "player" - cause on the other side is mostly "HARD WORK as in a JOB - which is not realy fun (same as any job) unless you're gifted as a programer, as a designer, marketing, etc.... and "also LIKE DOING ONE OF THOSE THINGS". And trust me it's world aparts.
Then again, MMO instry could mean lots of things - even this site beeing part of that.... So yeh, you could start by making a MMO site - which is what other thousounds of people did... If you put a lot of work in it and also have some money few peoples to help (cause you'll need it) you might have a chanse of geting some MMO fans interested - and later if it grows in popularity, you'll get contacted to promote their games on your site. But that REQUIERS A LOT OF WORK.... and also investment. Just making a site and adding few reviewes when you feel like it won't get you nowhere.
As mentioned at the begining of this post - since you made this topic, asking this questinons - there's a big chanche nothing will come out of it. You won't see "THOSE THAT MAKE THINGS HAPPEN" - asquing questions on "how to do it..." - cause that puts them even lower then beginers, since beginers already made some progress in some directions - and time will tale if they "have something to say..." Yet in you case, you like games and probably thing "making them is just as fun" as in a good domain for your future.
Lets not be negative...
I'm all for encouraging using your initiative, but just because he is asking questions about something he is passionate about doesnt mean its an automatic failure...
Asking questions is a great way to find out about a subject, and the advice of those who have been involved or are they themselves pursueing a career in the Games Industry is a great way to make contacts and get more insight.
And if it is truly something you are passionate about, a job will never seem like work, because you are doing what you love because you love doing it, and not for the paycheck that comes with the title.
Kikan came for help, so give him help, not pessimistic put-downs...
One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching.
That is over-simplifying it a bit, every man and his dog has a 'marketable' idea of some sort or another, and becoming a Creative Director is near the top of the hierarchy when it comes to the Games Industry, because they have the responsibility of seeing the companies vision for a game being kept on track and coming to fruition.
I really only meant it as the simplest form of possibility. That's how the company I work for got started anyhow.As far as creative directors, I have only really experienced them see their own vision kept on track, not the company or designers. But glad to know what I should really be looking for
Edit: in retrospect, I probably should have put more emphasis on the investor part before the marketable idea.
A complete lack of creativity, the ability to look investors and customers in the eye and lie at will, no morals to get in the way when you inevitably cut the feature list by 75% on launch day.