Breaking Into the Gaming Business at Ten Ton Hammer Medeor Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:40:57 -0400 What does it take to break into the gaming industry?
We all want to do it (most of us anyway), but how does someone sitting in a classroom learning about world history find that big break to get into the gaming business? The gaming industry is a $10 billion business, shouldn't there be enough to go around? Alas, as Boomjack says there are ten million people standing in line to get their potential shot at credits on a game. How do people get jobs in the industry?
The fledgling gaming schools and departments in some major colleges are finally starting to gain some traction according to a recent article in Newsweek. The article does include some history of people trying to get cool jobs, so you can even say you are learning something. The article discusses how the first "cool" jobs was writing novels and then it became Hollywood stars, now it's video games. While I would argue that gaming superstars aren't in the same league as Hollywood stars (yet?), it does provide a nice parallel. Here is how one group did get hired (and I like the fact that Valve is a game shop):
"One game shop that grasps the innovative potential of college-trained developers is Seattle's Valve Software, creators of such hit franchises as Half-Life and Counter-Strike. Following a job fair at nearby DigiPen—a university founded in 1988 that's dedicated to game design and production—some Valve employees invited the seven students behind a game called Narbacular Drop to give a demonstration to company founder Gabe Newell. He hired the team on the spot."
I've attended a final project day for a gaming college to review the projects of a group of soon-to-be graduates. It was impressive to see what the graduates had completed, but I didn't get the feeling that gaming execs were beating down their doors with job offers. From the conferences and discussions I've had with developers, the gaming business still appears to be a system where you start at the bottom and work up. While it may not be the minor leagues for the gaming business yet, it may be in the future. Have you attended one of these colleges and had success (or not), do you think it is the "best" or just "one of" the ways to get into the gaming business? Let's discuss.
WAR: Thunder Valley and Logrin's Forge Scenarios at Ten Ton Hammer RadarX Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:18:03 -0400 An age old conflict exists between the mighty Dwarves and the malicious Greenskins pitting them against each other in a struggle for control of the others land. In this months Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning newsletter we get a look at the final tier scenarios for these two races. From the molten fires of Thunder Valley to warfare in the tomb of Logrin himself, players will find strategy and bravery necessary to win the day.
The terrain for Thunder Valley is quite large and features 5 capture locations: The Gyrocopter Hangar, Fireball Mortar, Gungnir's Fist, Blasting Cart, and Firing Range. Taking any of these locations will grant your Realm points towards winning the Scenario and continue to give you points as long as you hold them.
Thunder Valley and Logrin's Forge Scenarios
Screenshot of the Week: at Ten Ton Hammer Taea Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:06:27 -0400 There's always something new to see in Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa. Long time players will remember the old Boot Camp tutorial, with it's open air control point scenario. Just recently redesigned, the new Boot Camp is set up in a more secure cavern, with a pistol range, better facilities and Full Metal Jacket-esque Drill Instructor. This week's Screenshot of the Week is a shot inside this new map, featuring the comforting glow of an Eloh Hologram to watch over the new recruits.
In this week's screenshot, a new AFS recruit heads out on his first mission after a training in the new bootcamp. As he leaves to retake the AFS base from the Bane, he passes an Eloh hologram which tells him of his destiny as a receptive.
Screenshot of the Week Loading... Post-NDA Hickman Interivew (WAR) at Ten Ton Hammer Boomjack Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:53:12 -0400
Welcome to the 904th Edition of Loading...
Jeff Hickman discusses WAR post-NDA, Aaron Safronoff, Jack Hopler, Jack Emmert and John Layman gives us the goods on Champions Online, Arend Stührmann shows us EVE Online, WAR goes gold, WoW announces some Lich King goodies early and more, today in Loading... WAR: Dungeons - Lost Vale at Ten Ton Hammer RadarX Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:45:59 -0400 We frequently hear of challenging scenarios or the blood stained battlefields throughout Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, but what of the dungeons which make up a staple of the MMOG? Mythic Entertainment shares in this months newsletter the Lost Vale, a six player instance to fight against beastmen and dryads to discover the Everqueen's fate. Join us as we examine the first hand account of Raelle Mournfire, who tells of the horrors you'll face.
The Dryad rolled upon its back. It did not reply, glaring at me with such loathing that I was forced to take a step away. Sap continued to pulse from the dryad's wound in a thick, ceaseless torrent. The creature's eyes lost their angry glare just as its wound ceased to bleed. I watched helplessly, my weapon shaking in my hand. I felt that I had somehow betrayed the land, but what else could I have done?
Dungeons - Lost Vale
Video Q&A with EVE's Arand Stührmann: The Fall / Winter 2008 Lineup at Ten Ton Hammer Ethec Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:04:51 -0400 Updates, patches, and expansions... oh my!
EVE Online Associate Producer Arand Stührmann offers a tour de force through the game's fall updates and expansions. First up, September's Empyrean Age 1.1 or "Power to the Players" will feature fixes to satisfy over 1,000 player requests that have accumulated over the years. Arand goes to share the details of Empyrean Age 1.2 and the eagerly anticipated winter expansion, code-named "Midas." EVE fans shouldn't miss this 8 minute video from GC Leipzig!
Click here to check out our latest exclusive EVE video with Arand Stührmann, only at Ten Ton Hammer!
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