The Games Game January 2011

 Dear Tom,

I've read many of your responses to people seeking a way into the game industry for development and other areas of the industry... but what about audio geeks like me? The biggest question I have is, since most game music is on more of a freelance basis, am I going to have to move to california to get a good gig doing music or sound design? I am just about to start my master's degree in music and music technology, and it was a really tough decision deciding if I wanted a Master's Degree here in New York, or if I should spend the extra money and take an intense sound design for games course out in California. Is it worth it for an audio guy to live out there, even for a year or two to take a game audio course? Finally, I was just hoping to get a little guidance in terms of breaking in - portfolio, how to put your name out there without annoying the companies you want to hire you, and how to set yourself apart from the rest of the audio guys. Thanks for you help!

Spencer

Hi Spencer,

The "location, location, location" rule primarily applies to full time job seekers. A freelancer doesn't have to live in commuting distance of the client company, if he's established himself with a stellar track record. Did you catch the "if" in that sentence? Your problem is going to be getting long-distance work, without a track record. And establishing the track record may mean moving.

What I'd recommend is that you move, as soon as practicable after graduation, to a game hub so you can be more visible and accessible to your potential clients. And until you start getting professional credits, work on amateur / indie projects.

Network, network, network. Attend as many game and music events as you can. Put your portfolio URL on your business card and make the card look unique and unforgettable. Be a good listener and people will be impressed (see my column for February 2007: "Focus On Connecting/Listening"). California is the #1 game hub, in my opinion -- Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, San Diego. There are other game hubs too -- see gamedevmap and gameindustrymap, and use the information to decide where you want to locate while establishing yourself.

You asked the eternally bad question "is it worth it." Worth is subjective. Only you can make the determination about the worth of something. As for relocating for a limited time, I'd say "a year or two" is not enough time.

The way to "put your name out there" is to build a great portfolio and a great resume of amateur / indie credits and a great website. Then network like crazy.

As for "how to set yourself apart," if there was an easy answer to that, then everybody would be already set apart from everybody. Or maybe they already are. You have to figure out for yourself how to express your own individuality and the uniqueness that is Spencer. Good luck!