The Games Game November10

hi tom,

i am applying to lots of companys for game design positions but im not getting anywhere with it heck, im not even getting replys so im writing 2 u 4 guidance what am i doing wrong and how can i move past this roadblock?

frustrated in cincinnati
Sent from my Mobile  

Hello Frustrated,

I can tell a few things you're doing wrong just from your email.

First off, your writing. I understand that you were writing using your handheld device, and that you were just typing in accordance with the accepted norms for handheld communications. But seriously. You look illiterate. Your mobile has a way to capitalize selected letters and to input punctuation marks. If you're going to send business communications using your mobile, then you have to go through the extra steps to make your communication look professional. Or use a laptop or desktop. But for all I know, your writing might still look the same, even using a full-size keyboard. One clue is that you misspelled "companies" and "replies."

Secondly, you say you're applying for game design positions. You didn't say what degree you have or what work experience you have or what kind of things you have in your portfolio. I have to assume you're aiming your sights too high. Game design is not an entry-level position. As I wrote in previous columns, you need to enter the game industry through some other position: either programming, level design, art, production, or quality assurance.

Thirdly, you say you're in Cincinnati, Ohio. I don't know if you are applying locally or if you are sending applications to faraway companies. Looking on GameDevMap, I see two companies located in your city. I do not know what kind of openings those companies have, or if they are fully staffed already, or what. You need to be intimately familiar with any companies in your area. And entry-level jobs in other cities are unlikely to be available to you. You have to apply locally only, if you are looking to get your start in the game industry. If your local companies aren't a good fit for you, then you have to move.

So, it looks to me like you're doing three things wrong. You have atrocious writing habits, you're targeting jobs above your skill level, and you're ignoring the crucial rule of "location, location, location." Work harder at communicating better, determine your best entry level job and focus on it, and move to an area where there are numerous game companies where you'd be a good fit.

Tom