Games Industry Mentor

This is unfortunately our last episode! It's been great having you all as listeners over the years. This episode is all about crowdfunding! I'm going through the process myself - and I can honestly say it's more of a struggle than I thought it would be! My project is a non-profit called Treefort Academy - a company I'm starting to deliver high-quality and free educational games to kids. Please check our our campaign - it's a great cause - and has potential to really change how educational games are made.   Play Episode ********************* The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

Hey everyone! I'm back after a bit of a hiatus to discus somewhat of a sensitive topic: Layoffs. As some of you may know, I was recently affected by a layoff myself back in June. Initially I wanted to do an episode while in the thick of it, but that never really happened. Shortly after landing at Red 5 Studios a coworker who listens to the podcast, (and an audio professional!) helped me get it going again! So here it is, the episode about Layoffs. Guests this episode are all coworkers of mine at Red 5: World Artist, Zach Turner; Game Designer, Scott Rudi; and Audio Designer, Daniel Beck. Play Episode The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

Are you ready to digest the longest GIM episode yet? We discuss the indie game scene and try to pull the curtain back as best we can. Whether you're inexperienced and just setting out to build and sell a game, or you are a seasoned industry professional looking to have more creative freedom and agility, we have you covered! After listening you should be able to formulate a good game plan for yourself. Our guests this episode are Adam Saltsman of Cannabalt fame and co-founder of Semi Secret Software; Alex Thomas, Artist and Designer previously of BioWare, creator of Dino Boy Adventures; and Jason Rosenstock previously environment artist at BioWare, now co-founder of White Whale Games and creative director for God of Blades. Special thanks to Brooks Guthrie who provides us with fantastic audio recording and editing. Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

This episode we dive into the world of QA analysts, or sometimes referred to as "testers". This has been one of the most requested topics. We cover a bunch of great information! Our guests this episode are Drew McGee - QA analyst, and Jordan Koch - associate designer. I've worked extensively with these two guys at BioWare and I am really pleased to have them on. A special thanks to Brooks Guthrie - audio editor at BioWare for donating his time to make this episode sound fantastic!! Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

This episode I talk with a few of my BioWare Austin coworkers: Lisa Garrison - Senior Project Manager, Toni Phillips - Associate Project Manager, and Jackie Marroquin - Associate Project Manager. We discuss what it's like working and getting a job in an industry dominated primarily by men, as well as provide advice for any female trying to break in. Special thanks to Patricia for suggesting this topic a long time ago. I always wanted to get to this episode because I feel its important for other women to feel more enabled to be part of this industry. Thanks! Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

This episode we discuss the ins and outs of getting a job as a concept artist. Our special guests this week are: Paul Adam and Ryan Dening, both Senior Concept Artist at BioWare. Our returning guests are Alex Thomas and Jason Rosenstock. Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

Hey! We're back and talking about job interviews! Special guests this episode are: Jason Rosenstock - contract environment artist at BioWare, Mike Sheidow - senior environment artist at BioWare, and Alex Thomas - cinematic designer at BioWare. I'm really happy with the quality information this episode provides, so give it a listen! Apologies for the inconsistent audio quality. In an attempt to make things easy, we did our best using one central microphone, which didn't turn out too hot. Perhaps our future efforts using a central mic will be more successful. Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

Two for one! This episode we talk about both VFX and UI! Our guests this episode - Michael Voigt, Lead Interface Artist at Bioware, and Bryan Erck, Lead FX Artist at BioWare. It can be a bit difficult finding good information about these jobs, so don't miss this one! I should mention that we had some recording difficulties during the first part of the podcast, so I apologize for the strange audio interference. Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

This episode we discuss what it takes to be part of a community management team! I am joined with Sean Dahlberg, Community Manager at BioWare Austin, and Chris Mancil, Director and Community Manager at Trion World Network. Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

This episode we discuss some great online resources and how they can help you with your career in game development. Joining me this episode: Rob Galanakis, BioWare Senior Tech Artist & founder of tech-artists.org; Adam Bromell, Head Administrator at polycount.net, & Artist at Relic; As well as Dave Traeger, Senior Editor at moddb.com & desura.com Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

Which studios are right for you? This episode we focus on answering just that! Our special guests are Christian Sheppard - Animator from Junction Point / Disney Interactive, and Colin Greenhalgh - Environment Artist at Budcat Creations. We cover plenty of important topics including different types of work culture, making an educated assessment of a studio's work culture, relocating, cost of living, and more! My toddler Mickey did his best to get his voice (more like screams) heard on this episode, so apologies for that. Luckily since Christian is working at Junction Point he knows how to handle Epic Mickey situations. Ba-dum bum pish! I'll be here all night folks. Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

This episode we finally get to the long awaited programming 101 episode! Thanks for your patience on this one. As you may have guessed, programmers are some of the busiest folks in game development, so special thanks to Edgar Glowacki and Aaron Otstott (Principal Server Programmer and Principal Client Programmer at BioWare) for making this episode happen! They used up a good chunk of their lunch, then rushed off to meetings. Again, much appreciated guys. We get a ton of great information - everything from making sample games, to finding programming experience when you're green, so pay close attention! Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

Sorry for the delayed release on this one - but better late then never I guess. This episode I sit down and chat with Rodney Gibbs and Amy Goldenburg from the IGDA to talk about what the organization has to offer for those breaking in. We discuss a lot of interesting topics including best ways to network, how to start up your own IGDA group at school, and plenty more. If you have ever wondered what the IGDA is all about - this is a must listen. Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

This episode we sit down with a couple great friends of mine: Mark How, Principal Lead Animator at BioWare, and Mookie Weisbrod, Senior Animator at BioWare. These guys are some of the nicest and helpful individuals I know, and I'm sure all you animators will get plenty of awesome info from this one! So far this is one of my favorite episodes, so don't miss it! Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.

On this weeks episode, we sit down with two great Senior Character Artists: BioWare's Pedro Toledo and Blizzard's Vitaliy Naymushin, to talk about what it takes to work in this competitive job. Luckily the episode remained peaceful and no Blizzard / BioWare battles ensued, which hopefully proves we only have the utmost respect for each other. Unfortunately Vitaliy's rabid dog was not on board with the anti-aggression pact, and decided to turn on his owner. Don't miss all the action, adventure, and of course, great information. Play Episode If you have been enjoying these episodes and would like to support Games Industry Mentor, swing by the donation page! All funds go directly to site hosting and podcast equipment. Thanks! ******************** The opinions shared during Games Industry Mentor are simply the views of individuals who work within the games industry, and in no way represent opinions of the studio or company that may employ those individuals. Games Industry Mentor or the individuals who share their opinions, do not guarantee successful placement within the video games industry through following the advice heard on the program.