Dorian G
Lead Designer
Advice
Resources I would recommend for those interested in getting into game development (books, tutorials, sites, etc)
Personally, I tend to look forward to portfolios and candidates who pursue traditional degrees alongside game modification work. For example a degree in computer science or art with a strong portfolio and mod work experience usually says to me that this candidate is personally motivated to create games and is capable of learning technology on their own. Technology always changes, and people must have the ability to adapt. Knowing how to use the latest trendy editor isn't very valuable, demonstrating extreme talent in any medium is. For that reason a strong art/level design portfolio with traditional work (pencil drawing, paint, sculpture, architecture) will often be more valuable than a mediocre portfolio with nothing but an editor. Regardless, we look for people that love and play games, people who want to make games and can prove it, no school can teach that.
In addition some of the new game specific schools have been improving but not to the level where everyone who comes out is valuable. Like I said no school can teach motivation. People who are self-motivated are simply rare, and unfortunately, sometimes these new schools allow those who are not driven undeserved opportunities which have damaged their reputations. That's not to say all these schools are bad, we have got some great talent from some these schools. I'm just saying be aware, these schools can't teach you to care and don't try to force something if it's not what you expect.
In addition some of the new game specific schools have been improving but not to the level where everyone who comes out is valuable. Like I said no school can teach motivation. People who are self-motivated are simply rare, and unfortunately, sometimes these new schools allow those who are not driven undeserved opportunities which have damaged their reputations. That's not to say all these schools are bad, we have got some great talent from some these schools. I'm just saying be aware, these schools can't teach you to care and don't try to force something if it's not what you expect.
Favorites
First game I remember playing
Pitfall on my dad's Colecovision.
All-time favorite game
Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Non-video gaming hobbies
Photography, Basketball, Snowboarding
Favorite bands/music
Coldplay, Receiving end of Sirens, the Shins, Jack Johnson, The Decemberist, The Pillows, Postal Service, Further Seems Forever, The Killers, Green Day, Snow Patrol.
Favorite books/authors
Atlas Shrugged, Fountain Head, Anthem, Forever Peace, Dune, Animal Farm, Dorian Gray for obvious reasons, Sword of Truth Series, Brave New World, We the Living.
Favorite TV shows
Band of Brothers, 24, Invader Zim, Southpark, Venture Brothers, Chappelle Show, Adult Swim, Conan, Lost, Scrubs
Favorite movies
Fight Club, Nightmare Before Christmas or any film by Tim Burton, Big Lebowski, Boondock Saints, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Kill Bill 1 & 2, Pulp Fiction, Garden State, Pianist, Royal Tenenbaums, Life Aquatic, Requiem for a Dream, Office Space, Spirited Away and any film by Miyazaki, Kung Fu Hustle, Donnie Darko, Napolean Dynamite, SPR, Anchorman, Incredibles, Nemo, Toy Story, Team America, Old School, Labyrinth, Gremlins
Favorite quote
"I swear, by my life and my love of it, that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine." -Galt's oath, from Atlas Shrugged
"I swear, by my life and my love of it, that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine." -Galt's oath, from Atlas Shrugged