#NerdsUnite: Confessions of a Videogame Journalist

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy John. We started talking on the twitter not too long ago, and then he reached out and asked if he could write for us regarding his journey through the nerdy realm. I was all DUDDEEE!! That's so raaaddd!! And now, here we are. Like right now, in real time, this is happening. Pretty cool huh? HIT IT JOHN!!! </editorsnote> 

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JohnSollitto

So the Game Developers Conference has come and gone. Those of you who are setting your sights on it for next year should be preparing and getting things together so that when you do head out there, you’re rarin’ to go.

Here are some things you’ll definitely need just to start off:

• A backpack or bag of some sort
• A folder for papers
• Lots and lots of resumes
• Business cards and business card holders. One holder for your own cards another for  cards you recieve from others
• Gum (it comes in handy for you and it could be an ice-breaker)
• Writing implements (pens, pencils, highlighters, sharpies, etc.)
• Hand sanitizer (this is vital for avoiding the Convention Flu since you’ll be shaking numerous hands)
• Spare pad of paper for notes
• A cheap lighter (people smoke and go out for smokes a lot, if you have a lighter on you, you can give them a light as an ice-breaker, even if you don’t smoke)

Now that you’ve got your survival gear in order, there are some things you need to be ready for as far as dealing with recruiters and events.

If you’re an artist, have a portfolio, whether it is digital or physical. You’ll need to show this to some recruiters, and it gives them an on-site idea of who you are and what you can do. It’s better than a resume, but have that too so that you can hand them that with your contact info on it as well as a business card.

Regular recruiters are seeing hundreds of resumes a day, so don’t take it personally if they don’t seem thrilled to talk to you. If they make notes on your resume, keep an eye out for it.
Often times, the person at the booth is not the right person to talk to. You’ll be talking to a technical recruiter, marketing rep or even just another employee of the company instead of the head of the specific department you're interested in working in. Always, always, always ask who you should be talking to directly in reference to your position. Never settle for a roundabout way of getting there. Always be direct.

Get everyone’s contact information. Seriously, if you talk to them, get their info. Even if they’re just trying to get a job like you. You never know when it will come in handy to know a programmer or an artist. You may be working on your own projects some day and knowing a lot of people will be good for you. Not only that, but contact info for recruiters is great and if you establish a relationship with them, you’ll be on their mind a lot if they’re looking to fill a position.

Be prepared to get turned down. I know it sucks, I know it’s hard and it’s not what you want to hear. This is a big industry and you’re at an event that is full of other potential candidates. Just because you got face time doesn’t mean they’ll remember or recognize you again.
This brings us to the next important thing to do. Contact every single person you got a card from after the conference. Don’t do it during the conference because they won’t be looking at their emails and they’ll be super busy. Do it afterward, at least the Monday after or middle of the week. Some people won’t be back in their office right away and others might be taking some time off, especially if they got sick. Don’t anticipate a quick response either. You won’t be the only one doing this and they’ll have quite a backlog to get through.

If you have the chance to go to any networking events or after-parties, try hard to make time to attend them. You've got to be up to the challenge, though. They’re high-energy events and crazy fun, but if you’re not feeling it, it will show and people may avoid you as you could be a party-pooper. Networking events are great for meeting other industry folks and establishing a more personal friendship. This will help again as they’ll keep you in mind for positions later.

Remember that old phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know?” That is true nearly 50% of the time. Of course, if you’re not good at what you do, they’ll never refer you. But, if you’re good at what you do and they know you, you’ll have a better shot.

This is a lot of information and could be a little daunting to people just looking to enjoy the conference. Don’t worry, you’ll have fun. But if you’re looking to work it and try to get some good contacts and a job, these are some basic tips for you all to know and utilize.
Good luck!

#nerdsunite

Want more from John? Click here to follow him on the twitter!

Check out his gaming site too!

#NerdsUnite: Confessions of a Videogame Journalist (GDC!)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy John. We started talking on the twitter not too long ago, and then he reached out and asked if he could write for us regarding his journey through the nerdy realm. I was all DUDDEEE!! That's so raaaddd!! And now, here we are. Like right now, in real time, this is happening. Pretty cool huh? HIT IT JOHN!!! </editorsnote> 

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JohnSollitto

Well I’m back!

GDC was extremely fun and beneficial to me in a personal and professional capacity, but I wanted to talk about the entire idea of GDC and how much I love it.

So, for those who don’t know what it is, GDC is the Game Developers Conference that is held each year. During that time, there are several panels and talks that are beneficial to those in the industry and those trying to get in the industry.

The talks range from high-profile game developers and companies, to small-time indie studios talking about their latest projects or their newest releases.

I think what I love about this is that it is a large-scale version of what I want my site to be. The Game Creators Vault is a place for learning and sharing. In our reviews we try to be academic and smart rather than commenting on how fun a game is and how much our personal preference matters. We try to dissect a game down to its core mechanics and really show whether or not this was a good move or not.

We want to reach out to gamers and those interested in getting into the industry as a creative or any other type.

GDC seems to be the best and most international and professional way of doing what we want to achieve. Not only that, but it is an irreplaceable way of having those in the industry meet up with each other and form solidarity in the fact that we are all in this together and that we are all in love with what we do.

My most favorite thing to hear during the convention was, “Hey, what’s your story?”

People were just happy to meet each other and learn about each other and share in the experience. Men and women. Don’t let anyone tell you the gaming industry is a boys club anymore. I saw just as many women looking for jobs, showing portfolios and shaking hands with hiring managers as there were men.

Now, I have said on Twitter that I am working on my own game project, but as a press man, the most interesting thing to me was seeing how a convention could really just be one giant job fair and exposition.

For press, this is just a way to gauge how the industry is going. Which companies are hiring, which aren’t. What projects they may or may not be working on. If you’re careful, you can gauge if a company is doing well or not simply by how many positions they’re willing to fill. This could mean expansion or rounds of lay-offs. You just have to ask the right questions.

My favorite thing to hear was “Hey, what’s your story?” but my favorite thing to see was the IGF. The Independent Game Festival was soooooo cool to browse through. Games I’ve never heard of, games I have heard of. All sorts of stuff. The varying styles, the interesting ideas and the sheer excitement of everyone there was so infectious.

It was so wonderful to see the developers smiling broadly, just happy to be there and show people what they made. After all, they were just like the people attending the convention. Just as eager to get into the industry and just as bewildered as how to do it. I’m just like that now and I can’t wait to be on the other side of it.

I had a good friend get me into the convention this year and I owe him a lot for all of the professional connections that I made and the experiences there. I am truly blessed with some good friends and some good times.

If you want to talk more about GDC and what goes on there, give me a tweet at @JohnSollitto and we’ll talk!

#nerdsunite

Want more from John? Click here to follow him on the twitter!

Check out his gaming site too!