“I care about your portfolio, not your GPA,” was the tone of Jim Huntley’s chat with me at GamesBeat Summit 2024. Our chat was concerning the subsequent era of recreation builders, what challenges they face, and what builders and the training system are like. might help them. Huntley, who’s an affiliate professor on the College of Southern California and teaches within the USC Video games program, spent a number of minutes answering questions from the viewers along with my very own questions on the subject.
The preliminary subject of dialog was what the brand new era of recreation builders seems like and what profession path awaits them. What department do they inherit? Huntley did not say a phrase, “Horrible.” That being mentioned, Huntley added that entry-level positions within the gaming business haven’t disappeared regardless of the large layoffs which can be happening. And he added that academic applications just like the USC Video games program can provide younger builders a path into gaming. He mentioned the road on the high of the article in response to a query about which pupil is profitable in this system.
When requested which pupil he was referring to, he added that profitable college students who pursue careers within the business will not be simply gamers. In an effort to thrive, younger builders have to not solely be keen on and find out about totally different video games, but in addition have an curiosity in and information of various issues exterior of video games to convey a well-rounded perspective to the desk.
In response to a query from the viewers, Huntley added that the USC Video games pitching course of helps develop the talents wanted to make it within the business — pitching, collaborating with different creatives, constructing a recreation to completion — however it will probably’t instill a love and curiosity in making video games. A pupil with a 3.5 and a portfolio of recreation work is extra fascinating to each academics and employers than a pupil with a 4.2 who has nothing to display his curiosity in video games.