Should You Work in the Video Games Industry? - The Truth

MANY people have taken interest in my full time job which is VIDEO GAME DEVELOPMENT 🎮🎮 Although the industry is great if you are passionate enough, THERE ARE things I wish I knew before I got into the Industry. This video covers the TOP 5 THINGS you should know if you are thinking about getting into GAMES!!

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MY YOUTUBE GEAR ~

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Disclaimer: Some links in this description may be affiliate links.

Who Am I and How Much Do Make?: (0:00)
The Truth About Working Overtime: (1:07)
What Role is For You?: (3:15)
How Much Money Will You Make?: (4:06)
Indie Companies vs Big Companies: (4:44)
How To Get Your First Job: (6:27)
The Industry Is a GRIND: (7:43)
Final Words: (9:31)

#gamedevelopment #gamedesigner #adamjbell

[martinabooker]

I’ve watched a few of your videos without subscribing. It occurred to me that your down to earth chat like a friend approach was really engaging and you deserve to succeed. So I have subscribed. The point is you earned it with the quality of your content. Let’s journey dude ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[donniebirb]

I have my final interview in 3 hours that if I pass i get my first ever job working as a Technical QA analysis for a small indie company. This video has given me the confidence for the interview.

[CombatFXZone]

I tried to get in the industry since I was 18 starting as a 3D designer. I got a bachelor in digital 3d design and continued with a masters degree in computer science to round off my profile and maximize my "employability" if you catch my drift. I tried to soak in as much knowledge and diverse skills as possible while simultaneously working on a portfolio. My personality kind of revolved around being a guy who wants to be a developer and part of the industry.

I'm 28 now and worked for a "edutainment" VR Startup kind of doing what I wanted to do, but I never really felt good enough to actually work on titles I enjoyed playing. Looking back on all of this I don't think this career is worth the trouble anymore. If you have any doubts about this path, please don't waste your time in front of a computer for 12hours+ and don't let corporations control your self-esteem. Passion gets you a long way but it can be dangerous for you- companies know how to exploit very very well.

[supersonic]

basically: unless youre a higherup, probably not.
the overtime is excessive in a lot of companies and the pay isnt high enough to make up for it.
its probably a fun job if you can keep up, but most people wont be able to.

if youre an indie dev, you'll basically get underpaid, or if youre in an especially small group (like friends, or alone), not paid at all, until your group puts out a well-selling game. as an indie dev you might need to take a side-job to survive.

the gaming industry is insanely rough, but if you really like it, or join a great company (Nintendo is apparently pretty against OT and for employee happiness), it could be pretty worthwhile.

[Paul_]

There's so many exploits in the video game industry and it comes with the territory. Especially after working a decade in the industry. The biggest concern I have is the program management culture.
Many studios are starting to design the game loop, user flow, based on data and incorporate psychological triggers to keep the user coming back. Once they understand their market target audience.
It's not fun anymore it becomes how much can make to pay investors, this is if you move up higher.

[EdgarVerona]

Also some companies, like Bungie, have built a no crunch policy and culture after learning lessons the hard way about how unhelpful it is in the long run. It is one of their best job benefits, and pretty rare in the industry and in tech overall

[HE]

I'm an indie game developer and I'm just happy to develop games as a hobby. This takes care of having to compete and all of that jazz.

[KewilDesign]

I'm a Senior Environment Artist in the UK and I've worked at AAA, AA, and Indie level and I have to say I've been paid way more and treated way better at Indie level than I was at the bigger companies - there is also a huge pay disparity between the UK and the US/Canada in salaries it's worth pointing out - now in a world of remote work I know a lot of friends who have switched to American companies and doubled their salaries without having to move and still being able to access British free healthcare and not having to pay $5k a month for an apartment in California!

[Xyles]

About the "you have to do more" part: I believe it is important to emphasize that you should never force yourself to put in the extra hours. You should always feel proud about every completed project. But if you struggle for a long time it's better to keep looking for something you like more.

[samjay]

Don't forget about us, technical artists! Just put us between the artists and programmers on your graphic haha.
Great Video man! Glad to hear from more Game Devs in the industry starting out like myself.

[LFPAnimations]

I work in VFX and unpaid OT used to be an issue (still is in some places). Don't ever work unpaid OT, especially in an industry that is as lucrative as gaming. Gaming companies have high profit margains. They are selling digital assets. It is absurd for them not to pay OT. This kind of goes along with the industry trick of not paying interns because they are learning from the job. Interns at tesla can earn $40/hr, the industry is scamming you.

[bristlybrows]

Wow. Comes out just in time, I just accepted a job offer this week to move to Vancouver (From Toronto!) To work at a major film studio! Just wrapping up my computer science degree this semester, your channel is honestly a stroke of luck to find!

[xxfrequencyxx]

In BC it’s mandated that IT fields pay 2x - which is nice. I am salary and get OT pay - work in the industry as well. I worked in an indie studio for 8.5 years, got a foot in the door, I’m also working in the Live Services - which doesn’t have portfolios. Definitely advise you work in the indie studios to get professional experience before moving to AAA. It’s a grind, because the games industry is so small it’s nearly impossible to make it in the AAA. Now that I’ve made it in AAA the feeling is amazing, and I’m making close to 100k with stocks options. Definitely have to grind- and most people don’t make it past 5 years in the industry.

[loganwolverine]

You just made portfolios sound scary AF. Can’t imagine having any energy left after fighting a computer for 10 hours specifically with programming.

[TheVaenius]

Just now seeing this! you really gave me encouragement to actually look into gaming as a career, obviously not just playing, but CREATING! Thank you to the moon and stars my unknown friend!!!!

(Edit: For spelling.)

[moshimoshi_]

over time is not a problem when your job is your hobby, you'd love to spend more time to deep dive in that... i guess so.. agree?

[harrygomes]

This Information helps big time Adam! Thank you!
Even I am planning to apply for the animation program in VFS. WOuld be helpful if you could share more about your experience managing time while studying in VFS. Great content Brother!

[miketva]

Thx for the help working on my degree right now in design

[minakinbasket]

Omgggg I'm early like super earlyyy!!! I never am for any videoooo 🤣🤣🤣❤️

[pinkambition]

You just saved me a whole lot of time and money! Thanks for the detailed layout Adam! 🙏🏽