Alex Gombos

I understand the challenges many face when trying to break into the games industry and find the right role. Before contacting a team member or recruiter, I recommend checking the job listings on the company's careers site to identify suitable positions. This approach not only demonstrates professionalism but also expedites the process. Simply reaching out to inquire about available roles may not be the most effective initial contact, as it can lead to a less fruitful conversation. For those interested, here is a link to all the current open roles at WB Games: https://lnkd.in/enp8Q8YN #GameIndustry #CareerOpportunities #Professionalism

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Episode 3 of The Talent Game podcast is live with Mary Chan (prev. Operations Director at Lightforge Games)! Mary takes us on her inspiring career journey, from her time at JPMorgan to breaking into the gaming industry. She opens up about the challenges she faced along the way—navigating a job market lacking salary transparency and grappling with concerns around cultural fit. At Lightforge Games, Mary made it her mission to improve the candidate experience, and in our conversation, she shares practical insights on how to attract and retain top talent by prioritising transparency, competitive benefits, and a healthy work-life balance. She also reveals the key traits she values in candidates—adaptability, innovation, and collaboration—essential qualities that drive success in today's fast-paced industry. Key Takeaways ✅ Transitioning from one industry to another requires identifying transferable skills and finding a company that values those skills. ✅ Salary transparency is crucial during the job search process to ensure alignment between candidates and companies. ✅ Candidate experience plays a significant role in attracting talent. Transparency, work-life balance, and employee recognition are important for retaining talent. ✅ Personality traits like adaptability, innovation, and collaboration are highly valued in the gaming industry.

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The great joy of my career is that I get the privilege of talking to Artists at various stages of their careers. While I enjoy speaking to mature and experienced talent, I love speaking with emerging Artists; those at the beginning of their journey. Of late, those conversations have been the equivalent of hand holding and trying to give some sense of comfort. It's no secret that the various creative industries that many are looking to join are in a period of re-evaluating their headcount expectations. TBH I cannot remember a time when creative industries were not in a period of re-evaluating their headcount expectations. Is this the most challenging I have seen? No, it's close, but there have been more challenging times. Here's the deal though - at some point in your career you will look back at these challenging times and think of them as "The good old days". The distance time provides will expose the lessons you are learning now. You may hate feeling the way you may be feeling, but you're building muscle. You're building resilience, and you'll be needing that later in your career. Your career path is not going to get any easier, but you are going to get a lot stronger.

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At the heart of EVERYWHERE is ARCADIA! ARCADIA is our building tools, self-publishing system, and library of assets and community-made content. Check the basics of building in ARCADIA out in the video below! #gamedev #UGC #gamedevjobs

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So sorry to hear about layoffs at Modern Wolf, with 6 staff members being affected. The news broke last night, with my former CA colleague George Willard posting the news, as well as providing information about those also laid off to support re-hiring as quickly as possible. You can find that here: https://lnkd.in/eEXWSgNQ To those impacted by these layoffs, please find a comprehensive list of resources, below: 🥇First, Discipline Games Jobs Resources: Over the past weeks I have created 9 (at time of writing) Games Jobs Resources to find jobs in a wide range of disciplines: 🎨 Art, Animation, VFX and UI: This resource contains around 1,200 jobs worldwide across all links. Link: https://lnkd.in/eu2bjadW ⚙ Engineering and Programming This resource lists just over 1,900 jobs worldwide across all links. It also talks about interview tips and questions to practice. Link: https://lnkd.in/etPj22BE 🕹 Quality Assurance: This resource lists over 450 QA jobs worldwide. This post also talks about the craft of QA and contains tips and interview practice. Link: https://lnkd.in/dwwVjZuc 📑 Game Production: This resource lists around 400 jobs worldwide. It also contains info about game production as a whole and GDC talks. Link: https://lnkd.in/gxDvFM-Z 📢 Marketing & Community: This resource lists around 400 jobs worldwide. It also gives an intro into game marketing and community management. Link: https://lnkd.in/e5MuViug 🎶 Audio and Sound Design: This resource lists around 190 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/eSkPSsWf 📠 Studio Support, HR, Recruitment and BizDev: This resource lists around 290 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/ePG57_7v ⚙ IT, Helpdesk and DevOps: This resource lists around 140 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/e8ZsuiZh 🎮 Game Design: This resource lists around 480 jobs worldwide. https://lnkd.in/dCv_hQXv 🥈 Second, the Ultimate list of Video Games Career Resources: This should be your one-stop shop for all information. My dear friend Amir Satvat maintains these documents, he is a legend for doing this - please check them out: https://amirsatvat.com/ 🥉 Third, If you have worked in publishing, please message me. I am looking for quite a few roles right now! ⬅ 🎖 Finally, do not give up. Ever. No matter how dark things may look right now, I KNOW you will get through this, you have got this! 👊 Remember you are not alone. If you need help, advice, or even an ear to listen, we're here for you. Always! ➡ A request to my community, please can I ask you to repost this post to your colleagues and friends, so that we can get as many into jobs as possible! And please comment if you or your studio are currently hiring - let's help each other! Much love ❤️ #layoffs #gamesindustry #jobsingames #modernwolf

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Great list of companies and resources here -- bookmark this one!

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Corporate America can make you think you aren't great. It will then reinforce it annually. Get tools to combat the limiting beliefs that can result from ongoing exposure to corporate chaos. https://lnkd.in/gKqFSYBz

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Dive into the world of technology with EA's latest update on Boom Tech in EA SPORTS Madden NFL 25. Discover how this technology is revolutionizing the gaming experience.

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TONIGHT AT 6:30 PM join us for an improvised version of PVP Circuit and help us rebuild our local community brick by brick. I still can't believe I get to work in the video game industry. My 6-year-old would laugh, and then cry once she realized what it means to work in the creative technology sector. That's why IMO everyone could use some levity during these unprecedented times. Join us for a fun evening to raise funds for the Trevor Project. Event link >>> https://lnkd.in/g7tBuP6d Frequently Asked Questions: What if I can't attend the event? - If you can't make it, please consider purchasing a ticket to help us raise money for charity or get one on behalf of someone impacted by layoffs. What if I want to join but can't justify the cost? - If you want to join but find the cost prohibitive, DM me and we'll make it happen (see point above). Do I have to pitch at the event? - No, you don't have to pitch if you prefer to observe. It’s a great way to see how it's done. Will there be another event like this? - We plan to host our community again, but I can't specify if this event will be the focus. #gamesindustry #event #comedy <3

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LinkedIn's New Gaming Adventure! LinkedIn has entered the gaming arena with the launch of three intriguing puzzle games – Pinpoint, Queens, and Crossclimb. These games are now available on both desktop and mobile platforms, adding a fun twist to the LinkedIn experience. Each game offers a unique mental challenge, including word association, trivia with wordplay, and a distinctive take on sudoku. This move reflects a broader trend in the digital content industry, as companies leverage gaming content to attract and retain users. Amid the challenges of generating revenue from traditional advertising, offering gaming content is seen as a strategic move to enhance user retention and possibly create new revenue streams in the future. LinkedIn's current strategy primarily focuses on user engagement without monetization. The games are free to play and embrace the social aspect of gaming by allowing users to view their connections' activity and engage in friendly competition through leaderboards. This approach represents a shift towards creating a more interactive and social experience within the professional networking platform. With the gaming landscape evolving across various industries, from digital news organizations to platforms like Netflix, LinkedIn's entry into gaming reflects an effort to adapt to user preferences and behaviors. As the company aims to deepen relationships and inject fun into the professional networking experience, it will be fascinating to see how these gaming features influence user engagement and potentially drive future business opportunities on the platform. https://lnkd.in/dsc7eePJ Play the games here https://lnkd.in/dqM7dBW4

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Dive into the world of The Sims with our latest blog article on authenticity in the game. Discover how we strive to create a realistic and inclusive experience for all players.

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The soundtracks of Black Myth: Wukong is what truly captured my attention, absolutely a great piece of work! Here is an insightful review from Kaizong Amos Yeo, for those who are fans of AAA games or Chinese mythology.

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Episode 5 of The Talent Game podcast is live! 🥳 In this episode, Erla Gunnhildardóttir (Fractional CFO, Supercell, CCP Games) shares her inspiring journey into the gaming industry, starting with her love for board games and leading to her role at CCP Games. She opens up about her experience with layoffs at CCP, providing valuable insights into navigating financial planning and the emotional challenges during such times. Erla praises the leadership at CCP for their empathy, professionalism, and focus on maintaining a positive workplace culture despite difficult decisions. The conversation dives deep into the importance of company culture, with Erla emphasizing the role of leadership in shaping it through clear communication and setting behavioral expectations. She highlights the power of trust, psychological safety, and coaching in building high-performing teams. Erla also discusses how finance teams can play a strategic role beyond traditional back-office functions by fostering collaboration across departments. Key Takeaways ✅ Finance teams should be integrated into broader company functions, fostering collaboration rather than being siloed as a back-office role. ✅ Empathy and care are essential when navigating difficult situations, such as layoffs, to maintain a positive workplace culture. ✅ Effective leadership shapes workplace culture through clear values, communication, and behavioral expectations, fostering resilience in challenging times. ✅ Building high-performing teams requires trust, psychological safety, and coaching to enable team members to bring their whole selves to work. ✅ How candidates discuss their current or past employers during interviews reveals key insights into their mindset and attitudes.

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Job Application pro-Tip: When getting grilled more than the Golden State Killer at a job interview. Keep it cool by Following these three tips: 1. Wear Shades inside and never take them off, hiring managers can't resist What is scientifically called the Blues Brothers factor. 2. ask can I smoke? when they say no. light a cigarette anyway. 3. when they ask What your biggest weakness is tell them it's answering inane questions like that one. bonus; Get biblical and liken yourself to Samson; Where your corporate strength is proportionate to The size of the paycheck.

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I like sharing the good news about the video game industry (because I know many people have been burned by working through it). Although, as a whole, the industry is expected to continue growing year after year. What do you think this means? The concept of diversity becomes the inevitable truth. Growth encompasses variety and innovation, bringing a richer palette of stories and experiences. This transformation is driven by a new wave of creators who are not just making games but also crafting cultural bridges. A fantastic example is the upcoming game 'Rooster', which celebrates Asian heritage in a deeply authentic way. The team behind Rooster has a shared vision of representing this culture through fun and accessible gameplay experiences, which aligns beautifully with broader industry trends toward inclusivity and representation. It seems like they love what they do to boot! If there was a clear path to surviving the video game market while also enriching the social impact of gaming, IMO, it would be to get behind and champion these vital initiatives. #diversity #equity #inclusivity #asianheritage #rooster

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EA's Potential Shift Towards Aggressive In-Game Ads Electronic Arts (EA) is reportedly considering implementing more aggressive in-game advertisements in its AAA titles. This move aligns with broader industry trends, as companies seek alternative revenue streams beyond traditional game sales. The potential shift in ad policy has sparked concerns among gamers and industry observers. Players and fans are closely watching how EA navigates this possible change, especially as some of its major franchises are not releasing new titles in 2024. EA's emphasis on "thoughtful implementations" underscores the delicate balance between revenue generation and maintaining player satisfaction and trust. The impact of enhanced in-game ads on upcoming titles remains uncertain, and the gaming community will be closely monitoring the situation. More aggressive in-game advertisements reflect a strategic shift in EA's monetization approach, raising important questions about player experiences and industry trends. In your opinion, how might this move by EA affect player engagement and trust in the company's gaming titles? https://lnkd.in/eHiJ_ZPG

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In a changing gaming landscape, industry experts like Shawn Layden, Van Burnham, and Michael Pachter debate the fate of dedicated gaming devices amidst streaming and mobile dominance. 🌟 Their insights shed light on the evolving landscape of gaming, where consoles face challenges but also hold promise for immersive experiences. While streaming technology poses a threat, the limitations of internet speed hinder its widespread adoption. Consoles are seen as pivotal in providing high-quality gaming experiences, although their growth may face constraints. The emergence of platforms like the metaverse and the success of games like Fortnite and Roblox underscore the significance of organic growth. Looking ahead, the industry anticipates scalable gaming experiences adaptable across various devices, reflecting evolving consumer preferences. This conversation reveals a dynamic industry poised for transformation and adaptation in response to changing player demands. Check out the full panel discussion and share your perspective https://lnkd.in/dCbfFqTM

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🚀 Tired of empty talk and people who don't care? Join Amir Satvat's Games Community — where gamers truly matter every single day! 🚀 We’re constantly evolving to offer the best resources, support, and opportunities in the games industry. Recognized by Bloomberg, NPR, GamesBeat, Geoff Keighley, LA Times, GamesIndustry.Biz, PC Gamer, Polygon, and more — we do it all, not for recognition or profit, but to make you feel valued and supported. ❓ Not sure where to start? Head to amirsatvat.com and discord.gg/amirsatvat! 📈 Growing Reach: Across our community's three homes, over 100,000 are engaged daily, 215,000 monthly, 3 million+ annually. Enjoy my 120+ LinkedIn posts each month, ensuring your voice reaches those who can help! 🤝 Community Support: With 6,000 members on Discord and 2,272 coaches, we offer mentorship, LinkedIn/CV reviews, mock interviews, and portfolio critiques — just reach out! Over 10,000 gamers gave back to the community last year! 🎮 Games Jobs Listings: The most comprehensive listing of games roles in the world! We also feature additional job resources from Eva Tucker, Alexander Rehm, and Jordan Mazer. I also recently created a New Games Roles resource that sources the latest individual roles as frequently as possible. 🎟️ Regular Event Ticket Giveaways: We’re hosting three drawings for tickets to major games events! Two for XP Gaming Inc. (MIGS + Biz Connect & Beta Lounge) have closed (winners will be announced soon), and one for GamesBeat Next is still open. Plus, we’re targeting 500 tickets for GDC next year! 📝 Job Seeker Resources: Join our three Category 1 job seeker lists—these resources have helped many of you get hired. 🆘 Layoff Support: Has your organization experienced layoffs? Let me know, and we'll feature a Games Community support post—we’ve done 107 so far, including Lost Boys Interactive and, soon, Activision Blizzard Blizzard Entertainment with the help of Jasmine Coppin. 🎓 LinkedIn Premium Trials: We’ve given away over 500 LinkedIn Premium trials to date. If you haven’t used one before, sign up now! 🌟 Career and Early Career Resources: Don’t miss these two resource compilations or our Thursday Community Spotlights where you can share your job search journey and connect with others! 🌐 Networking and Resources: Dive into Hailey Rojas’ #OpenToNetwork channel to meet other gamers in a relaxed setting. 📚 New Resources Coming Soon: Seth Sivak is creating a three-part guide on starting a games company. Ali Farha and Aïda Figuerola 🔜 PGC Helsinki are upgrading early career resources, with Ali also adding his own new resource. Plus, another surprise resource from an industry veteran where you can ask any burning games questions! You are not alone. Our community doubles your chances of finding a role in games (6% -> 12% for all applicants). We're approaching 50,000 coaching conversations and have helped over 2,600 people secure games roles! Welcome to Amir Satvat's Games Community, your games ally!

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