Matthew Werner

Another stack of resources and layoff support compiled by the incredible Mayank Grover! If you need support or have some to offer, connect and boost that vis so every ship can benefit from the tide. 🙌🌊🙌 #gamedev #games #layoff #support #job #resources #mentors

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🎮❤️‍🔥Thrilled to share our game! As part of the team behind this exciting project, I feel incredibly honored to have contributed to bringing it to life. 🌟Check out our game and let us know what you think! #GameDev #IndieGame #GameDevelopment #GameDesign

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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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Want to stand out above a crowded job market? I just put together a custom Unreal 5.4 project that has fully working multiplayer with quality that is approaching AAA. This project will serve as the foundation for Monthly Challenges where professionals from ALL disciplines can choose challenges to tackle and learn the ins and outs of Unreal while creating portfolio pieces with tangible experience. I did end up dropping a few hundred 💸💸💸, which was not the original plan, but I quickly found out how hard it was to find AAA quality content. I'm still going to offer these challenges for FREE to all, because it felt right. 🎉 To uphold Epic's licensing terms with content you must work on this project under one condition: You are part of the GameDevSG Team, working on a game (for portfolio purposes only and cannot be distributed outside of the GameDevSG Discord). Assuming we can handle that, I feel strongly that this exercise will help a lot of people! ❤️ On a side note, since we are working on a "game", what name should we give it? Thanks all, and stay tuned! #gamedev #gameindustry #gamejobs #portfolio #monthlychallenge

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Let’s be real—starting a career in the video game industry is challenging. You face obstacles like job requirements asking for "2 years of experience" when you’re just starting out. And even when you land a job at a top studio, there’s often uncertainty: What if the project gets canceled? What if funding runs out? But here’s the thing: if you’re reading this, it’s probably because you love creating video games, and you dream of building a career around that passion. And isn’t that what life is all about? We only have one life to live, and it’s far too short to settle for less than doing what lights up your soul. So, how do you turn that dream into reality? In the Game Creator Accelerator (GCA), I mentor aspiring creators with a focus on one key principle: "Build and Share." Sharing doesn’t mean asking for donations—it means showcasing the evolution of your work with the world. And what work will you create? Your first game, built with the industry’s most powerful and versatile tool: Unreal Engine. Here’s how it works: - In Phase One, you’ll dedicate just one hour a day for eight weeks. During this time, you’ll create your first game while building a strong social media presence to showcase your progress. Imagine this: one hour a day to take a step closer to your dream. Think about the hours we spend on things we don’t even enjoy—why not spend them building the life you truly want? - From there, we’ll move to the Expansion Phase, where you’ll establish a presence so compelling that opportunities in the industry come looking for you. At the same time, you'll carve your own successful path with confidence and foundation to not feel tied to the market’s ups and downs. This is your life, and this is your time to choose how you spend it. If you’re passionate about video games, you owe it to yourself to explore where that passion could take you. If this resonates with you and you’re ready to take that first step, I’d love to connect. Visit wulum.com, and let’s schedule a chat. I want to understand your goals and make sure the GCA is the right fit for your journey. Your dream of creating video games is closer than you think. Life’s too short to leave your passions on the backburner. Let’s make it happen—together. #GameDevelopment #VideoGameCareer #UnrealEngine #GamingIndustry #GameCreators #BuildAndShare #GameDesign #CareerInGaming #IndieGameDev #FollowYourPassion

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Interview question: What games do you play? A common question for those interviewing in the video game industry. Here's the thing, over the years I've consistently found those who play table top games are some of the best, most creative, and productive people I've worked with on video games. We all play video games, yet games are not limited to digital, they include many other aspects, like table top (think board games, card games etc.) So when you're interviewed next, and you're asked the game question, don't be shy at including Uno, Ticket to Ride, Pokemon or whatever other games you might be playing with friends and family. Table top games have been infuencing digital interactive video games for decades, and continue to do so. It's a super power not a career limiter. BTW, if you have kids, check our Peacable Kingdom games. These are incredible cooperative games aimed at kids, where you all play together to beat the game, not each other. Enjoy! #videogames #games #whatinspiresme #inspiration #careers

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I'm relieved to announce I'm done with the Video Game Industry's poor antics. I've begun developing a Video Game Industry Blacklist. Unbiased and straight to the point. The truth is, there's a ton of bad actors and organizations within the Video Game Industry who get away with unethical practices, deceptive marketing and a barrage of Solicitation with little to no consequences. Undoubtedly, you probably see many of these actors floating around LinkedIn. My goal is to set new, clear-cut standards, and help make the industry great again. With my various connections throughout the industry, any company or individual who ends up on this list will be barred from business with many large and small organizations/studios/brands who choose to utilize my database. Since this list is public, that means anyone may draw reference from it. And very soon, anyone will be able to contribute to the database. This will be a way for employees, who may have been mistreated by larger studios to finally fight back with the upcoming public voting system I've been developing. Almost like a IMDB/Rotten Tomatoes for the Video Game Industry! Adding companies/individuals will be by request only to start. With some more work, I'll have fulfilled my vision within a month. This is coming out of my own pocket and time. If anyone is interested in assisting me in any with with this project, feel free to reach out! And I'd love to hear some feedback on how I can improve this tool. (Alpha) https://lnkd.in/eir_qhgh

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Game design has been a passion for my entire life. I remember sitting down with a friend growing up, looking at games like Armored Core and Skyrim and saying "Well, that's great, but what if we made it available to be played at a table like D&D or Pathfinder?" TTRPG experience and knowledge has been so critical in learning how to design games- and better, the experience extends beyond just TTRPGs. It extends to games of all kinds- general roleplaying, first person shooters, turn-based or action, trading card games, board games, etc. - Wording VS Intention: Wording and the concept of RAW(Rules As Written) and RAI(Rules As Intended) are incredibly important. Anyone who has spent time playing Magic the Gathering or D&D 5e knows that the occasional loophole in the wording of a rule allows for some fun, albeit potentially unintended nonsense. - User Experience: As a Game Master of 10+ years, and as a player, having fun with the system is extremely important. The mechanics should be intuitive and should have synergy that falls naturally with the other systems within the game. Players inherently want to enjoy their games and have fun, and will praise the design of a game for having good synergy within its own mechanics for having that level of forethought. - Simplicity can be Key: Pathfinder 1e is where I started my TTRPG journey, and retroactively it has a lot of things I love! However, it also has paragraphs and paragraphs to describe a single class ability; it means less people have to filter through more information to understand the exact interaction and experience they will have. I have had players immediately express disinterest if a class has too much information in it, even if it was the exact description they were looking for. - Lack of Stagnation: It has been a consistent experience in the TTRPG community to release new editions, updating, simplifying and refreshing rules. The difference that Pathfinder 1st Edition and Pathfinder 2nd Edition have is vast- and even the revision of Pathfinder 2e changed enough rules to breathe life into the already fun and understandable system. - Plan Ahead, But Adapt: When designing a game, you want to keep in mind any systems you aim to include, as far down as you can. The Tree method comes in handy here, allowing one to think down to the minute details of a project. Thing is, you'll miss things. You will have oversights. That is why adaptability to your plan is important. Planning ahead by creating frameworks for your systems allows the adjustment and insertion of new ideas into old systems. TTRPGs are foundational to the video game industry as a whole, and my passion for designing systems has led me to create and refine several systems for games. The core concept of mechanics, synergies and frameworks would not have been as relevant without my experience and time as a Game Master and a Player in the TTRPG world.

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A good opportunity

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I found a question on Reddit about "How to go from highly technical career game programmer to solo dev game designer?." This subject fills me with interest because both areas of video game creation are presented so differently even when they are forever intertwined. How many times you have played a video game with perfect gameplay mechanics that it's boring as hell? This was my answer to the question from this programmer. I'm going to tell you what works in my case, but have in consideration that every path can be different. I started studying and reading a lot of content related to games and level design. Yes, I know that there are many YouTube tutorials, but I went back to the previous technology: Books. What is important in any type of learning is the structure methodology. Try to avoid leaving holes without explanation. That's a killing approach when you're learning new basic concepts. Remember, you don't know about this, or even worse, you still don't know how much you don't know. This is my recommendation based on books I've read that help me understand the intricacies of video game design and level design. From the most essential to the less, here's my list: - The Art of Game Design - Jesse Schell - An Architectural Approach to Level Design - Christopher W. Totten - Level Design for Games - Phil Co - Level Up - Scott Rogers The other part is to try to connect with your gamers of the game genre you're creating. Start building a relationship so they can provide you with some feedback and ideas to improve your game. Be open to listen and to test ideas. Post Saturdays on Twitter (X) using #screenshotsaturday and ask for feedback. This will help you build a fan base and get ideas/suggestions for free. Finally, to continue my education in that area I listen to podcasts related to game design. Perspectives from other designers will help you big time. One more little thing I purchased, was the Master Class of "Will Wright - Teaches Game Design and Theory." He's a master of the art of game design. To close this post, remember that I'm creating an educational program with live sessions to mentor and teach people about how to become a successful video game creator. You can't be only a game developer, a game designer, or a level designer. You need to build your career with intention and follow a path and a strategy. If you're interested in becoming part of this project, I'm doing a group of interviews to collect information and design the content of this educational program. Reserve your time to talk with me here: https://lnkd.in/gPYJeadb Have a great journey! Tony #GameDesign #GameDevelopment #SoloDev #IndieGameDev #GameProgramming #LevelDesign #GameDesigner #GameDevCommunity #GameDevTips #LearnGameDesign #GameDesignBooks #GameDesignLearning #GameDesignJourney #GameDevResources #MasterClass

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🎮 Want a job in the video game industry? 🎮 Begin with the end in mind.* ➡ When you drive to work do you just turn left or right based on how you feel that day? 😅 (I hope you left extra early that day) ➡ When you gather data for a project, do you grab monthly active users, popular breakfast items and breeds of dog? 🤐 (This report might be fun but your boss will not be happy) ➡ When you schedule a doctor appointment, do you call random numbers in the phone book? 🙃 The same applies to...well...applying for jobs. ❔ Do you look at the minimum requirements for a job or do you click easy apply on cool titles? (Although, I might as well shoot my shot for Game Director) ❔ Do you update your resume with your most relevant experience when you apply? What is your desired outcome? Work backwards and you'll see at least some of the steps in a path to get there. This is not easy to do, because there is no perfect way to be the best fit for a job. Everyone's journey is different. What steps have you taken to get to your goal or how have you been successful in your journey? *One possible end goal pictured #Letsgetyouhired #RecruiterAdvice

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I'm starting a video game internship for Midwest-based games talent! Why am I doing this? As someone who is passionate about fostering talent and providing real opportunities, I see this internship as a chance to give back to the community and support the next generation of game developers. Here’s what sets my internship apart from others: 1. Real Game Development Experience: Our interns will work on actual game development projects with real deadlines. This hands-on experience will not only enhance their skills but also provide them with a substantial project to showcase in their portfolios. 2. Recognition and Credit: Every intern will be credited in the final release of the game, regardless of their role or duration of work. This recognition is crucial for their professional growth and future opportunities. 3. Portfolio Development: Interns are encouraged to use all the work they produce for their professional portfolios after the game's release. This policy ensures they have tangible evidence of their contributions and achievements. 4. Networking and Learning Opportunities: Our program will feature guest speakers and networking events, where interns can learn from industry veterans about job hunting, crafting compelling resumes, and exploring diverse career paths in gaming and beyond. My two main goals with this internship are to provide students with meaningful, practical experience and to equip them with the tools and connections needed for their future careers. We aim to share stories of Midwestern success and offer resources that will help our interns succeed post-graduation. I want to ensure that every intern profits from their work and has a positive, enriching experience that prepares them for the competitive gaming industry. This is my way of giving back and ensuring that others do not face the same challenges I did. If you want to be in this internship then head to tastiegames.com now and apply! #GameDev #Internship #MidwestTalent #GamingIndustry #CareerDevelopment #GameDevelopment #InternshipProgram #FutureOfGaming

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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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Game Industry Layoffs are clearly not from mismanagement 🙄 Just Drive Uber, DoorDash, or live near the beach. If Sony's EX CEO said it's possible, then we all must be doing something wrong. 🤡 #GameIndustry #GameDevelopment #Video #Reel #Student #Indie #EntryLevel #CEO #Update #Support #Advice #Resource #Layoffs #Network #OpenToNetwork #MentalHealth

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Breaking into the gaming industry is tough. I did it without any help. Here’s how: 1. Start reading job ads You need to know what companies are looking for. • Check daily job postings • Understand industry trends • Note the common requirements 2. Identify missing skills Find out what you lack. • List the gaps • Prioritize the most crucial ones • Compare your skills with job ads 3. Enforce your skill set Fill those gaps with dedication. • Take online courses • Practice regularly • Build a portfolio 4. Build your network Connections are key. • Attend industry events • Join online forums • Reach out to professionals Remember during the process: • Patience is Key • Sustainable Learning • Have fun and enjoy the process Our industry needs you. P.S Got any tips that helped you break into the gaming industry?

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Opportunity for entry into game industry

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👣 Define your path 👣 Before diving into sending applications and doing interviews, pause and reflect ⏸️🪞 Too often, job seekers skip the first step in the job search process. This is, establishing what you actually want to do. I've spoken to many aspiring game devs who cannot only design games, they can code, they can animate, they can sculpt, they can write and so forth...which is fantastic if you are planning to work on your own game or join a smaller studio. However, if your desire is to work on a larger production, more often than not, you need to become a specialist. So, if you are looking to work at a big studio....start defining your path... ...ask yourself.... 🔹Where do your strengths lie? 🔹What do you enjoy doing the most? 🔹What part of the game do you want to have most impact on? 🔹What type of games do you want to make? 🔹Which environment will you thrive in the most? Taking the time to give your path some definition will make your job search more focused. You'll apply for positions with purpose and communicate with certainty and confidence, as you'll know exactly what you're aiming for. 🏹🎯 Define the path, then start the search 👍🏽 #jobsearch #gamedev #careers #students

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Whatup LI fam- I gotta story to tell. What if I told you that a man that had -No recognizable background in gaming. ❌ -No history of competitive esports. (Tournament appearances, let alone wins) -No history of being esports talent (Caster, Host, Etc) 🎙️❌ -No history of tournament organization (T.O., Governing body) 📃🎮❌ Would come into the gaming space and raise more than 100M in funding for a gaming company in under ONE YEAR. 🤯 What if I had told you in that same year he'd have a biography written about him and how he "FOREVER changed the esports industry". 📚 What if I told you Diddy wrote the foreword in this book. 🖊️ What if I told you everything I say next is coming from an INSIDE source because they tried to hire ME as the Marketing Director? ✅ With all your years in the gaming space. Genuinely trying to help people and the industry grow.....What would you think? Now. What if I never told you? There's more to this story and I'm gonna tell you more soon enough. #Esports #Gaming #Culture #Industryplants #Playvs

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