Leading Companies and employment
As a games developer, popular markets of employment include the digital game development industry, and all of its avenues. You may choose to work in a company that develops either hardware, software or both, computer games, video games, handheld games, console games, arcade games, games for the Internet or mobile phone games.
This is a booming industry so competition is highly competitive for open positions.
Some of the better known brands in the home console market include Microsoft X Box 360, and Nintendo Wii.
You will usually find yourself working as part of a team in whichever area of games development you pursue. However, with the diversity and changing technology in this industry it is possible with experience and money you can venture into self-employment. The games development industry is relatively new and growing rapidly. Competition for jobs is tight, and so experience is usually required in order to find employment.
Environment & Culture
Standards have risen in the past few years, and you are now likely to work in a comfortable, indoors environment, following a more traditional hourly week although overtime will still be expected when approaching a deadline.
The culture of the industry is like most creative environments. It is less structured, more flexible, casual clothing, low barriers to creativity and where right brain thinking that is a ‘bit out there’ is highly encouraged. The culture could easily be described as fast paced, positive, pressurised, stimulating, deadline driven and innovative.
It’s likely that you will spend every work day at a computer, which can have some health risks. You may be susceptible to develop a repetitive strain injury, eye strain or other eyesight complications, and ergonomic issues, like bad posture.
About the Author
Games Developers Association of Australia
The GDAA works with its member developers to increase the profile of the Australian interactive game industry both domestically and internationally in order to:
- Promote the growth of the game industry in Australia
- Represent the interests of GDAA members
- Attract capital and publishers from offshore
- Retain and attract talent in our local industry Promote a sense of community within the industry
Did you know that Google.com's company headquarters is nicknamed the Googleplex, which houses over two hundred and seventy employees?