Roles and Responsibilities in the Games Industry
For this part of the assignment I will look at a few of the main jobs in the industry and what a company looks for.
Concept Artist:
Skilful, imaginative and talented concept artist wanted to help create an AAA title on the next generation platforms.
Strong Portfolio with examples of:
• Environment and character work.
• Good knowledge of Anatomy.
• Good knowledge of colour Theory.
• Good knowledge of architecture.
• Good composition skills.
• Storyboarding skills.
• Ability to adapt to art styles.
Proven experience in a broad range of skills:
• Both realistic and stylised image work.
• Sketch, concept and developed detailed Images.
The candidate must have the following experience:
• At least 1 published games title.
• General experience of working within game restrictions.
• Excellent knowledge of Photoshop.
• Ability to work within deadlines.
The candidate will ideally have the following qualities:
• Strong communication skills.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Be a keen gamer.
Audio Engineer:
Position Overview
the audio engineers’ primary purpose is to aid in all audio content creation, implementation and testing for titles developed at the studio.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• To assist audio lead in all areas of audio production.
• To create sound effects and audio assets using techniques such as synthesis, location recording, Foley recording in addition to utilising pre-recorded material.
• Integrate audio content into games using scripting or other in-house tools and software.
• To create, integrate and mix audio content for trailers, demo's and conferences.
• To test all aspects of implemented game audio to ensure playback is as intended and fit for commercial release. Testing must be methodical and documented with detailed plans.
• Report directly to audio lead all issues and problems, keeping lead well informed.
• To help construct and maintain the in-house sound effects library, adhering to set conventions.
• Travel to various locations, organising and conducting sound effects recording sessions.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential:
• Degree in sound/audio related discipline (2:1 or above), HND in Sound Engineering or relevant industry experience
• Excellent sound design skills, showing creative flare.
• Excellent knowledge of DSP, Synthesiser and Effects programming.
• Excellent sound editing and mixing to picture technique.
• Skilled and highly efficient with audio editing tools such as Wavelab, ProTools, Nuendo, Digital Performer.
• Good knowledge of microphone recording techniques and their practical application.
• Ability to full fill deadlines and keep to schedules.
• Ability to cope with long hours and tight deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently on own or as part of a team.
• Have a raw desire to acquire new audio skills and techniques.
• Self motivating.
• Passionate about audio in video games.
• Willingness to learn new in-house audio tools and software, and advancing skills for integrating content.
• Excellent communication, verbal and people skills.
• Excellent hearing, for distinguishing sound quality.
• A keen interest in and a passion for sound and music in games and film.
• Experience recording classical and popular music instruments to a high standard.
• Experience recording and mixing dialogue.
Desirable:
• Good scripting/implementation ability using in-house tools and software
• Experience and knowledge of working with Macintosh computers.
• Previous shipped titles with significant audio involvement.
• Strong technical ability.
Lead Programmer:
They are looking for a Lead Programmer to manage their Programming team, overseeing the day to day development of our new game, while reporting to the Technical Director to establish and maintain technical direction. You will work closely with the game design, level design and art teams, and act as point of contact for all programming issues.
- Minimum of 3 years game or related experience
- Minimum 1 shipped title where credited as a Senior or Lead Programmer
- Experience working on a triple-A game as a Senior or Lead Programmer
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills
- Experience creating and maintaining task schedules
- Experienced and proficient in C++
- Ability to write clear, maintainable, portable code
- Good verbal and written English skills Skills may include some of maths, physics, 3D, graphics, direct x, render ware, tools, plugins, AI, C++, PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, PC, PSP, Unix, SDKs, OpenGL, MFC, Server, SQL, COM and .Net
Lead Designer:
Overview of Role:
You will initially be working on the console version of an award winning AAA title. As a studio we have developed a number of games, typically in the genre of First Person Shooter or Real Time Strategy.
The Lead Designer is responsible for generating ideas and designs and contributing to all aspects of the game.
Main Responsibilities:
- Have full understanding of the design vision of the game and responsibility for communicating this to the team
- Delegate design responsibilities to the design team and identify and prioritise key design challenges
- Work closely with other team leads and management in realising project goals
- Identify and analyse problems and design achievable solutions
- Support the design team in a constructive manner, foster good design practice and mentor less senior designers as necessary
Skills Required:
- Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal). Candidate must be able to present to both members of the organisation and outside parties clearly and unambiguously
- A good understanding of all aspects of game play: control, player feedback, mechanics, game progression, reward and difficulty curves, etc
- Good analytical skills
- Excellent documentation skills: creation and maintenance of detailed yet concise design documented and other project documents (schedules, etc) using Word, Visio, Excel and other relevant packages
- Good knowledge of code and art related development issues and the ability to work well with these departments
- Good knowledge of games past and present
- Ideally worked on at least 2 shipped titles with extensive console experience
- Previous Lead Designer experience
Level Designer:
They are currently looking for an experienced Level Designer to work on a number of upcoming AAA titles. The ideal candidates will have at least one released title as a level designer, have a demonstrable track record of problem-solving and creative thinking , and experience of 3D Studio Max is essential.
Quality Assurance tester:
An experienced QA Tester is required for testing the games and finding defects in the programming code. Must have excellent knowledge of all platform standards, bug tracking systems and procedures and must be an excellent communicator