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Post a reply << Go BackTopic: Possible careers in casual games
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If you want something related to art, Flash production artist is often needed, but that might be more technical than you like.
Another possibility is QA (quality assurance) which is usually lower paid. You need attention to detail, and strong skills in communications and the scientific method (because you have to figure out how to reproduce the bugs reliably).
Some game companies also hire customer support people and forum moderators.
BigFishGames wants people who can work in their offices, but some of the smaller companies hire telecommuters. The company I work for is almost completely telecommuting. We usually hire new people as contractors rather than employees, to see if they will work out well. We have had ads up for ages but I'm not sure if we are actively hiring except those who already have extensive technical experience. I would imagine that there are game developers out there who would love to have a great artist as a contractor to help with art for hidden object games for example, but I have no idea how to find those companies.
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My best suggestions are to go to your favorite web sites and see if they are hiring (on their web pages). Casual games have been hit by the economy as everyone else, so should focus on the companies that are growing (e.g., Big Fish Games, Zynga, etc). You can pick any games you like on Gamezebo, see the developer. go to their page, and send them an email (they will respect your drive).
The space is global and highly competitive, so you may want to call a company up and ask them what particular skills you are looking for. I agree, the best way in is through QA and work yourself up to production and the biggest skill I have heard lately needed is flash programming (totally agree with Tcarr). If you want to work from home, you can freelance on the art side. It is, as I mentioned, pretty competitive.
Good luck,
Joel
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Yeah, those are the directions that I was looking at too, but really I'm not even sure what I am interested in... lol I guess I like the idea of perhaps writing as far as maybe the tutorials or story lines but there's probably not much call or use for that. I am unfortunately not as technically skilled as would be needed for most areas--I'm one of those people who are pretty capable in most technical matters, but entirely self-trained. In other words, I may be able to do mid-level complex technical operations, but I'm still likely to use terms such as "thingamabob" or "doohickey" because what I do know is from user experience and lack of fear in experimenting.
It also helps to have a husband who is a very gifted programmer, who spent the first part of his career and degree focus on networking and security, so I get to watch him over his shoulder as he does stuff. lol
As far as my art, I'm unfortunately (or maybe it's not really a matter of fortune or lack of, except in this one particular subject) strictly 2D, hands-on media so far. I have moved a Wacom to the top of my wish list for hubby, which means that I mention a LOT about how great it would be to have one... lol
So, guess for now I'll just continue to idly consider ideas and keep an eye on the developer sites and such. :) Since all major changes in my life have always been totally unplanned and usually completely opposite of any plans I have made, I'm content to see what life pops up for chances. :)
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Flash production artist isn't nearly as technical as Flash developer, at least at my company. The artists create art assets (both static and animated) and put them into a Flash FLA file. Then the developers write ActionScript code that manipulates the pieces of art (and in our case also handles the client-server communications part so that all the players in the virtual world can see each other). But it sounds like you are the kind of artist that uses real pen and ink and pastels and brushes etc instead of pixels. That's probably not needed very much by game companies. I wish you a lot of luck.
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Yup, tcarr, that's me--I want to really try digital methods, but I don't know if I would feel as satisfied if I didn't end up covered in head to toe with charcoal dust... lol I am very much a messy artist, and find a lot of satisfaction in the mess actually. I think I'll always be more inclined toward really hands on stuff even after I do get an art tablet. That's why I didn't think there was much need for that in the game world. I mean, about the only thing I could offer with what I am best and most comfortable with is maybe concept design, but why would they want that with the very talented digital artists available, who obviously can create their own concept art much better suited to the medium they'd be finished in? Ah well--I'll probably just continue playing them and be happy. :) Thanks for all the info though--I ma never be proficient in digital art, but it's fascinating to me to hear more about how it's done. As a paper/hand artist, I've always been amazed at the digital possibilities and what really talented artists can do with it.
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Possible careers in casual games
Report as InappropriatePosted on 09/04/09, 10:45am
I've been trying to consider some possible career changes, and I've always been tantalized by the thought of getting into casual games somehow. I've worked from home for about 10 years now, and by now have a life structured to the benefits from working from home, so options are sort of limited to begin with.
I was just curious about different options in the casual games business. I know there are the usual--tech/software development, etc, but that's not an area I can do and definitely am not qualified to do. I'm great at art and am building up my portfolio lately but again, I don't have the specific requirements (such as a degree in art).
Anyone know any other options or ideas?
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