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Talk Strategy

14 Apr 06

Happy Easter to everyone. E3 is rapidly approaching this year. So is graduation time. People are always talking about how great it would be to work in the gaming industry, but then they turn around and don't do the legwork to get themselves contacts within the industry. I can tell you from experience, that without contacts it's hard to find out about job opportunities in any industry. The web's great, but if you can find that opening so can millions of others.

So am I just whining or offering a solution? Well, there are lots of solutions. Start as a tester is a classic one. I'm sure it works for some people. It's probably not the job you dream about coming out of college though. The specialty schools are probably a better route. I know the Guildhall at SMU up in Dallas has some great guest lecturers. Sure, some schmoozing is involved, but if you don't show your interest, they won't do it for you.

It may be too late for that for some of you. Let's take me for example. If I seriously wanted a job in the gaming industry, here's what I would do. First, I set myself up as a freelance writer. I'd crank out reviews, previews and interviews and submit them to the larger websites. I'd work my way up the food chain until I can get articles published in the 1up/IGN/Gamespot circle. I'd also try to get some stuff in the print media. I know my local paper prints some freelance gaming articles. Of course, the main thrust there would be for the enthusiast magazines.

Once I had established a body of work, I'd hit the next E3. I'd use my contacts here from the site and those I'd make in the media to schedule meetings with the major publishers and developers. Of course, all the output from those meeting could be sold, but that's not the point. It's not hard to dress more professionally than the bulk of E3. You can even do it while remaining comfortable. Looking sharp makes me memorable. Then I make sure I exchange business cards with everyone. After E3, I'd contact each of them both for follow up information and to keep me in their mind. I'd make sure they get copies of my final product.

Now I've got an even larger network of contacts. If time is not critical, I'd write some industry pieces and call all of them for quotes. Hopefully, I'll even be able to get some follow up articles on the games I covered. While publishers coving travel expenses are rare, if I set up enough visits, a west coast trip might not be a total money sink. The articles would help cover the costs, but the important thing would be reinforcing the contacts. I want to make sure they know who I am.

Eventually, I put out the word to all my contacts that I was interested in trying out the other side of the industry. Obviously writing, PR, and advertising would be the prime starting positions. Even if a contact doesn't know of any openings, there's still the chance they'd be willing to be a reference. With a combination of industry and media references, a published body of work and hopefully a few personal recommendations from within companies, I should be able to get some interviews. Then it's just about landing the best of those opportunities.

That seems like a pretty grandiose plan for something I'm not going to do. So what's the point? The point is you. Or at least, some of you. Yes, those very people I was talking about originally who want to get into the industry. I'm not saying mine is a flawless plan, but it could be modified to fit your needs. Oh, and I'm willing to help. Of course, I'm willing to evaluate and publish some of your early work here. Then I'd be happy to put in a good word to other websites if you're trying to submit articles for them. I have a bunch of PR contacts and can help you get in contact with people for previews and interviews. If you have a way to get to E3, I can also help you get press credentials and set up meetings for you. Of course, all this assumes you have some drive and writing talent. If that's you, let me know. Who knows? If I ever change my mind, perhaps you'll be an important industry contact for me.

Jason
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13 Apr 06

Civilization IV just has a new patch out for it. If you read the improvements lists, you'll see they're still working hard on this title. I love seeing great support on a game. It's even better when they're improving a game that's already a game of the year.

Don't forget about the GalCiv 2 contest. Once again, the odds of winning are some of the best you'll find anywhere.

Well, it looks like it's official, Ubisoft is dumping Starforce. To me it seems like Starforce always had the wrong philosophy. Their communications were like their protection, low level and brute force. The danger with that is that as time goes by the risk of breaking things goes up. Their product does seem to be getting better, but the consumer ire against them keeps growing. If they hadn't taken each criticism as a personal accusation and tried to learn from people pointing out problems, they might have produced an even better product and some allies. As it is, they could be in trouble.

Since HOMM V started spreading the word about Ubisoft's news, it's fitting that they're releasing the HOMM V demo today. Look for it at the Usual Suspects.

This week we have a brand new website for you, hot off the web presses. It's Glory of the Roman Empire (official site) from Haemimont Games. It's a city simulation set in, you guessed it, the Roman Empire. You play a governor, military captain and city planner as you set out to turn your village into a thriving, secure metropolis. You'll need to master trade, civics and military planning to succeed. Will you start a golden age or force your people to revolt? Look for Glory of the Roman Empire this summer.

Jason
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12 Apr 06

I can't believe it. I'm sick again. It's just a small cold. I'll take a dozen of these over that stomach bug, but it's the sheer volume that baffles me. It's like I was living in a clean house then I said what the heck and started swimming in the east river. Except, in this case, the germ bomb is my cute little toddler. He reminds me of that Star Trek: The Next Generation episode where the genetically advance kids inadvertently create a new, more dangerous disease because their immune systems are so powerful. I seem to get whatever he had twice as bad. I guess I'm glad it's me on the worse end since it will take a lot to knock me out, but it still stinks.

My internet has been a bit wonky since yesterday. I'm going to keep this short since I want to get this up before it goes out again. It's obvious they're doing some work on the system, but that doesn't make it less annoying.

CDV sends word of a new English demo for their urban simulator, City Life. Grab it at the Usual Suspects.

I haven't linked to Bill for a while. As usual, he sums up the Ubisoft/Starforce news quite neatly.

I think I've mentioned that my wife is a big Disney fan. She's now working through Kingdom Hearts 2. However, I'm not sure even she would ever pick up Strategy First's new offering, Disney's Aladdin Chess Adventures (for kids). Of course, I could just be bitter since I could never get the hang of thinking more than three moves ahead in chess. You don't win much that way.

Oh, I almost forgot. There should be a new HOMM V demo out later this week. Happy downloading.

Jason
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11 Apr 06

Since I was so sick, I had some time to think. I should have had time to game as well, but my energy levels were so low and my ability to concentrate so minimal, I didn't get any gaming in. I did begin to think about why gaming required so much energy. Even 'simple' action games require complex movements and combos to play. In general, I like greater depth in gameplay, but part of me misses the pick up and play games. Now small learning curve games can be picked up in 30 minutes. That got me to Nintendo.

I think I finally understand some of the thinking behind the Revolution. Warioware was one of the easiest games to pick up and play I can remember. It sold like hot cakes. It was just a collection of simple minigames. I think it opened Nintendo's eyes. Games that had simple themes that didn't even need an explanation like Nintendogs came next. Of course there are more Mario Party games than you can shake a stick at. I think they realized there were a lot of people who used to enjoy games that have been put off by the entry barrier. If they had games that were inexpensive, easy to pick up and play and could be stopped at any time, they could get those people back. They didn't even have to stop making games for their loyal fans.

Like Guitar Hero, I think you'll find a lot of Revolution games that people intuitively understand. Unlike Guitar Hero, the hardware making it possible is already there in the Revolution. I wouldn't be surprised to see smaller collections of simple games being released at budget prices. They might even have a pick up and play line of games with special packaging and a lower standard price kind of like the player's choice (greatest hits) line now.

Sure, the hardcore can dismiss them as kiddie and simple, but I bet the best of the games will appeal to nearly everyone. I know as a 'hardcore' gamer, I wouldn't mind have some easy, quick and fun games in my collection. Xbox Live Arcade works in a similar way, but Microsoft will have to radically change the perception of the Xbox line to get non gamers. Nintendo already means fun gaming for everyone. Perhaps this Revolution just might work.

Jason
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10 Apr 06

I'm a bit surprised at the lack of response on the Galciv 2 contest. Perhaps everyone interested already owns a copy? It would still make a great gift. How about this? If your not interested for yourself, post the contest on one other site you frequent. I'm tired of going on other sites to pimp contests. Ok, I'm not really, but I don't want to push the bounds of courtesy by posting promotional stuff too much.

Did you read the IGN preview on NFL Head Coach? Despite the fact their PR rep refuses to return my emails (I'm sure it's just the junk mail filter), I'm looking forward to this game. Let's face it my ability to read the flow of a game, know my team and call the right play far exceeds my ability to judge timing to the hole and execute the perfect juke or dive.

I think they had me at the headset play calling. Yes, you can actually use your Xbox or PS2 headset to call the plays from the sidelines. I also liked that you have to turn play calling over to an assistant while you go pump up the bruised ego of a star player having a bad day.

The game really seems focused on building your team, molding them to your vision (the option can work in the pros darn it!), then managing the game. Heck, they even make the draft sound fun. Another great touch, your money plays have to be earned on the practice field. There's a lot of potential in Head Coach. We'll have to see how it pans out once gamers get more hands on time. It's coming out this summer. Don't worry, it will be on the PC as well.

Jason
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