I once got the advice that if I wanted something bad enough, I would chase it to the ends of the earth. Be persistent, continue to work hard, and push my story. I, for one, haven’t stopped trying to immerse my life in the ocean of my dreams. Thinking about where I would like to be, and even sometimes looking at the stars at night and thinking I will get there with utmost positivity and confidence, I know it will. I just know it will.
It’s been what feels like a year since I heard that advice, and I can’t exactly remember who by now.
Maybe I’m insane, or maybe I’m just stubborn, but I have been to every local networking event, handed out business cards, and had some lovely conversations with some absolutely lovely game developers.
I’ve gotten a knack for networking now; I quite enjoy it actually. That doesn’t mean my nerves are gone, and I’m not exactly sure that will go away, to be honest.
Even where I am, I might still have the nerves of someone trying to make a dream happen!
At this stage, I think my journey can be best described by an Assassin’s Creed quote by Connor Kenway.
"I realise now that it will take time, that the road ahead is long and shrouded in darkness. It is a road that will not always take me where I wish to go, and I doubt I will live to see it end. But I will travel down it nonetheless. For at my side walks hope. In the face of all that insists I turn back, I carry on: This is my compromise."
This is a great part of a longer quote. From the novel adaptation of Assassin’s Creed 3, entitled Assassin’s Creed Forsaken, takes the perspective of his Father Haythem. Connor in This quote is a reflection on the journey of his father in comparison with his own. Two worlds: the Assassin and the Templar
I love to make comparisons with some of my favourite forms of media. Storytelling can do much to inspire us. It can even help guide us. In a way, I like to think that the universe uses this to help us, as sometimes it can help us when we feel like the world is ending.
In a way, that was a metaphorical way of looking at my current state of mind. I am hopeful but still fighting to achieve what I want. Open to certain levels of compromise.
What is the current nature of the job market?
The wide spread of COVID-19 has made the employment market more competitive. There have been layoffs in many more traditional sectors than the ones benefiting from boom industries like technology, healthcare, and remote work. The employment landscape is also changing, with telecommuting and outsourcing becoming increasingly common. Employers are becoming pickier about who they hire, requiring more advanced degrees and specialised experience from candidates. The job market is still highly competitive, so job seekers need to be proactive.
As a job seeker in the current job market, I am facing several challenges. With so many people looking for work, the competition for positions is intense. It can be difficult to stand out from the crowd, particularly when there are a limited number of positions available. Even if I am qualified for a job, I may not get an interview because there are so many other people vying for the same role. In addition, many employers are now relying more heavily on technology in their recruitment processes. This can make it difficult to make a personal connection or demonstrate my unique skills and qualifications. I may be overlooked for an interview because my application lacks the keywords or technological capabilities that the employer is looking for. To get an interview, I must put in extra effort to make sure my application stands out from the competition. I must tailor my resume and cover letter to each specific job I am applying for and demonstrate that I am the right person for the role. I must also stay up-to-date with the latest technology to be competitive.
Overall, The current job market is challenging for job seekers like me. It is important to stay positive and take the necessary steps to make sure my application stands out and I am given the opportunity to demonstrate my skills and qualifications.
In saying this, I can say something quite funny has happened since Easter weekend. In the design industry, at least. Not sure about other industries. There has been quite a boom in jobs. I have been able to easily apply for so many design jobs. They might not be roles in the games industry, but at this moment in time, I am very happy to work for an agency or even a company like L’Occitane or Canva, for example.
I do hope for a role, in general. I want to grow at this stage. Even if it is based on marketing or graphic design. I am quite happy to go down that path.
I do have some exciting news, though. Thanks to Press Start Australia and Bethesda ANZ, I am going to the launch party for the video game Redfall!
First GAMES INDUSTRY LAUNCH PARTY!!! WOO!
This a very exciting opportunity!
What is Redfall??
Redfall is an action-adventure game set in a dark, post-apocalyptic world where the player is tasked with saving humanity from a vampire called the "Night Manager" that has been tormenting the Basswood neighbourhood. Players will explore a vast world filled with dark secrets, dangerous creatures, and powerful enemies. The game offers an open-ended, story-driven experience where player choices shape the narrative and determine the fate of the world. Players will customise their characters with various weapons, armour, and skills to help them in their quest. With its unique art style, intense combat, and gripping story, Redfall promises to be a thrilling gaming experience. Did I mention it’s about vampires? I was and am still a fan of Buffy, Vampire the Masquerade, and was a bit of a Twilight fan in high school. This is entirely up my alley.
It's being developed by Arkane, known for the amazing game Dishonoured as well as its spin-off, Prey. ZeniMax Media currently owns the studio.
I also love Bethesda, which is also under the umbrella of ZeniMax. Bethesda is working more as a publisher for Redfall.
This is all very interesting. What is the significance of being invited to a games industry launch party?
It is exciting to be invited to a game launch party because it is a chance to be among the first to experience the newest game and get a behind-the-scenes look at the development process. It's also an opportunity to network and socialise with other gamers and industry professionals. Finally, it's a great way to get exclusive merchandise, prizes, and other giveaways.
I am definitely excited about the opportunity to meet some of the people who work at Bethesda ANZ!
I'll be very clear about my intentions, because some of them may read this. Yes, I'm networking in order to find work.I may be a Ubisoft Star Player and love most games. I will also say Bethesda is one of my favourite game studios and publishers as well. I adore Fallout and the Elder Scrolls. I even love the fact that there are like 500 different versions of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. I even own a Skyrim Tarot Deck. Which is such a fantastic deck! I am very excited for Starfield and The Elder Scrolls VI, even if they might come out when I am 40. (I am 27 if you are wondering!)
That was my excitement for a launch party and talking to the local Bethesda team!
Speaking of the games industry, let's talk Esports.
I can say this is definitely not a side of the industry I am very familiar with outside of that show "WCG Ultimate Gamer" that played on TV around the early 2010s (great show by the way!).
I can say I’ve always been exposed to and seen the impact of eSports through things like the show I just mentioned. I remember even the ABC show Good Game, which showed how different teams were doing with the WCG.
It’s exciting to finally say we have a fortress here in Sydney, and as someone who was there on the day of its opening, I can say it's brilliant.
Before, I had only been to the one down in Melbourne with Ubisoft for Ubisoft Forwards back in September 2022. It was an amazing experience, even if it was at 3 a.m. with the post-refreshing bubble tea mocktail drink inspired by skulls and bones.
I can say I am very keen for meetups and events to be held at the Fortress Sydney!
In conclusion, the job market is highly competitive, and it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. It is important to stay positive, be proactive, and take the necessary steps to make sure your application stands out. It is also exciting to be invited to industry launch events, such as the upcoming Redfall launch party. I am also looking forwards to networking and attending events at the new Fortress Sydney in Sydney. With the right attitude and effort, I'm confident that I will reach my goals in the games industry.