How hard would it be to get a job in the games industry in the UK with anything less than a 2:1 in a Computer Science related degree? Say with a 2:2 for example? I've checked around and it seems most companies ask for graduates to have at least a 2:1 but I wanted to know if they would consider an applicant with less provided he/she had, lets say an awesome game demo for instance?

Anything's possible. It depends on the requirements of the company that's hiring and what you're capable of doing for them. There's certainly no harm in applying anyway imo, to see what's on the go. Another route would be to network with people already in game development, either through game fairs/forums/trade shows etc because sometimes, it's not what you know but who you know that can sometimes open a door for you.

It's now not as easy as it once was to get into game development, especially in the UK...perhaps if you were willing to set your sites further afield to, say the US, then it may be much easier over there (bear in mind though, I've no idea about how the industry is over there).

Sorry it's not much of a reply but, Good Luck with it anyway. [smile]

I've been in the game industry for a little over 5 years now, since I was 19. I only went to one year of college. However, I'd been programming in C since I was 12. What matters is that you can do the job required, not some degree.

Kevin B

What Kevin said is true up to a point. Talent is more important than a degree but only if you get past the CV cull. Those companies that ask for a 2:1 do so because they anticipate getting more applicants than they can interview and they want to select from only the best of the best. Hence they put the 2:1 requirement and someone in HR will filter the CVs and bin any from people who don't have a 2:1.

Really they should review the demo/portfolio first and bin those that aren't up to scratch then look at the CVs. Unfortunately that isn't possible (at big companies) because the person doing the review is an HR person and only understands CVs.

Quote: Original post by Obscure
What Kevin said is true up to a point. Talent is more important than a degree but only if you get past the CV cull. Those companies that ask for a 2:1 do so because they anticipate getting more applicants than they can interview and they want to select from only the best of the best. Hence they put the 2:1 requirement and someone in HR will filter the CVs and bin any from people who don't have a 2:1.

Really they should review the demo/portfolio first and bin those that aren't up to scratch then look at the CVs. Unfortunately that isn't possible (at big companies) because the person doing the review is an HR person and only understands CVs.

That's what I was afraid of.. maybe in this situation it's better to try and send my demo/portfolio to someone I know in the company in the hopes of getting a better chance?

Trouble is I don't know anyone really at this point.. Any help on how best to develop contacts looking into specifics of places to go, forum's to visit etc etc?

Arch wrote:
>maybe in this situation it's better to try and send my demo/portfolio to someone I know in the company in the hopes of getting a better chance?
>Trouble is I don't know anyone really at this point..

Then that way isn't the way to go. You need to seek ways that work for your circumstances. Read these (copy & paste):

http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson27.htm
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson54.htm
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson50.htm
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson24.htm

Some advice:

- Most jobs in the industry are never advertised. Don't be afraid to apply to a company even if they don't have an ad in the paper.

- Network. The local IGDA chapter(s) are really good places to get to know
developers. Don't be afraid to bring along a laptop with your kick-ass demo if you have one (if you don't, stop the press and go make one).

- Companies often put things they *want* on job-advertisment (as opposed to hard demands). If you fit most of the criteria, and there's not an absolute deluge of applicants, you should be able to get in to the interview at least. Don't draw attention to facets of your CV that don't match (like saying "I'm sorry that I don't have a 2.1, but I think I should get in anyways").

Good luck.

Allan