Hey there!

I'm 22 years old and I currently have a BA Ancient History (Hons) from King's College London. I'm passionate about games and have played, written for and staffed for MUD RPGs for the last 6 years. Additionally, I have played FPS games competitively for the last 2 years, have been writing articles on the esports scene from the past year, currently have my own gaming blog and currently work as content manager for the UK based esports company and organistion Reason Gaming.

As you can see my degree isn't exactly suited for the games or journalism industry, but I have recently been thinking about trying to develop into a career in either. Practically speaking, my experience so far is pretty scant, and I'm looking for some advice on how to break into the games industry as a writer or as a journalist.

1) http://www.brunel.ac.uk/courses/ug/cdata/g/gamesdesignandcreativewritingba - does this degree, for example, have any real practical interest to prospective employees?

2) In writing for games and journalism, building a portfolio is essential - can anyone suggest some good ways to get this going?

3) What are your experiences, if any, in the games industry for writing or journalism?

Thank you in advance for your advice!

Quote: Original post by AndrewHk2
a. As you can see my degree isn't exactly suited for the games or journalism industry,
b. I'm looking for some advice on how to break into the games industry as a writer or as a journalist.
1) http://www.brunel.ac.uk/courses/ug/cdata/g/gamesdesignandcreativewritingba - does this degree, for example, have any real practical interest to prospective employees?
2) In writing for games and journalism, building a portfolio is essential - can anyone suggest some good ways to get this going?

a. Nobody cares what degree you have. Have you read this forum's FAQ yet?
b. We can only advise you about the game industry. This website is only about the game industry. Game journalism is not part of the game industry -- it's a side industry that exists sort of symbiotically with the game industry.
1) Nobody cares what degree you have.
2) Write, write, write.

Quote: Original post by AndrewHk2
As you can see my degree isn't exactly suited for the games or journalism industry, but I have recently been thinking about trying to develop into a career in either. Practically speaking, my experience so far is pretty scant, and I'm looking for some advice on how to break into the games industry as a writer or as a journalist.

Writing for games: in my experience I've not come across a dedicated writer yet. Typically some of the designers are good writers so they handle that role.

Games journalism: if you consider this an "industry" you're probably overstating it a bit. There are only a small number of magazines, made by less than a handful of publishers, and with quite few dedicated full-time staff. The journalists I know - not in games, but in IT and elsewhere - tended to have to do a journalism course, followed by a spell of unpaid work and placements at local newspapers and the like, before eventually landing a decent journalism job outside their area of interest. (A decent job within their area of interest takes longer.) There are plenty of journalists who would like to move from one publication to another and so there's less interest in hiring outside of the industry. So you may have to work your way in via other aspects of journalism, and hope that paid games journalism still exists by the time you're ready.

Quote: 2) In writing for games and journalism, building a portfolio is essential - can anyone suggest some good ways to get this going?

Writing is one of the simplest things to do, with almost no upfront costs or tools required. You should be able to answer this for yourself.

Writing is wonderful. I wrote for videogames magazines (paper and online) in the past. Actually I am an enthusiast blogger.

I am a dungeon master since 22 years and this involves a lot of writing, storytelling and creative ideas.

Also, I study medieval history. I think your degree is perfect, ancient history is a great source of ideas and adventures.

First of all, you could use your ancient knowledge and propose a specific column. Try with different magazines until one will give you the chance to prove your talent.

Also, there are so many fantasy and historical games that needs an expert in your field.