question job opportunities and locations

Husky2449 · 12-15-2009, 01:50 PM

i ll probaly go to study at IADT but there are many campus locations and i am not sure where i should go.
the location are

rlando/tampa[FL],detroit[MI],seattle[WA]

what i would like to know is at which of those locations have more game studios therefore there are more jobs. i would prefer not to move after finishing the academy, thats why i ask.

Retro · 12-15-2009, 01:54 PM

I can't give you exact numbers, but I'd say Seattle is your absolute best bet out of the three listed. Orlando second, Detroit third.

In general, you'll find the order is West Coast > East Coast > Midwest.

tsloper · 12-15-2009, 02:47 PM

http://www.gameindustrymap.com
http://www.gamedevmap.com

Siberianhusky89 · 12-18-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro

I can't give you exact numbers, but I'd say Seattle is your absolute best bet out of the three listed. Orlando second, Detroit third.

In general, you'll find the order is West Coast > East Coast > Midwest.

Wait, how would Detroit be third? I'm actually interested cause I live very close to Detroit... (Sadly)

Retro · 12-18-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siberianhusky89

Wait, how would Detroit be third? I'm actually interested cause I live very close to Detroit... (Sadly)

Not the third best city for job opportunities, just the third out of the three locations he listed. The only one that springs to mind for me is Stardock in Plymouth, though I wasn't really digging too deeply when I replied. I was mostly just using common sense; the Nidwest isn't exactly the 'happening' spot for game development, though I guess you could lump Austin in there.... they're not doing too bad.

tsloper · 12-18-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siberianhusky89

Wait, how would Detroit be third? I'm actually interested cause I live very close to Detroit... (Sadly)

Look up Detroit companies here:
http://www.gameindustrymap.com
http://www.gamedevmap.com
Then consider leaving Detroit.
Or starting your own company. http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson29.htm

Retro · 12-18-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsloper

Look up Detroit companies here:
http://www.gameindustrymap.com
http://www.gamedevmap.com
Then consider leaving Detroit.

You know, normally I would say "That's a bit harsh, don't you think?" But it really is true; I myself realized I was never going to get a game design job where I used to live (Indiana), and out of my options Philadelphia would at least be a step up.

There's actually a lot of people here (and in nearby Baltimore) who are trying to get things going, and we actually just had our own gaming convention (and surprise, it wasn't in somebody's basement). The local IGDA chapter is also really close knit and friendly, though I regrettably haven't been able to attend any events yet.

Even though I'm not in a position to return to school or able to focus all of my efforts on getting into the industry, at least I can say that when I am ready, there will be resources nearby. That's a lot more than I can say with where I used to live, so... by all means, as if there was any doubt; listen to the Sloper. The Sloper is good, the Sloper is wise.

bob · 12-18-2009, 07:41 PM

Hey Retro,

I'm in D.C. Maybe our paths will cross someday...

Siberianhusky89 · 12-18-2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro

You know, normally I would say "That's a bit harsh, don't you think?" But it really is true; I myself realized I was never going to get a game design job where I used to live (Indiana), and out of my options Philadelphia would at least be a step up.

There's actually a lot of people here (and in nearby Baltimore) who are trying to get things going, and we actually just had our own gaming convention (and surprise, it wasn't in somebody's basement). The local IGDA chapter is also really close knit and friendly, though I regrettably haven't been able to attend any events yet.

Even though I'm not in a position to return to school or able to focus all of my efforts on getting into the industry, at least I can say that when I am ready, there will be resources nearby. That's a lot more than I can say with where I used to live, so... by all means, as if there was any doubt; listen to the Sloper. The Sloper is good, the Sloper is wise.

*Sigh* Yeah... I know... I'm just sad cause I know that eventually, I'm going to have to leave Michigan. I mean, I hate the city of Detroit it's self and live in the "Metro Detroit" area, but I also realize that I'm not going to make a living as a game designer if I stay here. Still though, I'll miss my family and friends when I do take off one day.

Retro · 12-19-2009, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siberianhusky89

*Sigh* Yeah... I know... I'm just sad cause I know that eventually, I'm going to have to leave Michigan. I mean, I hate the city of Detroit it's self and live in the "Metro Detroit" area, but I also realize that I'm not going to make a living as a game designer if I stay here. Still though, I'll miss my family and friends when I do take off one day.

It's not an easy decision, I know. I had a hard time doing it myself, but it really is part of growing up, and that's just the cost of following your own road.

- You can work at some terrible job that you hate, and spend your weekends complaining to your family. You'll likely be unhappy, and your family will know it.

- You can move away, get a job you enjoy, and fly back often on the holidays. You'll see your family less, but they'll know you're happy and be proud of your accomplishments.