B1: Personal Progession
Progression
Progression
I have researched into careers and my future steps, and my research has led to me to applying to 2 universities in hopes of getting the qualifications to be involved in the Esports production industry. The Universities I have applied for is Nottingham and Staffordshire. I have received offers from both and chose Nottingham as my 1st choice university and hope to achieve enough UCAS points to enter my 1st year in September 2024. The type of job in esports I want I am still deciding since there is so many options but if I had to choose it would likely to be an observer.
POST 1 – MY INSPIRATIONS
Inspiration – Chris Jeffrey
What role do they play in the media industry? Which media company/companies have they worked for?
By trade, Chris is a programmer and a game designer, this often can be called a technical designer too. He is an independent developer and have been solely designing, developing, and publishing games since around 2006.Chris heads up his own intendent games label, however, more recently he is the co-founder and technical director of MADE BY TITANS.
Which media companies have they worked for?
Throughout his career he has been fortunate to work with a lot of companies including - Newgrounds, Armor Games, Kongregate, Bigfish Games, ABC, MTV, Nickelodeon and more.
How did they get where they are today?
Chris’s way into the industry is unique. You should ask other people; everyone usually has their own unique way of getting in! He was at college studying A-Levels (nothing to do with games or programming at all) and was always interested in how games are made - as anyone, we used to play a lot of web games (Flash) and he quickly learned that these games were made by one or two people usually. So, he booted up Adobe Flash in College and started following some online tutorials on Newgrounds, messaging some developers of his favourite Flash games asking for advice. Chris started making small little maze games in Flash in his first year of college, asking friends and other students to play them and give me feedback – He even put a few of these online for others to play! And slowly started to figure out there’s a market and this could be something for me to look more in to - at the end of his first year of college, he decided to work on a game a little bit bigger than these small maze games he was creating for fun - always trying to learn something new and in 2D Chris created a prototype of small ball that looked like it was rolling, by animating a texture as the ball rolls, making it seem like it was actually rolling. He fortunately got to speak to some folks over at Bigfish games who wanted to sponsor the game - which was giving me funding to have their logo in the game - it did well and honestly it snowballed from there. He continued this and after college decided to try this full time and do more of this - started building up connections, travelling around the world to events and building up relationships with larger websites like Armor games and Newgrounds, which led to more opportunities. To now having worked on 20+ games for Web and mobile, and now working on a game for Nintendo Switch!
Inspiration 2 – Toru Iwatani
What role do they play in the media industry? Which media company/companies have they worked for?
Toru Iwatani is a Japanese video game designer who spent much of his career working for Namco. He is best known as the creator of the arcade game Pac-Man.
How did they get where they are today?
At 22, Iwatani joined Namco in 1977, right after they acquired Atari's Japanese division. This move gave Namco the chance to distribute Atari games like Breakout, which was a huge hit. Seeing this success, Namco decided to start making their own games. Iwatani, initially wanting to make pinball machines, ended up creating Gee Bee, a video game based on pinball, with programmer Shigeichi Ishimura. Though not a massive hit, Gee Bee helped Namco enter the video game market. They followed it up with two sequels in 1979, Bomb Bee and Cutie Q, both of which Iwatani also worked on as a designer.
By late 1979, Iwatani felt disheartened by the male-dominated video game scene filled with violent and sports-themed titles. Wanting to create something different, he set out to make a game for women, featuring cute characters and simple gameplay cantered around eating. With a team of nine, he developed Pac-Man, which hit arcades in 1980. Though initially overshadowed by another Namco game in Japan, Pac-Man took North America by storm, becoming the best-selling arcade game ever. Its success propelled Iwatani up the ranks at Namco, where he eventually took on administrative duties.
POST 3 - Academic Options
As a programmer, my journey in the esports and gaming industry is anchored in my skills as a programmer. Companies like Rockstar North, Media Molecule, and Rare Ltd. are not only familiar names but potential future employers where I can contribute my programming expertise to game development projects.
My interest in esports extends beyond gameplay to the technical aspects of the industry. As I prepare to pursue a degree in esports at university, organizations like British Esports and Ubisoft stand out as potential avenues for me to explore. But those are the big companies, which is miles away from where I currently am, so below I have listed jobs I can take on as soon as I leave college.
Game Designer
Average Annual Salary: Approximately $68,000
Minimum Required Education: High school diploma, bachelor’s degree often preferred
Job Overview: These professionals oversee a game’s rules, storylines, gameplay, world-building and other functions. Video game designers apply creative skills to produce engaging games that are both fun and playable. They should be comfortable with game programming and visual communication.
Game Developer
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $78,800
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Game developers write code to create video games for various platforms including computers, gaming systems and mobile devices. As a game developer, you might also test games to find and eradicate faults. Game developers should have skills in coding and system design, and they should work well in team settings.
Mobile App Designer
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $66,000
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Mobile app designers create the stories and visual elements for mobile apps and games. Some app developers freelance for multiple clients, while others work for large technology corporations.
Special Effects Artist
Median Annual Salary: $98,950
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Video game special effects artists incorporate effects and graphics into video games to make them appear more realistic and immersive. They work closely with other members of design and development teams, including storyboard artists and testers, to ensure that their artistry adheres to a game’s overall aesthetic, theme, and goals.
Game Tester
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $56,000
Minimum Required Education: High school diploma
Job Overview: Game testers look for errors and vulnerabilities in video games. They also provide feedback to developers and designers regarding a game’s playability and entertainment value. People with extensive gaming experience can become game testers with a high school diploma. However, pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in game design or development may make candidates more competitive in the job market.
Character Designer
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $51,000
Minimum Required Education: High school diploma
Job Overview: Character designers work with digital gaming and media production companies to create and animate characters for games, television, and film. Although this career does not require a specific degree, character designers usually have several years of experience designing characters or video games.
Level Designer
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $60,000
Minimum Required Education: High school diploma
Job Overview: Level designers coordinate the setting, characters, storyline, and animations of video game levels. They work with game developers and designers to enhance the granular details of each level. Employers typically prioritize experience over education for level design positions.
Game Writer
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $54,000
Minimum Required Education: High school diploma
Job Overview: Video game writers create the stories and dialogue that bring a game to life. A game design background or education can help these professionals understand how effective dialogue, storytelling and immersive graphics affect game flow.
Game Audio Engineer
Average Annual Salary: Approximately $56,000
Minimum Required Education: High school diploma, undergraduate degree often preferred
Job Overview: Audio engineers use sound equipment to create new sounds and music to add to games to enhance storylines, set scenes and create emotion. These professionals work directly with game designers and developers to fine-tune how audio elements interact with a game. A high school education is sometimes the minimum requirement, employers often prefer higher-level degrees in game design, audio engineering or a similar field.
Multimedia Specialist
Average Annual Salary: $54,000
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Multimedia specialists are usually familiar with multiple areas of multimedia, including graphic design, audio, and writing. They might oversee large game design teams as they complete project projects, or work collaboratively with small teams, participating in several steps of the game design process.
Apprenticeships:
As this industry is notoriously tough to break into, gaming apprenticeships offer a structured entry route, combining classroom-based learning with on-the-job training.
There are game developer apprenticeships for those looking to start out in a development position. Gaming apprenticeships are also available for roles such as game designer, tester, visual effects artist, software development technician and animator.
I decided to answer all these questions in one paragraph which is below.
As I explore potential academic paths after this course, courses in games design and esports stand out to me. Through these courses, I will develop skill sets such as programming, teamwork, individual thinking, creativity, communication, and project management. These skills will help in whatever I chose to do after college. I hope these courses a future career in either esports production or programming. To be accepted into these programs, I aim to achieve a minimum of 102 UCAS points. Among the universities that catch my eye, Nottingham stands out prominently. Its reputable programs, supportive learning environment, and modern facilities align well with my educational goals. Additionally, covering all fees with student loans alleviates financial concerns, allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on my academic journey.
POST 4: CONSTRUCTING A CV FOR EMPLOYMENT
POST 5: CONSTRUCTING A PERSONAL STATEMENT
Personal statement:
I am deeply drawn to the Esports industry, and my enthusiasm stems from both personal experience as a competitive player in games such as VALORANT, Fortnite, and Counterstrike, as well as an interest in the intricate workings behind the scenes. What captivates me most is the orchestration involved in bringing gaming events to life, the production, casting, and the setup of the gaming environment.
I participated in LANs for three game titles and for the Sunderland SEERS college team in the British Esports Student Champs and made it to the round of 16 out of 250+ colleges. During this time, I have learned a lot of new skills and improved skills I already had such as teamwork and leadership skills and also preforming under pressure, being in person and having people around spectating around you and also 100 people online there is immense pressure I have to deal with on the spot and I’ve managed that very well during my time there. I have had the privilege of witnessing the efforts of everyone involved behind the scenes, professionals who contribute to the success of these events. The dedication and enjoyment by the staff I have worked with have left a good impression on me. This exposure has given my desire to go deeper into the Esports world, not just as a player, but as someone who wants to contribute to the evolving world of Esports.
Through this course, I aim to gain an understanding of the aspects of Esports, using my skills not only as a player but also as a contributor to the industry. I am excited about learning from experienced professionals, acquiring insights into the industry, and channelling my already experience into a career. Studying Esports at university excites because it is more than just gaming—it is understanding how everything runs. I am excited about learning into the backstage of gaming events and how they pull off the tech, the casting, and create those scenes.
The course I am currently on (Games design) involves communication and teamwork. Also, I am part of the college esports team (Sunderland SEERS) and have skills in a competitive environment. I also plan to join the NUEL team while in education. My experience in the esports team has improved my ability to work in a team and learn a lot about the esports scene. My background in games design will also
My background in game design, with my involvement in the esports team, has left me with a skill set that matches the course. The knowledge and experiences gained during my previous study will help me with next year's academic terms.
I have done a few castings and observing work for one of my friends’ tournaments for their esports college course earlier this year, but it was volunteer work and because I was helping my friend out, I have also hosted custom games for Fortnite in my own time a few years ago and built a community doing it but that’s as far as work experience goes.
Some of the life experiences I have had which sets me in the right direction for the course is the work I have done for the esports team, managing social media accounts, and creating content for the team. I have also volunteered to be a shout caster for the Sunderland SEERS, I enjoyed it a lot and learned a lot of new things with the people I was working with, and I did well as my first time.
A few of my achievements I’m proud of are finishing within the top 16 in British esports student champs out of 250+ colleges in the UK, my isometric game I made In my games design course in year 1, I put a lot in the project and happy about the grades I got from it, the experience was brand new to me and I really enjoyed working on it and making it my own game.
My plans and future ambitions are to be successful and help the industry grow while in study and after. I am dedicated to this role and have experience and I am only getting better at it and cannot wait to improve even more.
POST 6: Analysing digital profiles
A digital profile in the context of game design refers to an online presence that highlights a person's skills, personality, and experience within the gaming industry. It is an online resume or portfolio tailored specifically for the digital entertainment sector. This profile can include various elements such as:
Portfolio: Highlighting past projects, game designs, artwork, or any other relevant work.
Skills and Expertise: Highlighting technical skills, creative abilities, and areas of expertise within game design.
Personality: Expressing one's unique voice, style, and creative vision.
Experience: Detailing past work experiences, collaborations, or achievements in the gaming industry.
Contact Information: Providing ways for potential employers, collaborators, or clients to get in touch.
To understand what makes a digital profile effective, let us look at some existing examples within the media industry:
Casey Neistat: Neistat is a filmmaker and YouTuber known for his vlogs and storytelling. His digital profile communicates his personality through video content, highlighting his filmmaking skills, adventures, and his spirit. He uses social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with his audience and share his work.
Ashly Burch: Burch is a voice actress and writer known for her work in video games such as "Life is Strange" and "Horizon Zero Dawn." Her digital profile communicates her as a voice actress and her passion for storytelling. She engages with her audience through social media, shares behind-the-scenes insights into her work, and participates in gaming communities, establishing herself as an important figure in the industry.
POST 7: Designing a brand logo
I Started out contacting some friends in the industry who have more knowledge and experience than me when it comes to making logos and AVI’s/Profile pictures, thanks to their help and my experience i managed to make this.
So why is a logo important? A strong logo makes a first impression and an effective way to show off you and your brand and what to expect from it.
I started off with this logo, just adding my name and a background with some basic text.
I then decided to take away the galaxy background and change the text, adding outlines, inner glow, drop shadow, gradient overlay and finally bevel and emboss.
I then got a controller and put it in the middle of the two text lines.
I made this in about 10 minutes on photoshop using my skills.
I then decided to go more professional and used CORALDRAW to help me make a professional logo which turned out to look good and matches me a lot since I love flowers. 
POST 8: Designing a business card
Logo.
Company name.
Tagline.
Your name & title.
Contact details.
Your address — online or physical.
Social media handles.
A QR code.
POST 9: CREATING A PORTFOLIO
POST 10: MY CREATE BRITAIN PROFILE
POST 11: MOCK INTERVIEW – WITH Andreia Pacheco
Can you discuss your experience with game development? What projects have you worked on previously?
My experiences with game development include being the lead programmer in 7 different game projects, genres such as 2D, 3D, isometric and 3 were solo projects and 4 were team projects.
What programming languages are you proficient in? How do you apply these languages in the context of game development?
Just unreal engine blueprints and a bit of c++ on unity.
Have you ever worked with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine? Can you describe your experience with them?
I have experience in both but in unreal engine is where I am better at, I feel like unreal engine is constantly getting better with updates and is allowing me to do better work.
What are some key differences between developing games for different platforms (e.g., PC, console, mobile)?
Key differences when it comes to developing PC, Console and Mobile games is that mobile had a lot less power and you must manage that, PC and console can have much better graphics and a lot more space.
Post 12: Networking Experience
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Open day 2024
Sunderland University LAN Party 2024
Insomnia I71 and I70
POST 13: WORK EXPERIENCE
ASDA – Sales Assistant
Mcdonalds – Crew Member
PRG VALORANT – Observer, caster, and Administrator
Photographer for Christening
Post 14: progression evaluation
Throughout this module, I have gained valuable insights and skills that have deepened my understanding of the industry. One of the most significant learnings for me has been about portfolio managing. This skill will be crucial in my future for showing off work.
Additionally, maintaining a blog has proven to be beneficial for my portfolio. By documenting each project step by step, I have created a comprehensive resource that highlights my work and process. Both my blog and portfolio are currently in a solid state, serving as a foundation upon which I can continue to build and refine over time. As I accumulate more experiences and knowledge within the industry.
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