Boon Sim

Tip for publishing consideration submission to Midwest Games... tldr - Send info through our portal (https://lnkd.in/gWtKgpuU), not through email (or LI). I get that it's a little counter-intuitive...you might think you want to put your info right in front of the sourcing decision influencers' faces. But it's actually a disadvantage - especially those of you who are agents throwing multiple titles at us at once. The submission portal goes right to our database, and that database is there for a reason: to keep an organized and consistent record of all submissions in one place. I look through there all the time. I'm reminded of titles I may have overlooked or need to go back to consider as circumstances change all the time. We rarely, if ever, make immediate decisions or even quick deep review/consideration. Our factors for consideration shift regularly. I do not review your particular email regularly, or at some point even remember you sent one. I go to the database. Connection via other channels is good. Discussion about your game over other channels is good. But having your core game info in those channels is not good. Please use the submission portal!

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Game producers, more meetings lead to better games. Said no one, ever. Producers, we get it. You want the best games. You can't afford delays. Ever thought: "How can I spend less time in meetings?" You're not alone. Many producers are realizing meetings eat up creative time. Here's the thing: You can't afford not to create. Creating isn't just fun. It's crucial. We all know about endless meetings. They take time, sure. But there's something even better: Time spent directly on your projects. If you meet too much... It backfires. Creativity drops. Studies show producers who create more: → Boost productivity → Get more involved → Control quality better → Unleash untapped potential → Understand the gaming landscape In the gaming world, you always have 3 options: Create, delegate, or delay. You chose to create and be hands-on. Here's what you can do instead: 1. Focus on Quality: Directly oversee game development. 2. Limit Meetings: Only meet when necessary. 3. Innovate: Stay ahead in the gaming world. 4. Collaborate: Work closely with your team. 5. Create: Dive into your projects more. 6. Enjoy: Have fun creating. If you must have meetings, keep them short. Plan them well, and make them count. In the world of game production, who's ready to trade some meetings for more game creating time? Best case, you'll create the next blockbuster game. Worst case, you’ll have fewer meetings to attend. That's a win-win. PS. Who is your favorite game producer?

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Unionisation has historically been lagging behind in games, with workers in the industry slowly catching up with protections that are more standard in film. When we mention that reality and ask what needs to change for games to reap similar benefits, Elmaleh says she's interested to see what will come out of the current situation. "The truth of any sort of basis of a union is that you have to resist," she says. "Corporations don't give things. Employers don't give things without resistance. To come into that awareness as a worker that you have something that they need, and that it is leverage that can be applied effectively – and has been proven to be applied effectively through collective action throughout history – is an awareness you need to step into and really take ownership of it. It takes a fight. "But what precipitates a willingness to fight is the kind of situation that we're in now. The layoffs have been absolutely brutal. That sense that sustainability isn't a priority for some of these folks… that the people who are currently deciding how things are run may no longer be acting in your interest, or that it will take a certain degree of frustration, disillusionment with the system that exists currently, and a willingness to build a new system… Unfortunately for some people, I think it takes a really dark, difficult moment like this to be like, 'You know what? I'm ready to try and really fight to make this look different for everyone's benefit'." ------------------------------------------ Excerpt from the article

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Creating games is very difficult. And building games is challenging. The process of build requires to compile the code and all the data required in the game in a specific sequence involving many dependencies. As such monitoring the outcome is essential, but not sufficent. What if we were able to predict the outcome of a build ? What if we were able to decrease the required computing resources while increasing our iteration capability ? #Ubisoft #Ubisoftlaforge #innovation

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TONIGHT AT 6:30 PM join us for an improvised version of PVP Circuit and help us rebuild our local community brick by brick. I still can't believe I get to work in the video game industry. My 6-year-old would laugh, and then cry once she realized what it means to work in the creative technology sector. That's why IMO everyone could use some levity during these unprecedented times. Join us for a fun evening to raise funds for the Trevor Project. Event link >>> https://lnkd.in/g7tBuP6d Frequently Asked Questions: What if I can't attend the event? - If you can't make it, please consider purchasing a ticket to help us raise money for charity or get one on behalf of someone impacted by layoffs. What if I want to join but can't justify the cost? - If you want to join but find the cost prohibitive, DM me and we'll make it happen (see point above). Do I have to pitch at the event? - No, you don't have to pitch if you prefer to observe. It’s a great way to see how it's done. Will there be another event like this? - We plan to host our community again, but I can't specify if this event will be the focus. #gamesindustry #event #comedy <3

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Don't want to bum you out but I know I'm not the only one who has noticed the same layoff cycle on LinkedIn over and over. I can tell your future... 1. Studio is shut down, all the devs become active on LinkedIn maybe for the first time in years and do their looking for work posts. People reach out with connections and support emojis. 2. The outpouring of thanks to the wonderful gamedev community. Amir Satvat and other full time LinkedIn influencers are tagged. 3. Nothing comes of all the LinkedIn support. Devs post frustration posts about how hard it is to be laid off and the injustice of the game industry. Many people will later delete these posts when they start to realize studios still aren't hiring them. 4. The reality step. Months pass and prominent veterans are still unemployed, let alone those "juniors" with a mere 5 years experience. At this point, people either give up and disappear, get a job and disappear (rare), or become a chronic disillusioned LinkedIn user. This last one either requires wearing a mask or ranting about capitalism more and more. 5. The laid off devs watch this cycle repeat for a whole swath of suffering people every couple weeks/days. And that's the step I've been on for a few months. But hey I've been working hard on my family and my solo projects. Magehunter coming soon, and AAA Simulator devlogs will be in production even sooner! Make art for yourself and those you love. Don't make my mistake - look for happiness outside this Microsoft product called LinkedIn.

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Reusing or importing premade animations for multiple characters is a common need in games. In this tutorial we packed all the info (only 12 min!) that you need to make your characters move naturally in your environment. The current #animation system in #unity has been around for a while, but it might still be challenging for newcomers. Hope this video and #ebook help 💪

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Why Spliced Inc. should be on your radar if we aren't already. Especially if you're a Lead or Principal VFX Artist that's already working with or is excited about generative AI. What NOT to expect: Stage after stage after stage, without knowing why you're moving forward. We love giving feedback and we help set you up for success instead of throwing you into the dark. Being kept in the dark about salary or package right until the end. Ever had an interview process to land an offer at the end of it that misses the mark by a mile? That's not how we operate. Here at Spliced Inc. you'll know exactly what the role could look like before you go into finals and that means everything from our benefits, salary, the project itself, onboarding and importantly, how we're going to set you up for success. Limited flexibility that's labelled flexible working. I've heard several stories recently from people who are considering a move due to being sold flex and remote/hybrid options, to be hit with a very different reality. At Spliced Inc, you make the choice. Whether it be fully remote, fully studio based or somewhere in between, it's up to you. You don't even need to tell us. We're hiring for a number of roles at the moment but my main priorities if you got this far (!) are Lead/Principal VFX Artist and Lead Game Designer. I'll post later/tomorrow on that second role but if you're interested in learning more on either position, send me a message. As always - shares appreciated for reach! Liam Howard Jerlyn ChaiGabriele Sanfilippo

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More sad news about layoffs I'm afraid... Armor Games Studios reportedly have laid off their publishing team yesterday, though the current number of reductions is unclear, as is the reason for the layoffs. To those impacted by this, please find a comprehensive list of resources, below: 🥇First, reach out to us at People Can Fly Studio, we have many roles open right now in Canada, the UK, Ireland and Europe, please check them out here: https://lnkd.in/eWpV5PbA 🥈Next, Discipline Games Jobs Resources: Over the past weeks I have created 9 (at time of writing) Games Jobs Resources to find jobs in a wide range of disciplines: 🎨 Art, Animation, VFX and UI This resource contains around 1,400 jobs worldwide across all links. Link: https://lnkd.in/eH-yWEms ⚙ Engineering and Programming This resource lists just over 2,300 jobs worldwide across all links. Link: https://lnkd.in/eMYuN-zV 🕹 Quality Assurance This resource lists over 400 QA jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/ecHRqMnN 📑 Game Production This resource lists around 390 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/erVSuNwi 📢 Marketing & Community This resource lists around 330 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/eDmmXtP6 🎶 Audio and Sound Design This resource lists around 120 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/e9vpruEY 📠 Studio Support, HR, Recruitment and BizDev This resource lists around 340 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/eDeasJYj ⚙ IT This resource lists around 100 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/eTpRYvy2 🎮 Game Design This resource lists around 660 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/eXuJA9Vq 🥉 Third, the Ultimate list of Video Games Career Resources: This should be your one-stop shop for all information. My dear friend Amir Satvat maintains these documents, he is a legend for doing this - please check them out: https://amirsatvat.com/ 🎖 Finally, do not give up. Ever. No matter how dark things may look right now, I KNOW you will get through this, you have got this! 👊 Remember you are not alone. If you need help, advice, or even an ear to listen, we're here for you. Always! ➡ A request to my community, please can I ask you to repost this post to your colleagues and friends, so that we can get as many into jobs as possible! And please comment if you or your studio are currently hiring - let's help each other! Much love ❤️ #armorgamesstudios #layoffs

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Horrible news to hear about KeokeN Interactive having laid off their entire team today. In a statement published on X, CEO Koen Deetman and managing director Paul Deetman said the Netherlands-based studio was forced into the decision after exhausting all possible options for completing planned projects or taking on other work. To those affected, please find a comprehensive list of resources, below: 🥇First, Discipline Games Jobs Resources: Over the past weeks I have created 9 (at time of writing) Games Jobs Resources to find jobs in a wide range of disciplines: 🎨 Art, Animation, VFX and UI: This resource contains around 1,000 jobs worldwide across all links. Link: https://lnkd.in/eKAHK7VF ⚙ Engineering and Programming This resource lists just over 1,800 jobs worldwide across all links. It also talks about interview tips and questions to practice. Link: https://lnkd.in/eYdxANFM 🕹 Quality Assurance: This resource lists over 450 QA jobs worldwide. This post also talks about the craft of QA and contains tips and interview practice. Link: https://lnkd.in/dwwVjZuc 📑 Game Production: This resource lists around 400 jobs worldwide. It also contains info about game production as a whole and GDC talks. Link: https://lnkd.in/gxDvFM-Z 📢 Marketing & Community: This resource lists around 400 jobs worldwide. It also gives an intro into game marketing and community management. Link: https://lnkd.in/e5MuViug 🎶 Audio and Sound Design: This resource lists around 190 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/eSkPSsWf 📠 Studio Support, HR, Recruitment and BizDev: This resource lists around 290 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/ePG57_7v ⚙ IT, Helpdesk and DevOps: This resource lists around 140 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/e8ZsuiZh 🎮 Game Design: This resource lists around 440 jobs worldwide. https://lnkd.in/dCv_hQXv 🥈 Second, the Ultimate list of Video Games Career Resources: This should be your one-stop shop for all information. My dear friend Amir Satvat maintains these documents, he is a legend for doing this - please check them out: https://amirsatvat.com/ 🥉 Third, do not give up. Ever. No matter how dark things may look right now, I KNOW you will get through this, you have got this! 👊 Remember you are not alone. If you need help, advice, or even an ear to listen, we're here for you. Always! ➡ A request to my community, please can I ask you to repost this post to your colleagues and friends, so that we can get as many into jobs as possible! And please comment if you or your studio are currently hiring - let's help each other! Much love ❤️ #layoffs #gamesindustry #jobsingames #keokeninteractive (source: https://lnkd.in/eWK2PgvX)

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There's no single right approach to a feature or a game. I learned this lesson early on at Playrix. Years ago, I reviewed a new feature prototype for Fishdom. It was complex, experimental, and heavily inspired by another game. After playing, I felt the prototype missed the mark. The feature didn't evoke the desired emotions like its reference. So, I prepared detailed feedback: • Pointed out the flaws and differences • Suggested changes to align it closer to the reference I was confident my feedback was perfect. I thought I found the only "right answer," as if it was a math equation. Later on, my mentor looked at my feedback and said: 💬 "Anton, your feedback boils down to remaking everything from scratch to get closer to the initial reference. While that may be valid, did you consider finding something that works well and could be developed in a new direction, even if it’s not like the reference?" 💬 I was stunned. I hadn't considered another way except following the reference. And in the end, the team indeed found a different path for the feature. Since then, I've always reminded myself: There are always multiple paths to solve the problem. None are absolutely right or wrong.

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🎮 Want a job in the video game industry? 🎮 Begin with the end in mind.* ➡ When you drive to work do you just turn left or right based on how you feel that day? 😅 (I hope you left extra early that day) ➡ When you gather data for a project, do you grab monthly active users, popular breakfast items and breeds of dog? 🤐 (This report might be fun but your boss will not be happy) ➡ When you schedule a doctor appointment, do you call random numbers in the phone book? 🙃 The same applies to...well...applying for jobs. ❔ Do you look at the minimum requirements for a job or do you click easy apply on cool titles? (Although, I might as well shoot my shot for Game Director) ❔ Do you update your resume with your most relevant experience when you apply? What is your desired outcome? Work backwards and you'll see at least some of the steps in a path to get there. This is not easy to do, because there is no perfect way to be the best fit for a job. Everyone's journey is different. What steps have you taken to get to your goal or how have you been successful in your journey? *One possible end goal pictured #Letsgetyouhired #RecruiterAdvice

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How we solve problems for clients as a voice production company. Game devs don't come to us because they need voices for their game. They come to us seeking solutions to problems. Usually problems they have faced on previous projects with other audio / voice production suppliers. 1. Lack of resources in house - The most common pain point we help solve for our clients is their lack of internal resources and time. They want to protect their team's focus and time so that they can work on the most meaningful and important tasks to them. — 2. Communication - Another common issue we hear from clients & prospects is that when they have worked with bigger agencies / studios / suppliers - it can often result in communication frustrations. It's not quick and easy for them to get a hold of the specific people they need. Often having to go through a few levels of Production Managers to get assets or answers. — 3. Diversity in talent casting - "We're hearing the same voices in a lot of games" "We want to make sure we're being more diverse with our casting this time" Two things I hear all the time from prospective clients. The problem: the traditional way of voice producing a game was to hire a studio in London or perhaps L.A and have that studio cast and record the actors. Trouble is - the studio is relaying on booking out that studio time to increase revenues which means they can only work with actors local to them. The solution: Focus on going to where the actors are. Multi Location Voice Production. — 4. Getting the best people - A real frustration for our prospects when working with bigger vendors / suppliers is the people they get assigned to their project. Our clients and prospects always want the A team. The vendor's best people. However, they often get the junior or temp Producer looking after them with the big suppliers. They want the best team with a personal touch. Alright that’s it. Hope it was useful :) #GameDialogue #VoiceCasting #VoiceProduction

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In my previous post, I delved into various resources for producers, uncovering some that were previously unfamiliar to me. Among them, a response from one of my favorite producers (still your biggest fan over here Jason Hutchins) stood out, highlighting the significance of understanding production in relation to other disciplines. He emphasized the value of learning  the tools as a key approach to gaining insight. This perspective offers a practical way to grasp game development pipelines and their connection to production. This week, I'm eager to hear everyone's experiences in understanding their relationships with their teams and the pipelines they utilize. What was the pivotal "I get it!" moment for you? Did you get into the tools? Or do something else? This is a judgment-free zone; I'm simply keen on fostering discussion and helping newer producers solve these problems faster. Personally, I've dedicated time to asking questions, particularly regarding the nuances of different engines, while actively listening to team conversations to glean insights into typical pipelines and common challenges. As a producer, it's crucial for me to effectively communicate on behalf of my team to stakeholders who may not grasp the intricacies of our processes. Thus, overcoming the hurdle of understanding what my teams do and how they do it has been paramount. Initially, I believed I hadn't spent much time using the tools themselves. However, upon reflection, I realized this wasn't entirely accurate. In fact, during the early stages of my career (hey! this is where I met Jason Hutchins!), a substantial portion of my time was devoted to testing development tools. While this experience didn't provide a comprehensive understanding of every aspect, I'm confident it contributed to my comprehension of the intricacies involved in game development. (side note: the most influential people in my career were the people I met while working on this project! I still think of this team often.)

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Support changes everything No one feels alone. When I talk to colleagues who feel supported, they mention it every time. Starting with genuine connections. Getting back hope, strength, and opportunities every day. Just by being part of a caring community. And when they talk about the worst parts of the industry? Isolation is ALWAYS at the top of the list. Because, here's the deal: Support doesn't just change how we work. It changes how we heal. More unity, less struggle. That's the real value. And that's why more people NEED to get involved. Support affected colleagues by: • Sharing their posts, • Tagging people who are hiring • Offering your skills to support Volunteer in communities like Amir Satvat, just like I did. Follow and support amazing creators like: Alexander Rehm Alex Gombos Caitlin Cooke Hailey Rojas Kelly Bender Jordan Mazer Matt Barney Mirko Minenza Mayank Grover Ruty Rutenberg Thomas Woodhams If you want to sharpen your skills, check out my ultimate free resources to get started: https://lnkd.in/dqKM9ZSR Contribute to Industry recovery ♻️ Repost Today, let's ask: Are you ready to join this supportive community? Yes/No.

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If you are a math teacher about to teach Pythagoras Theorem to your students, read this! Assign Pythagoras Quest games 1 - 3 for homework. These are playable on a Chromebook, and no installation or password is required. Here is the link: https://lnkd.in/gkE7jHyh Students will learn the types of triangles and their properties by sorting them into the correct groups. They will then identify all the right triangles in the game environment, which demonstrates that the student has understood the difference between a right triangle and other types of triangles. Through this part of the quest, students will also learn that a rectangle is made of two right triangles. In the third game, they will learn about the lengths of the sides of the right triangle and identify the hypotenuse as the longest side. This homework assignment serves as an excellent introduction to Pythagoras’s Theorem. By completing it, your students will come to class with a solid understanding of the properties of right triangles, ready to explore more, derive the theorem, and use it to solve word problems. Students are expected to fully interact with the problems and their participation is required at each step. Try it and see! #math #mathteachers #edtech

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I think one of the things that's so frustrating about Xbox's recent studio closures is that it is stark contrast to the things they *say*. They say they want original, interesting games, but then they shutter Tango. They say they want to take big swings at live service stuff, but then release Redfall in a disastrous state and don't have the bottle to fix it before shuttering the studio. They say they want interesting, original content, but then close studios working on original content to bolster Call of Duty. Xbox needs platform-defining exclusives. But they've also shown they don't have the understanding to ship stuff that can legitimately compete with what Sony's doing with Playstation's first parties. What happened to Starfield? Redfall flopped. Halo Infinite's SP "infiniteness" faceplanted. Halo Infinite's multiplayer took years to sort out a fatally awful progression system, and it still mostly sucks, but who cares because no one's playing it. Forza Motorsport bombed. Where is Gears? Where is the next thing from id? From MachineGames? When it's one studio flailing around, maybe it's the studio. When it's ***everything*** under the Xbox Game Studios banner, it's a different situation entirely. What the hell are they doing over there? But the point is, when you see closures of studios when the platform is totally failing to deliver anything of meaningful, differentiating value to players... it's time to call it. Phil Spencer's driven the Xbox into irrelevance. How you could spend hundreds of millions of dollars to achieve *so little* is genuinely shocking to me.

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One of the more subtle aspects of my role is designing real-time vocal effects for when characters wear gear or change skins that could affect their voice (e.g. a mask over their mouth). However, with Ermac's dramatic designs, I was able to go more ham than usual with some of the processing. Players have been, thankfully, appreciating this effort, with some putting together mini showcases. Aside from the core vocal design, everything you hear is fired off in realtime, driven by Wwise events. #SoundDesign #GameAudio https://lnkd.in/d_263iS5

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