Level Up Your Games Industry Networking Skills

Networking Shmeckworking: Why It Actually Matters

When I first dove into the games industry, I quickly realized that networking was way more crucial than I’d imagined. It’s not just about swapping business cards or hitting up LinkedIn—it's about building real relationships that can open doors, keep you informed, and lead to exciting collaborations. Networking is key to growing your career, and it comes in many forms.

In this article, I’ll break down the what, why, how, and where of networking, and share some tips that I hope will be useful.

So, Why Bother?

At its core, game development is all about community. It’s where friendships are made, projects turn into shared adventures, skills are honed together, and successes are celebrated as a team. Networking helps you dive into this community and be part of something bigger. Here’s why it’s so valuable:

Hot Off the Press ?

• Cogs can move very quickly within games studios, sometimes in a matter of hours. If you have already made a great impression, through networking with key personnel within a studio, this will be a good way to cement your name in a recruiter’s head while they post these new fresh roles, potentially making sure you have the first view over anything new which pops up. Likewise, other people within the studio may even suggest you to their team or put your name forward when roles open up.

Collaborating and Partnering Up

• Game development is a team sport, bringing together artists, programmers, designers, and more. Networking connects you with talented people ready to collaborate. For indie developers or small studios, it can also lead to key partnerships with publishers, investors, and other studios - critical for funding and launching your project.

Learning and Sharing Knowledge

• Staying in the loop with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices is easier when you network. You also get to learn from others’ experiences, which helps you grow and refine your own skills.

Finding Community and Support

• Beyond making professional connections, networking can help you find mentors who offer guidance and wisdom. The games industry can be tough, and having a supportive network of peers can make all the difference when challenges arise.

Building Visibility and Recognition

• Whether through social media, online communities, or industry events, networking gives you a platform to showcase your work, share ideas, and get feedback. Being active in these spaces helps you build your personal brand, making you a recognized name in the industry.

Sharing Resources

• Networking often leads to the sharing of tools, assets, and resources that can be game-changers in development. And when you hit a snag, having a network means you can reach out for advice and solutions from those who’ve been there before.

Getting Market Insight

• Want to know what’s trending in the market? Networking with industry professionals can give you valuable insights into what’s hot and what consumers are looking for, helping you stay ahead of the game.

In a nutshell, networking is about more than just making connections—it’s about building a sense of community and collaboration in the games industry. It helps you grow personally and professionally, sparks new ideas, and ultimately makes your projects more successful.

Okay. How Exactly?

I totally get it—networking in the games industry can seem a bit overwhelming at first. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to dive in and start building your connections. Here’s how you can get started:

Attend Industry Events

• Check out big conferences like GDC (Game Developers Conference), E3, and PAX to meet professionals and make valuable connections. Also, keep an eye out for local meetups, workshops, and game development events in your area.

Join Online Communities

• Social media platforms like Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and Discord are buzzing with game developers. Jump into conversations, share your work, and connect with others. Subreddits like r/gamedev and other forums are also great for meeting like-minded people and exchanging ideas.

Participate in Game Jams

• Game Jams, such as Global Game Jam and Ludum Dare, are fantastic for learning new skills and getting feedback. They’re also great for networking, as you’ll meet new people, showcase your skills, and collaborate on short-term projects. Look out for smaller, local Game Jams too.

Showcase Your Work

• Keep your portfolio updated and share your projects on social media and platforms like itch.io , GitHub, ArtStation, or your personal website. Communities like TIGSource, GameDev.net , and specialized Discord servers are also excellent for getting feedback and connecting with other developers.

Reach Out Directly

• If you admire someone’s work, don’t be afraid to reach out. Be friendly and genuine in your messages and ask if they’d be willing to share their insights and experiences about their career.

Attend Networking Events and Mixers

1. Look for mixers, happy hours, or networking events specifically for game developers. For example, Leeds Games Toast is a casual meetup for game enthusiasts in Leeds (https://www.dhirubhai.net/groups/12859411/ ).

Create and Share Content

• Share your knowledge through blogs, YouTube videos, or podcasts. If you have expertise to offer, consider participating in panels, talks, or webinars. These are great opportunities to showcase your skills and connect with others in the industry.

Remember, building a network takes time and consistent effort. Stay active by joining conversations, working on projects, and attending events regularly. Focus on making genuine connections, and always be respectful, helpful, and authentic. The more you invest in the community, the more you’ll get back from it.

Where? – A Few Examples

As discussed, networking in the games industry can happen in lots of different places, both online and offline. Here’s a breakdown of some great spots and methods to connect with others in the field:

Online Platforms

Social Media

• Twitter/X: Follow hashtags like #gamedev and #indiedev, and join the conversation. Many industry folks are active here.
• LinkedIn: Connect with game developers, join industry groups, and participate in discussions.
• Reddit: Subreddits such as r/gamedev, r/indiegames, and r/gamedesign are great for engaging with the community.

Forums and Online Communities

• TIGSource: A hub for indie game developers where you can share your projects and get feedback.
• GameDev.net : Offers forums and resources for game developers at all levels.
• Unity and Unreal Engine Forums: Great for connecting with other developers using these popular engines.

Discord Servers

• Many game development communities have Discord servers where you can chat in real-time. Look for servers that match your interests or the technologies you use.

Online Courses and Workshops

• Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and CGMA offer game development courses with community forums and networking opportunities.

Offline Events

Conferences and Conventions

• Develop:Brighton: A UK-based conference, expo and networking event for video game developers - from global superstars to micro indies.
• GDC (Game Developers Conference): One of the biggest and most important events for game developers.
• EGX: A trade fair for video games held annually in the United Kingdom and Germany.
• PAX (Penny Arcade Expo): A series of gaming festivals held in various locations.

Local Meetups and Workshops

• Check out Meetup.com for game development meetups in your area. These can range from casual gatherings to more structured workshops.

Game Jams

• Global Game Jam: A worldwide event where developers create games over a short period (usually 48 hours).
• Ludum Dare: An online game jam where you build a game from scratch over a weekend.

Industry Organizations

• IGDA (International Game Developers Association): Join your local chapter to attend events, meetups, and networking sessions.

Educational Institutions

• Many universities and colleges with game development programs host networking events, workshops, and career fairs.

In a Nutshell...

Effective networking is a game-changer.

It’s not just about finding hidden job opportunities; it’s also about forming meaningful connections that can lead to valuable referrals. Staying in touch with others helps you stay updated on the latest trends and learn from their experiences. It’s how you find great collaborators, get support, and boost your visibility. Being active in the community also gives you access to useful resources and market insights, which can help you make smarter decisions and advance your career.

All in all, networking can really elevate your professional growth and the success of your projects.

How About You?

It would be great to hear your strategies for effective games industry networking:

• What approaches work best for you?
• Which events or conferences have you found the most useful?
• What advice would you give to someone starting out building their network?

Looking for more personalized advice tailored to your unique journey? Feel free to get in touch:

LinkedIn: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/levelupwithwarren/

Email: [email protected]

I look forward to hearing from you! ???