Why is networking so crucial for a long-lasting career in games

With GDC approaching and all the madness that comes with it, in regards to meetings, presentations, cocktails and so forth, it came quite naturally to talk about the importance of networking, especially when it comes to building a career in the games industry. This topic also seems more pertinent now than ever, with all the layoffs going on in our industry and overall tech industry.

Live events and networking are essential for building a successful career in the games industry. I guess we can all agree to that. Attending conferences, game jams, and other live events can help improve skills, reduce long periods of inactivity after layoffs, and improve social skills, which will be useful to progress and personal and professional growth. Developing public speaking and mentoring skills can also be critical for long-lasting success in game development and business, as well as securing investments for current and future projects.

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A Chance to Level UP

One of the most significant benefits of attending live events is the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques. Whether it's a talk by a prominent game developer or a workshop on a specific aspect of game design or new technological advances, these events can provide valuable insights and knowledge that can help you improve your craft. Additionally, attending live events can help you stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in the industry, allowing you to stay ahead of the competition. And the ever changing nature of technology doesn’t make it any easier.

To make the most of talks and workshops, there are several effective techniques to follow. First, active listening is key, meaning you should focus on the speaker and avoid distractions. Second, taking notes can help you retain information and remember key points. Third, asking questions and participating in discussions can deepen your understanding and clarify any confusion. Additionally, seeking out additional resources, such as books or articles, can provide further context and expand your knowledge. Finally, reflecting on what you have learned and how you can apply it to your life or work can help you internalize the information and make it more meaningful. I tend to do this last one while taking notes – a good presentation have to power to really boil my creative juices and bring my most innovative ideas to light.

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Build Bridges

Another crucial benefit of attending live events is the opportunity to network with other industry professionals. Meeting other game developers, artists, and publishers can help you build relationships and create opportunities for collaboration. These relationships can lead to job offers, partnerships, and other career opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.You never really know what life reserves you, so it is always good to be open-minded and helpful.

Networking during events can be an effective way to meet new people and expand your professional network, but it's important to be proactive without being too aggressive. First, it's essential to approach others with a friendly and open demeanor, showing genuine interest in them and what they do. Second, actively listen to what others are saying and try to find common ground or areas of shared interest. Be careful not to make it all about you. It will alienate people. Third, be prepared with a short introduction and elevator pitch about yourself, your skills, and your goals. Nevertheless, be aware that pushy sales pitches might have to opposite effect and build a lack of interest in future communications. Fourth, ask thoughtful questions and offer insights or resources that might be helpful to others. Finally, be respectful of people's time and boundaries, and don't push too hard for immediate connections or follow-ups. Instead, aim to build genuine relationships over time by staying in touch and offering value where you can.

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Time off = Reach out

We are all increasilly aware that job security is not always achievable, no matter how large and well-known is the company you join. Networking can be essential during periods of inactivity, such as after a layoff. During these times, it can be challenging to find new work opportunities, but attending events and staying connected with industry professionals can help you stay top of mind when new opportunities arise.

The games industry is highly competitive, and many of the best jobs are filled through peer recommendations. This is because employers often rely on referrals from current employees and trustworth colleagues to find top talent and ensure a good fit for their teams. As such, networking can be incredibly valuable for anyone looking to break into or advance their career in the games industry. By attending industry events, conferences, and meetups, you can connect with professionals in your field, learn about job openings, and build relationships with potential employers. Additionally, networking can help you develop a reputation as a knowledgeable, helpful and passionate expert in your field, which can lead to referrals and recommendations from your peers. Ultimately, building strong relationships and a robust professional network can be a key factor in landing your dream job. It is particularly so in our industry, but the same advice is useful in other career paths.

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Speak UP

In addition to networking, developing public speaking and mentoring skills can be valuable for long-lasting success. Being able to communicate effectively and present your ideas clearly is essential for pitching game concepts, leading teams, and making presentations to investors or publishers. Mentoring skills can also be valuable, as they can help you develop and share your expertise with others while also building your reputation as a thought leader in the industry.

Public speaking can be intimidating, but with practice and the right techniques, anyone can improve their skills. First, it's important to prepare thoroughly by researching your topic, organizing your thoughts, and practicing your delivery. Second, focus on engaging your audience by using anecdotes, humor, or visual aids to make your points more memorable. Third, pay attention to your body language, posture, and tone of voice, as these can greatly affect how your message is received. Fourth, practice active listening by taking cues from your audience and adjusting your message as needed. Finally, seek feedback from others and take constructive criticism to heart, using it to refine your skills and improve your performance over time. Keep in mind that all of us are always learning, no matter how knowledgeable we are. By following these tips and consistently practicing your public speaking, you can build confidence, engage your audience, and become a more effective communicator.

Furthermore, be a giver, not only a taker. Mentoring and giving back to the gaming community are essential for the growth and development of the industry. By sharing knowledge and experience, seasoned professionals can help younger or less experienced individuals to navigate the challenges of the industry, build their skills, and achieve their goals. Furthermore, mentoring can help to foster a more diverse and inclusive community, as experts can provide guidance and support to individuals from underrepresented groups. Giving back to the community can also help to build strong relationships and networks, which can lead to new opportunities and collaborations. It is quite clear that mentoring and giving back to the community can benefit both individuals and the industry as a whole.

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Being Social Creatures

Finally, it's worth noting that attending live events and developing networking skills can also help improve social skills. The games industry is a highly collaborative and social environment, and being able to work effectively with others is critical for success. Building relationships, communicating effectively, and collaborating with others are all skills that can be honed through attending events and networking.

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Throughout all this process, remember to be kind to yourself. It is natural, and advisable, to take pauses, save some quality time for yourself, recharge your social batteries if you will. It might seem at first that being idle is a bad thing, but idle time means time to reflect, breath and digest the overwhelming amount of information you will be receiving. Being idle does not mean being lazy, just being in a well deserve pause for refuel. Keep in mind that even machines break. So again, be kind to yourself. ?

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With all that in mind, I hope to see you at GDC and wish you all a very fruitful event.