God of War game developer David Jaffe delivers the keynote at the Game Career Seminar. This single-track event at GDC, programmed by the GDC in association with GameCareerGuide.com, is designed for individuals interested in learning how to build a career in the videogame industry. In his talk, “From Grunt to God to Startup: Career Lessons from the Edge of Game Development,” Jaffe provides attendees a realistic view of his career path which has spanned a vehicular combat franchise, a breakthrough mythological action franchise, and his own indie startup. The Game Career Seminar takes place at GDC on Thursday, February 21, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, and Friday, February 22, from 10:30 am to 5 pm at the Moscone Center West in San Francisco.
“By launching two blockbuster franchises and then going indie, Jaffe has a wealth of insights on how to advance your career in the game industry,” says Jamil Moledina, Executive Director of GDC, “Given his outspoken views on game design, attendees can expect nothing less than the unvarnished truth behind career development both inside and outside the traditional development landscape.”
The Game Career Seminar provides opportunities for individuals to meet with HR executives from leading game companies, network with industry professionals, and learn how to begin or advance their careers in the videogame industry. The speaker lineup includes game and industry experts willing to share their experience and expertise with attendees.
In addition to the keynote by David Jaffe, the Game Career Seminar content includes the following sessions:
Networking 201: Navigating Corporate Culture (Thursday, Feb 21, 5:30-6:30)
Darius Kazemi of Orbus Gameworks breaks down tips and tricks to being a successful and helpful networker
A Leap of Faith: When to Leave your Job and go Independent. (Friday, Feb 22, 12-1)
A panel of indie developers discuss striking out on their own.
All About Art (Friday, Feb 22, 2:30-3:30)
Carey Chico of Pandemic discusses where we came from and where we need to be to lead the next generation of art within games
Hottest Jobs at the Hottest Companies (Friday, Feb 22, 4-5)
A panel of game industry professionals including Jason Pankow, Microsoft, Sylvia A. Trammel, SCEA, and Matthew Jeffery, EA discuss various jobs within the gaming industry