Obversations

Post date: Mar 22, 2016 2:22:27 PM

Monday-

Observation- GDC has a multi-faced entity that serves a purpose for a lot of different people. Entering as a junior I had inklings of it only being exclusively a recruiting opportunity and a technology showcase of things that were heavily tied to games. Instead On touring around on the first day I found it to be much more than just those two things. Meaning they’re would be two types of individuals there. People like me, students preparing to enter the work force and professionals coming to promote their work, their company’s work or scope out he competition in a friendly manor. When I got there I found out just what a wide variety of people were there. From retired game makers, to curious tourist to simple hobbyist there were plenty of different people there looking for different opportunities?

Tuesday –

Observation- Talks aren’t everything. This isn’t coming from the bitter perspective of some one who couldn’t afford the fancy All access pass and had to be content with the expo (it partially is but that’s not the point). Techniques, new and upcoming soft wear and just browsing around can learn other such things and talking to people, especially when they’re show casing a product.

Wednesday

Observation- Be prepared to have everything you loved ripped apart. When at Ringling you get used to your stuff being torn asunder for any reason necessary but at GDC its set of rules all together. There can be a lot of helpful criticism and than there can be people who genuinely just don’t care about you or your future. Not that GDC advertises it self being the friendliest place on earth but it a lot different being harsh criqtued by some one who wants you to improve, as opposed to some one who could care less weather you dropped dead at the moment. Also it pays to gossip! That might sound like a strange concept but talking to other people casually can lead to information about companies your interested in. wither or not it’s worth it or how to improve if the reviewer wasn’t so helpful.

Thursday

Observation- the expo floor is a Gordian knot of things I wasn’t expecting. Like companies I never knew existed for various different purpose. From App companies to small start up games to schools and other such learn tools. There was a lot more opportunities for other people to interact with GDC than I had thought. It pays to be 21 at GDC. Why? Because after the hustle and bustle of the convention where many of the recruiters there have had enough of looking at hundreds of peoples portfolios. A lot of them like to party and unwind afterwards. They often do this in the confines of a bar. Bars, which as many know, don’t let in the underage. From what I’ve learned just listening to people, if you can win people over in a more casual environment it helps you more in the long run.

Friday

Observation- even if you didn’t get offered a job on the spot it doesn’t mean somebody didn’t remember you. A lot of the hub bub of gathering so many business cards you can barely remember is dealt with in the couple weeks after GDC once people have time to rest and get back to work. Even if you didn’t land the job right than and there doesn’t mean there’s no opportunity you can’t land it way later. (Unless you make a fool of your self or step on the wrong toes). As daunting as approaching people is in a loud packed environment as GDC it’s not so bad when it comes to the parties, mainly because people want to talk to other people and relax and shoot the breeze.