Adventure Game Companies

[Grim]

So... If one wanted to apply for a job in gaming industry, what are the companies he would try to get an interview with? Apart from the obvious ones, like Daedalic or Double Fine, which doors would you guys knock on? I've tried googling it up but all I found was dust and a load of nothing:(  Can we maybe compile some kind of list of places together?

[Armageddon]

Really you just need a good portfolio, even though a lot of companies say you need 2-4 years of experience they don't mean it. You can't expect to be in a specialized Adventure game studio, for now just send your portfolio to everyone you can think of, even places like EA will get you some experience.

[Grim]

Armageddon: Does that mean a person like me, with no degree but 2 commercial games released over the years would have a chance of getting an interview? I don't know if it's even worth trying... I'd rather make more games on my own but having a day job means I can only work at night (and I'm getting old, my body seems to reject coffee!).

Still, if I was to apply for a job, the question still stands: where?

[an Urpney]

TellTale is always looking for employees - they even have a topic about it on their forums.
Also try those caffeine pills : )

[Stupot]

There's no harm in throwing your CV out into the wind and seeing what comes up.  You could even try something a bit more creative, such as this guy whose application for an internship at Double fine was itself an adventure game.
If it was me, I'd love to work for a European outfit like Microids.  Or someone English like Revolution (http://revolution.co.uk/contact)

[Grim]

Revolution are English? Fantastic!!! I'll definitely try them! So far we've got TellTale, Revolution,Double Fine, Daedalix (assuming they employ people from outside Germany) and Microids (although I know nothing about them). Where else? Also, do you think American companies help with relocation or is it something you have to organise entirely on your own?

[Anian]

Lots of publisher/game studios have a part of site devoted to internships and/or employment. If you want a good overlook of jobs offered I'd suggest registering on Gamastura, there's a whole lot of jobs offerings there with even an option of a newsletter you get weekly with new job listings. http://www.gamasutra.com/jobs/

[an Urpney]

Here you have positions at TellTale:
http://www.telltalegames.com/company/jobs/
I remember they employed someone from Germany during Sam ans Max s3, so maybe you can ask about relocation here:
http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php5769&page=24

[Armageddon]

There's also Pendulo Studios but I'm pretty sure they're based in Spain.

[Ghost]

Daedalix (assuming they employ people from outside Germany)

They do. Daedalix may be the flagship German adventure game company but when you hear them in interviews they could as well be UK or USA. All their games get translated, too.

[Grim]

Ok, so the list of potential candidates is growing... What about non-adventure companies that make good games? There's Quantic Dreams, which I always adored, but they seem waaaay out of my league;)

[Vince Twelve]

I've thought about doing this myself.  Good luck with it Grim!

[Azure]

Since you have commercial games under your belt then I am pretty sure some companies would consider you. Have you looked for any companies near to you, a lot of games companies will pay relocation but their willingness to do so may depend on how bigger risk they think you are.

http://www.gameindustrymap.com/ is a good place to look. You might also want to check out the indie game scene where you are, get going to events and you'll be able to work out what companies are local.

It also depends on what jobs you want to apply for.
Another thing to consider is the hours, some of the working weeks I have clocked up have been insane which at some pits left me little time for personal stuff but it's something that I knew going in. You also want to check your contracts some employers will try to claim rights over anything you make (even in your own time) whilst employed by them. So any job you do get you need to make sure your personal work is safe.

Oh and I don't know if this is relevant, but 22Cans (Peter Molyneux's new studio) has a thing saying it's open to work experience. I doubt it will be paid, but might be worth a shot if you really want to make sure it's what you want to do. 

[Stupot]

Have you looked for any companies near to you [...] You might also want to check out the indie game scene where you are.

This reminds me, You're from Exeter, right, Grim?  Why not contact Jonathan Boakes (the indie dev behind the beautiful Dark Fall and Lost Crown games)?  He's based in Looe, which can't be far from you.  If he can't personally offer you something (or if he's not what you're looking for), he might at least have some contacts, local or otherwise.  https://twitter.com/jonathanboakes http://www.darklingroom.co.uk/

[Grim]

Hmmm... I might give Jonathan Boakes a try, actually. It's not a bad idea- at least I know this guy makes quality games in a similar tone to mine.

[KBlaney]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I don't have a degree in game design or programming (rather I have a MS in Math), but I managed to get a job offer from Gameloft after sending in a resume through gamasutra's job boards. Granted, you probably *don't* want to work for Gameloft given past and recent controversies, but jobs in the game industry are just like any other job: First, prove that you can do the job they are looking to fill through your cover letter and resume. Second, prove that you are someone they can work with in the interview.