Games of Experience
The ultimate resource on:
Video game development
GOE: What is your job title?
“Environment Artist.”
GOE: What company do you work for?
“I’m a mature student 
”
GOE: What is your prior education?
1. Bournemouth University NCCA
2. Glamorgan Centre for Art, Design & Technology
3. Hereford College of Arts (September 1996 -1998)
GOE: Can you give a brief description of what your job entails?
“Creating and texturing environments and 3D props for games.”
GOE: How did you start out?
“After finishing my degree at the beginning of 2000 I was offered a job at Codemasters working on the Colin McCrae series working on Japan and Sweden tracks. After a break from the industry I recently went back to university to expand on my skills.”
GOE: Why video games?
“I have always been a fan of video games in the arcades as a kid and subsequently the home consoles I have many fun memories playing friends on Street fighter 2, Mortal kombat and Goldeneye and the industry is getting more exciting and diverse now producing some really cinematic gaming experiences.”
GOE: What are your aspirations?
“To continue to work on titles that made the UK one of the biggest players in the games industry creating interesting and original titles.”
GOE: How do you stand out in your line of work?
“Being committed and hardworking and passionate about the products you are working on.”
GOE: What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on / are working on?
“Well that would have to be Colin McCrae as published title but am really enjoying the personal work I am doing in UDK Unreal development kit.”
GOE: How many years of experience do you have in the games industry?
“3 years production experience although I’m always working on different projects to learn new things.”
GOE: What do you love most about your job?
“The Creativity, teamwork and evolution of ideas within gaming.”
GOE: And what is your least favorite part?
“I wish The Governments would support games developers more.”
GOE: What tips can you give to aspiring environment artists?
“Be focused on the area you want to work on put example work on your showreel that will show you have the relevant skills in that area. Also joining 3d forums can introduce you to contacts great tutorials and valuable feedback from fellow artists.”
GOE: What qualities / experience / skills should they possess?
“Be able to create art assets and props suitable for game engines with relevant texture sizes, polygon counts and materials. To be a good team player and have a passion for the games you are making.”
Examples of James Morgan’s work can be found on his blog.
Founder of Game Thingie (gamethingie.com), she currently works as a game journalist to learn about the industry and get into game development after attaining her MscBA.
I like this, will there be more of these kinds of interviews? Would love to see some more about the dev process from different developers.
These kinds of interviews will come back regularly. We’re trying to elaborate them and allow for people to show some more of their work, and the development process.
More coming! W00T!