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Good morning. It’s Wednesday, September 18. In India's competitive game development industry, where payroll expenses dominate studio costs, hiring the right talent is crucial. Developers need more than just degrees and resumes—studios prioritize portfolios showcasing problem-solving skills and technical proficiency. In today’s feature, Indian video game industry veteran Harish Chengiah provides strategies for creating a standout portfolio to navigate the demanding hiring landscape successfully.
We also cover S8UL Esports record-breaking nominations at the MOBIES, Gen-Z’s video game habits when compared to movies, and more.
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Breaking Into Game Development: Your Portfolio Matters More Than Your Degree
In an industry where payroll expenses account for a staggering 70 percent of a studio’s annual costs, making the wrong hire can derail game production and inflate budgets. Despite the increasing demand for game developers in India, studios remain selective, meticulously evaluating candidates to avoid costly mistakes.
For those aspiring to break into this competitive field, a degree and resume aren’t enough. In fact, a portfolio that offers a deep look into your thought process is essential. The portfolio is no longer just about showcasing flashy game projects — it’s about demonstrating problem-solving abilities and technical proficiency. Employers want to see not only what you’ve built, but how you arrived at your solutions.
In our latest feature, part of our continuing series on entering the gaming industry, we outline the strategies necessary to build a portfolio that stands out. From documenting your coding process to deconstructing your favorite games, we break down what matters most in a job application.
Whether you’re a novice seeking your first game development role or an experienced professional eyeing the indie scene, this guide provides practical advice for navigating the hiring landscape.
S8UL Esports Breaks New Ground with Four MOBIES 2024 Nominations
Indian esports organization S8UL has garnered significant attention on the global stage, becoming the first from the country to secure nominations in four categories at the MOBIES 2024 (Mobile Gaming Awards). The event is scheduled to take place on November 12 in Los Angeles.
Among the nominations, S8UL's Gaming Festival 2023, which drew over 13,000 attendees, is up for "Live Event of the Year." Competing with high-profile events like the Esports World Cup and the Mobile Legends Bang Bang World Championship, this marks a notable moment for the Indian gaming community, which is steadily gaining global recognition.
Naman “Mortal” Mathur, co-founder of S8UL, earned a nomination for "Mobile Content Creator of the Year." S8UL has also been nominated for "Mobile Organisation of the Year," underscoring its status as a leading entity in the mobile gaming world. In addition, content creators Parv “Regaltos” Singh and Payal “Payal Gaming” Dhare have been nominated in the "Streamer of the Year" category.
Quick Bytes
Two-Thirds of Gen Z Prefer Playing Games to Watching Movies
A 2024 report from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) reveals a stark generational divide in entertainment preferences: 63% of Gen Z favors video games over movies, compared to just 14% of Boomers. The shift underscores changes in how younger audiences engage with media, preferring interactive experiences that allow them to shape narratives. Additionally, 71% of Gen Z views gaming as a social activity, versus 21% of Boomers. With the gaming industry now outpacing the global movie sector in revenue ($184 billion vs. $97.5 billion), video games are redefining both entertainment consumption and social interaction.
Nvidia CEO: AI is the Future of Graphics, "We Can't Do It Without It!"
In a bold statement at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology conference, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang declared that artificial intelligence is now indispensable for computer graphics. "We can't do computer graphics anymore without artificial intelligence," Huang said, revealing how AI boosts performance by generating multiple pixels from just one, saving energy and delivering incredible image quality. Nvidia’s AI-driven DLSS technology leads the way, reshaping the gaming and graphics industry.
IBM Wins Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Zynga
IBM secured a victory in its 2022 patent infringement lawsuit against mobile game developer Zynga, convincing a Delaware jury that Zynga infringed on its web-based communications patents. The lawsuit centered on Zynga’s popular mobile game Farmville and its spin-offs, including Farmville 3, Crosswords With Friends, and Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells. Despite denying the claims, Zynga has been ordered to pay $44.9 million in damages. A Zynga spokesperson expressed disappointment with the ruling and indicated plans to appeal. The decision comes as Zynga shifts focus, recently selling its web3 project Sugartown to D20.
the*gamehers Awards to Return in 2025, Celebrating Women in Gaming and Esports
Women-focused gaming and esports platform, the*gamehers, has announced the return of its annual awards ceremony in 2025. Launched in 2019, the*gamehers Awards spotlight the achievements of women and femme-identifying individuals in gaming and esports. The 2024 event, held in March, saw 27 awards presented, celebrating industry talents and leading esports teams, drawing over 155,000 viewers and generating more than 10 million impressions.
Did You Know
Did you know that the world record for the longest cutscene in gaming history belongs to Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots? Its epilogue cutscene, which wraps up the story of Solid Snake and other key characters, runs for a staggering 71 minutes. Directed by Hideo Kojima, this marathon cutscene is famous for its depth, emotional impact, and ability to tie together the complex narrative threads of the series. The lengthy sequence features detailed character interactions, revelations, and cinematic moments, marking a bold and ambitious move in the world of gaming storytelling.
Coming in second place is Star Ocean: The Last Hope, a Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) known for its rich narrative. Its pre-final battle cutscene, which clocks in at 46 minutes, leads players into the climactic showdown with dramatic storytelling and character development.
While some players praise these extended sequences for their storytelling, others have criticized them for interrupting the flow of the gameplay.
Quote of the Day
from AFK Gaming https://ift.tt/PQigTlf
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
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