January 24 2023

How I Get to Work in AAA Games


It’s really no rocket science. I just:

  • Study hard. Back then, BA in computer engineering. Now, everything that needs studying.
  • Read from my reader’s perspective for everything I write. Code, documentation. All has to be easily understandable.
  • Teach others so I can master what I learn.
  • Review the code of my colleagues and my consultants.
  • Get my code reviewed especially by those who know better than I do.
  • Listen carefully to what developers say… to understand what they mean.
  • Estimate my work accurately in “Person Days”.
  • Spend time finding out what others truly need of me.
  • Take (financial) responsibility for any wrong estimates.
  • Talk specifically instead of vaguely.
  • Improve my coding skills daily.
  • Improve my communication skills daily.
  • Give unrequested, candid feedback to others.
  • Request candid feedback from others constantly.
  • Constantly look for ways to help others: clients, managers, employees.
  • (Human) networking. Tons of that.
  • Favor producing over consuming.
  • Cut unnecessary distractions, incl. phone, trolls, haters and freebie seekers.
  • Honestly say when I suck at something, e.g. 3d modeling.
  • Honestly say when I f*ck up something.
  • Plan my day, daily.
  • Work my plan, daily.
  • Feel the fear and code it anyway, e.g. impostor syndrome.
  • Build my brand (TheGameDev.Guru) based on my strengths (Optimization).
  • Deliver the features people ask for.
  • Deliver the features people don’t ask for… but need.
  • Build long-term relationships with my clients and colleagues.
  • Document my work so others can take over it and appreciate the scope of my results.
  • Force others to document their work.
  • Demand a compensation proportional to the value of my work.

If you want to become part of my Unity team when any opening pops up, apply here.

Ruben (The GameDev Guru)

The Gamedev Guru Logo

Performance Labs SL
Paseo de la Castellana 194, Ground Floor B
28046 Madrid, Spain

This website is not sponsored by or affiliated with Facebook, Unity Technologies, Gamedev.net or Gamasutra.

The content you find here is based on my own opinions. Use this information at your own risk.
Some icons provided by Icons8