Well, I'm neither an artist, nor a programmer. I have a lot of fan site experience, and I'm rather well-versed in current game events, the history of the industry, and I've also been spending the last few months studying game design itself. Most game design positions however, are not entry-level (which isn't to say there aren't any). Though I do web sites and graphics, I'm by no means what a game company could call a "web designer", as I don't really keep up with any languages beyond HTML - but the skills I have would come in handy for a marketing position or design (drawing mock-ups and such).
So with that, I'm most qualified for entry-level things such as QA Testing and for MMORPGs, being a Game master, and any entry-level Design positions (including some level design, but more for RTS games rather than FPS). With my fan site experience, I could also get a job as an Online Community Rep (which can be found mostly for MMORPGs).
Then you have to factor in filters like respectable companies that make good games, that sort of thing...
The companies with open positions that I most qualify for, and most want are at Big Huge Games (Rise of Nations, Rise of Legends) and Sigil Games Online (Vanguard: Saga of Heroes); both of which have design-related positions. Blizzard Entertainment has their constant GM positions open, but that's on the other side of the country, and I don't know if I'd like to start entry-level at a company like Blizzard. Turbine, Inc. (Lord of the Rings Online, Dungeons and Dragons Online) has some testing positions open as well. Mythic Entertainment (DAoC) in Fairfax, VA is closer to home than any other (though BHG is also close) - they have open GM positions.
I'm not at home right now, so I don't have my big huge (ha ha) list of companies-to-apply-to right in front of me. I am regardless sort of limited to some genres, decent companies, positions open, and positions I'm qualified for. But if I were absolutely desparate, I would scrap the first two criteria there and go work for Electronic Arts - meanwhile, my brains would be leaking, and I would steadily lose any remaining shred of sanity I may have left.
In the meantime I've been looking for paid fan site work in addition to being a "games consultant" on a new (currently in development) search engine for video games. That's where that 'new fan site network' I mentioned before may come in.
Romsuaig wrote: My friend Shaun just started working as a financial advisor and the Epic Games HQ is in his office building. He said one of the guys drives a black Lexus and it says "OWNAGE" on his license plate.
Haha! Certainly something I'd expect from someone who works with Cliffy B.
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