Comments on: VANCOUVER’S VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY AND THE SILVER LINING IN THINGS http://www.vancityallie.com/2008/09/25/vancouvers-video-game-industry-and-the-silver-lining-in-things/ (snowboarding blog / surfing blog / Vancouver blog / Canucks blog / photography blog) Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:11:50 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Easily Distracted » Blog Archive » The Game Industry in Vancouver http://www.vancityallie.com/2008/09/25/vancouvers-video-game-industry-and-the-silver-lining-in-things/comment-page-1/#comment-2277 Easily Distracted » Blog Archive » The Game Industry in Vancouver Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:44:57 +0000 http://www.vancityallie.com/?p=34#comment-2277 [...] a related post, from someone in the industry here. Fantastic blog with a beautiful range of topics, all of which I enjoy. Subscribed.) Information [...] [...] a related post, from someone in the industry here. Fantastic blog with a beautiful range of topics, all of which I enjoy. Subscribed.) Information [...]

]]> By: Vancity Allie - the blog of a Vancouver girl who lives and breathes the West Coast » Blog Archive » VIDEO GAME COMPANIES THE BEST TO WORK FOR IN BC? http://www.vancityallie.com/2008/09/25/vancouvers-video-game-industry-and-the-silver-lining-in-things/comment-page-1/#comment-685 Vancity Allie - the blog of a Vancouver girl who lives and breathes the West Coast » Blog Archive » VIDEO GAME COMPANIES THE BEST TO WORK FOR IN BC? Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:08:19 +0000 http://www.vancityallie.com/?p=34#comment-685 [...] industry is well-known for its perks, from Christmas bonuses to limousine rides and big parties. That seems to be toning down a bit in the economy and with a number of large studios and publishers getting shut down, but the fun-loving culture is [...] [...] industry is well-known for its perks, from Christmas bonuses to limousine rides and big parties. That seems to be toning down a bit in the economy and with a number of large studios and publishers getting shut down, but the fun-loving culture is [...]

]]> By: Vancity Allie - the blog of a Vancouver girl who lives and breathes the West Coast » Blog Archive » HAPPY HALLOWEEN! (AND THE NOT-SO-HAPPY VANCOUVER VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY) http://www.vancityallie.com/2008/09/25/vancouvers-video-game-industry-and-the-silver-lining-in-things/comment-page-1/#comment-279 Vancity Allie - the blog of a Vancouver girl who lives and breathes the West Coast » Blog Archive » HAPPY HALLOWEEN! (AND THE NOT-SO-HAPPY VANCOUVER VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY) Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:59:59 +0000 http://www.vancityallie.com/?p=34#comment-279 [...] seems the high tech industry is a little spooked (har har) this Halloween too. You can read more in my previous post on the Vancouver video game industry. And to clear up all the rumours… no, I don’t work at EA — and I never [...] [...] seems the high tech industry is a little spooked (har har) this Halloween too. You can read more in my previous post on the Vancouver video game industry. And to clear up all the rumours… no, I don’t work at EA — and I never [...]

]]> By: Vancity Allie http://www.vancityallie.com/2008/09/25/vancouvers-video-game-industry-and-the-silver-lining-in-things/comment-page-1/#comment-269 Vancity Allie Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:17:10 +0000 http://www.vancityallie.com/?p=34#comment-269 Wow thanks for all your kind words Mario, and the best of luck to you! It's never to late to get into the video game industry. Wow thanks for all your kind words Mario, and the best of luck to you! It’s never to late to get into the video game industry.

]]> By: mario http://www.vancityallie.com/2008/09/25/vancouvers-video-game-industry-and-the-silver-lining-in-things/comment-page-1/#comment-264 mario Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:42:43 +0000 http://www.vancityallie.com/?p=34#comment-264 Allie, Thanks for the insight. I remember thinking you were some fat old guy back when you were doing the relic gig, little did I know., Along w/other boneheads in the COH community, I even made fun of your nome de guerre. But as I got to know you trough your work I have to say that my admiration grew. Your dedication and commitment seemed above and unfitting your role. I am glad you left relic and even more glad to hear you are doing great. I could tell you that I’ve looked at your website and you seem like a fascinating and very observing person, but I like to be original and there is a 99.99 chance you’ve heard that a million times so I’m not going to say it. Now the part about loving rifles intrigues me., I have a bit of trouble believing that being a gun Knut myself. I can honestly tell you I never met a woman that I felt genuinely loved weapons. But I do believe you. As far as your posting on the video game industry I only wish I would have read it 5 years ago. But that would off course be impossible. It seems like a very honest from the trenches assessment of the industry, I have been doing my homework so this is not an educated guess, And even more unfortunately , the level of knowledge and technical proficiency you need to be competitive in a field like this I think is far beyond that witch would be required in many other fields, hell; I’ve had jobs were all I had to do was turn a damn knob, If you know what I mean. Unfortunately for me I am one of those kids that come out every six months to try and take your jobs (except I’m not a kid) I can tell you that I have almost killed myself the last five years trying to achieve a level of proficiency that I felt comfortable applying for a job with, on top of my 15y+ experience in Photoshop And other graphic design tools. And the closer I get to actually being at a level where I could even try to compete for a job like this, the further away it seems that it will ever actually materialize, Making a reality check, were does that take me>? Well let’s see I’ve just about ruined my marriage, have spent ridiculous amounts of time glued to a computer screen for the past 5 years., and have just about gone blind (lol). had I chosen more wisely, Given the amount of time and effort I have poured into this Endeavour I would probably be already working, and making a lot of money. Well you know what they say Hind sight is 20/20. On a good light, I have finally realized that game development, as much as I wanted it, is not really worth half the effort that it would take to get it. Yes, it’s been 5 years and about 60k down the drain, but I feel there’s no such thing as too Late And I am glad there are honest people like you that can speak out and offer honest guidance where there is none. Allie, Thanks for the insight.
I remember thinking you were some fat old guy back when you were doing the relic gig, little did I know.,
Along w/other boneheads in the COH community, I even made fun of your nome de guerre.
But as I got to know you trough your work I have to say that my admiration grew.
Your dedication and commitment seemed above and unfitting your role.
I am glad you left relic and even more glad to hear you are doing great.
I could tell you that I’ve looked at your website and you seem like a fascinating and very observing person, but I like to be original and there is a 99.99 chance you’ve heard that a million times so I’m not going to say it.
Now the part about loving rifles intrigues me., I have a bit of trouble believing that being a gun Knut myself. I can honestly tell you I never met a woman that I felt genuinely loved weapons. But I do believe you.
As far as your posting on the video game industry I only wish I would have read it
5 years ago. But that would off course be impossible.
It seems like a very honest from the trenches assessment of the industry, I have been doing my homework so this is not an educated guess,
And even more unfortunately , the level of knowledge and technical proficiency you need to be competitive in a field like this I think is far beyond that witch would be required in many other fields, hell; I’ve had jobs were all I had to do was turn a damn knob,
If you know what I mean.
Unfortunately for me I am one of those kids that come out every six months to try and take your jobs (except I’m not a kid)
I can tell you that I have almost killed myself the last five years trying to achieve a level of proficiency that I felt comfortable applying for a job with, on top of my 15y+ experience in Photoshop And other graphic design tools.
And the closer I get to actually being at a level where I could even try to compete for a job like this, the further away it seems that it will ever actually materialize,
Making a reality check, were does that take me>? Well let’s see I’ve just about ruined my marriage, have spent ridiculous amounts of time glued to a computer screen for the past 5 years., and have just about gone blind (lol).
had I chosen more wisely, Given the amount of time and effort I have poured into this Endeavour I would probably be already working, and making a lot of money.
Well you know what they say Hind sight is 20/20.
On a good light, I have finally realized that game development, as much as I wanted it, is not really worth half the effort that it would take to get it.
Yes, it’s been 5 years and about 60k down the drain, but I feel there’s no such thing as too
Late
And I am glad there are honest people like you that can speak out and offer honest guidance where there is none.

]]> By: Vancity Allie http://www.vancityallie.com/2008/09/25/vancouvers-video-game-industry-and-the-silver-lining-in-things/comment-page-1/#comment-59 Vancity Allie Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:04:21 +0000 http://www.vancityallie.com/?p=34#comment-59 Yup, you're totally right Urban Dweller. Thanks for stopping by, I love your site as well. Yup, you’re totally right Urban Dweller. Thanks for stopping by, I love your site as well.

]]> By: Urban Dweller http://www.vancityallie.com/2008/09/25/vancouvers-video-game-industry-and-the-silver-lining-in-things/comment-page-1/#comment-46 Urban Dweller Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:11:24 +0000 http://www.vancityallie.com/?p=34#comment-46 Excellent write up on the industry. Although I don't work in the industry I have a few connections. The sentiment is upbeat for EA and some other big companies out there. The economy doesn't impact them as much as other little companies or companies such as Midway that has lost its way in the biz. Remember the good old days of Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam :) Also if you look at the stock prices, they have faired better then the other industries out there. The Slowing US economy will hurt every sector in BC and Canada. The only reason we have survived thus far is because of all the Olympic construction going on. Whether you are for or against 2010 it has had a positive impact on Vancouver. Nice to hear that EA is continuing to expand out here and that big fish is coming out here. There is an abundance of talent out here and the draw of Vancouver also lures in world-wide talent. The industry needs to be nurtured a little bit more before it can be a mainstay of our economy. I think the Libs are doing a decent job, however other provinces (especially Quebec) have offered tax incentives, hence why Ubisoft is in Montreal and not here. I've rambled on long enough. This was an excellent write-up, vastly superior to the one I wrote a while back. First time visit to the site and I'll be back daily! Excellent write up on the industry. Although I don’t work in the industry I have a few connections. The sentiment is upbeat for EA and some other big companies out there. The economy doesn’t impact them as much as other little companies or companies such as Midway that has lost its way in the biz. Remember the good old days of Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam :) Also if you look at the stock prices, they have faired better then the other industries out there.

The Slowing US economy will hurt every sector in BC and Canada. The only reason we have survived thus far is because of all the Olympic construction going on. Whether you are for or against 2010 it has had a positive impact on Vancouver.

Nice to hear that EA is continuing to expand out here and that big fish is coming out here. There is an abundance of talent out here and the draw of Vancouver also lures in world-wide talent. The industry needs to be nurtured a little bit more before it can be a mainstay of our economy. I think the Libs are doing a decent job, however other provinces (especially Quebec) have offered tax incentives, hence why Ubisoft is in Montreal and not here.

I’ve rambled on long enough. This was an excellent write-up, vastly superior to the one I wrote a while back. First time visit to the site and I’ll be back daily!

]]> By: Bearch http://www.vancityallie.com/2008/09/25/vancouvers-video-game-industry-and-the-silver-lining-in-things/comment-page-1/#comment-44 Bearch Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:01:24 +0000 http://www.vancityallie.com/?p=34#comment-44 Interesting points here- but from my perspective, 3D animation and VFX are the industries that will be the most hard hit in Vancouver. 3D animation is expensive to produce for tv, and with the slumping U.S. economy, high Canadian dollar, lack of competitive tax incentives and cuts to Canadian New Media fund- that's bad news for Vancouver animators. But despite the slightly slower games sales last month, the growth rate was still 9% in the US, despite the fact that people are losing the shirts off their backs, and that far outstrips all other entertainment industries including film, tv and music. So I wouldn't start worrying too much yet- I think video games will be the sector that weathers the storm. PS: love the new blog Allie! Interesting points here- but from my perspective, 3D animation and VFX are the industries that will be the most hard hit in Vancouver.

3D animation is expensive to produce for tv, and with the slumping U.S. economy, high Canadian dollar, lack of competitive tax incentives and cuts to Canadian New Media fund- that’s bad news for Vancouver animators. But despite the slightly slower games sales last month, the growth rate was still 9% in the US, despite the fact that people are losing the shirts off their backs, and that far outstrips all other entertainment industries including film, tv and music.

So I wouldn’t start worrying too much yet- I think video games will be the sector that weathers the storm.

PS: love the new blog Allie!

]]> By: Vancity Allie http://www.vancityallie.com/2008/09/25/vancouvers-video-game-industry-and-the-silver-lining-in-things/comment-page-1/#comment-43 Vancity Allie Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:09:09 +0000 http://www.vancityallie.com/?p=34#comment-43 I'm really glad to see some debate and discussion here! Richard -- you're totally right, I shouldn't have said that Radical has all but shut down. It is things I've "heard" from various individuals around the industry, but you are right, they've still got a ton of people working on projects there and that's not really fair to them. Parveen -- yeah that's the ideal situation eh... owning your own business ;) *shakes fist at JJ and Curtis* Mike -- yes, industry experience is great, especially if you can position yourself in a "senior"/mentor/leadership role. But if you're someone who is just working in the trenches, you might want to be concerned if there are kids out there who have more talent and hard skills coming out of school who don't cost nearly as much ;) Shane -- HEY! So glad to hear from you. Feel free to recruit on here whenever you like. I'm so excited about your PEI studio. I've heard a lot about it and there are a couple people I know who are moving out there. You KNOW I am jealous about the house prices out there. When you sent out that email about your house on the cliff I was very envious. Getting to work at a video game studio in PEI? LUCKY! Anyway, thanks for dropping by and commenting! :) I'm with Richard on this one though, I don't think I'd leave my fantastic snowboarding mountains on this coast :D I’m really glad to see some debate and discussion here!

Richard — you’re totally right, I shouldn’t have said that Radical has all but shut down. It is things I’ve “heard” from various individuals around the industry, but you are right, they’ve still got a ton of people working on projects there and that’s not really fair to them.

Parveen — yeah that’s the ideal situation eh… owning your own business ;) *shakes fist at JJ and Curtis*

Mike — yes, industry experience is great, especially if you can position yourself in a “senior”/mentor/leadership role. But if you’re someone who is just working in the trenches, you might want to be concerned if there are kids out there who have more talent and hard skills coming out of school who don’t cost nearly as much ;)

Shane — HEY! So glad to hear from you. Feel free to recruit on here whenever you like. I’m so excited about your PEI studio. I’ve heard a lot about it and there are a couple people I know who are moving out there. You KNOW I am jealous about the house prices out there. When you sent out that email about your house on the cliff I was very envious. Getting to work at a video game studio in PEI? LUCKY! Anyway, thanks for dropping by and commenting! :)

I’m with Richard on this one though, I don’t think I’d leave my fantastic snowboarding mountains on this coast :D

]]> By: Richard http://www.vancityallie.com/2008/09/25/vancouvers-video-game-industry-and-the-silver-lining-in-things/comment-page-1/#comment-42 Richard Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:18:38 +0000 http://www.vancityallie.com/?p=34#comment-42 You could never be 'slimy recruiter guy', Shane... 'job pimpage master', sure. I can see that. :) Glad you like the other coast; it's not for me, but I'm sure others who place a higher value on affordable home ownership would seriously consider that move. You could never be ’slimy recruiter guy’, Shane… ‘job pimpage master’, sure. I can see that. :) Glad you like the other coast; it’s not for me, but I’m sure others who place a higher value on affordable home ownership would seriously consider that move.

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