I’ve been a huge gamer my entire life, from the moment I went from sitting next to my dad, watching him play Wolfenstein 3D and took control of the keyboard and mouse myself. That grew past what most would consider a hobby into a full life passion. At the time, though, I only knew how to invest in this passion by writing blogs, making cosplaying and playing a hell of a lot of video games.
That all changed a few years ago, when I realized that, holy crap, there are people who actually MAKE video games. And, thus, my entire life changed.
I went from working as a System and Design Engineer in biotech to a Software Engineer in biotech (I taught myself programming and requested a team transfer), then I began to work as both a Producer and as a Server Engineer for Fixer Studios, and then… well, I started my own studio just over a year and a half ago.
Since then, I’ve been busting my little baneling butt making my first major title, Potions: A Curious Tale.
It’s been a crazy and wild ride.
Of course, I started this venture in the game industry at a very tumultuous time for women in games, but I’m happy to say I’ve remained relatively unscathed for the past two years. Though I did talk about a little bit of the subtle sexism (if it even qualifies as that) that I’ve experienced in my last blog: http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/494285-post-pax-potions
I’m really happy where I am now: Leading a team of great artists and developers, helping others in the game industry through IGDA and my own vlogs and articles.
I just wanted to let you all at TL know, because here was one of the places that I cultivated, shared and expanded my passion for video games.
<3
As always, reach out to me if you need my advice or help.
My #1 customer is desperate for female coders. its great for me because they keep hiring women who can't do the job ; i swoop in as an outside contractor and save project after project. Of course project rescue jobs pay a lot more than normal projects. Also, there is no will to hire me and pay me as a salaried employee less than one third what they are paying me now because i'm male.
On April 09 2016 03:22 JimmyJRaynor wrote: My #1 customer is desperate for female coders. its great for me because they keep hiring women who can't do the job ; i swoop in as an outside contractor and save the project. Of course project rescue jobs pay a lot more than normal projects. Also, there is no will to hire me and pay me as a salaried employee less than one third what they are paying me now because i'm male.
I hear contracting is really the way to go if you like flexible hours and don't mind the whole job instability part.
As long as you have a nice little network of project managers you should have a steady stream of incoming work. The Arnica Web Portal and West Wind Web Connection are where i make the most cash by far and that's sort of my niche.
A big mistake most of the software engineers make is not networking with the right people; They also do not create a niche for themselves.
Technically speaking i am a "software development contractor"; in reality i'm a coder with four part time jobs.
i posted in your old blog that 'my "dream" is sort of like work for a year or two and then take time off to develop myself in something i really want to do, like you are doing (for me maybe it will be music or art or idk)' .... well in 2 days i move house and start studying to draw after quitting my job
On April 09 2016 13:55 Psyonic_Reaver wrote: Riku I remember meeting you at PAX back in.... 2010 I want to say....
Good luck with your game!
Thanks! :D
Maybe see you at PAX this year?
On April 10 2016 02:25 FFGenerations wrote: fantastic trailer, congrats
i posted in your old blog that "my "dream" is sort of like work for a year or two and then take time off to develop myself in something i really want to do, like you are doing (for me maybe it will be music or art or idk)" .... well in 2 days i move house and start studying to draw after quitting my job
Nice! I hope it goes really well for you. Rock it!
On April 12 2016 08:36 fabiano wrote: Nothing out of this world, but pretty straightforward, very well paced and professionally fit the narrative with the scenes.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks! :D
On April 13 2016 06:08 Falling wrote: I hope you find funding for your game. It's always interesting to hear what different TL members have gone on to do.
Right? Kind of crazy to watch.
I went to school at Harvey Mudd and know Sean (Day[9]) and Kevin (QXC) really well. It's great seeing that they are still putting their talents towards their passions.