
Haroon Thantrey
Experienced Audio Designer
Codemasters (part of Electronic Arts)
Codemasters (part of Electronic Arts)
Experienced Audio Designer
I am a sound designer for games, and I get to work on a variety of projects that need audio attention or support.
Right now because of the pandemic, I work from home. Every day I come in being creative, although it is a little odd doing that on demand because some days you're not feeling it but produce the goods anyways. It can be difficult, and games also do take years to make. Review day is a really nice day. You've been working for something for years and finally get to see the reviews come in. Typically, I work on games which need audio attention or support.
Here's the first step for high school students
I would do a lot of reading into how games are made, and there are loads of really good YouTube channels and documentaries about game development. GameMakersToolkit and PeopleMakeGames are really good ones. Developer.com and gamesindustry.biz are good websites to go on as well. And also try and meet people online. Game development is quite big on Twitter and Instagram. Then you can see what takes your interests. There are many departments for game development to decide from.
"I applied to LIPA, a prestigious school, and everyone told me I would not get in. I was also diagnosed with dysgraphia at age 18 or 19. So I faced doubt from that, and it also ties with the systemic racism and doubt against South Asians in the UK."
My favorite part is also the hardest part, but it is being creative every day. Working on a tangible product, then seeing out there and published is also great. When I go grocery shopping and see a game I helped work on, that is really cool.
The most important thing is to remember that fostering relationships takes time. You see some people walk up, say hello, give their business card, and leave. They have your name but that's it. I've gotten most jobs from talking to people over time.
I haven't been doing it well until the pandemic, but I suggest turn off your work notifications at home and try not to look at your emails. This is especially important because my industry is notoriously known for lots of overtime.
Try and explore what you want to get into, and find the resources that will help you. Networking with people, learn more about your field, and use your time in your education to hone your skills to become employable by the time you leave.
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