Kah Hui Teo

Awful news about more layoffs in our industry, this time affecting Cut to Bits, with most of their team affected. Co-Founder and GM of Cut to Bits, Masao Kobayashi, announced the news a few hours ago (here https://lnkd.in/eeK9dexz). To those impacted by this closure, please find a comprehensive list of resources, below: 🥇First, reach out to us at People Can Fly Studio, we have many roles open right now in Canada, the UK, Ireland and Europe, please check them out here: https://lnkd.in/eWpV5PbA 🥈Next, Discipline Games Jobs Resources: Over the past weeks I have created 9 (at time of writing) Games Jobs Resources to find jobs in a wide range of disciplines: 🎨 Art, Animation, VFX and UI This resource contains around 1,350 jobs worldwide across all links. Link: https://lnkd.in/eXgEEUAA ⚙ Engineering and Programming This resource lists just over 2,100 jobs worldwide across all links. Link: https://lnkd.in/eAufG7q4 🕹 Quality Assurance This resource lists over 400 QA jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/e6YwwJeS 📑 Game Production This resource lists around 380 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/eE8QgeDq 📢 Marketing & Community This resource lists around 360 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/eW3AZmxd 🎶 Audio and Sound Design This resource lists around 180 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/ehGFXaiH 📠 Studio Support, HR, Recruitment and BizDev This resource lists around 370 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/eDHbZx2w ⚙ IT This resource lists around 100 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/eRYpAtQQ 🎮 Game Design This resource lists around 640 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/ekNSq_Wj 🥉 Third, the Ultimate list of Video Games Career Resources: This should be your one-stop shop for all information. My dear friend Amir Satvat maintains these documents, he is a legend for doing this - please check them out: https://amirsatvat.com/ 🎖 Finally, do not give up. Ever. No matter how dark things may look right now, I KNOW you will get through this, you have got this! 👊 Remember you are not alone. If you need help, advice, or even an ear to listen, we're here for you. Always! ➡ A request to my community, please can I ask you to repost this post to your colleagues and friends, so that we can get as many into jobs as possible! And please comment if you or your studio are currently hiring - let's help each other! Much love ❤️ #layoffs #gamesindustry #jobsingames #cuttobits

45

2 Comments

Whatever happened to one interview and a handshake? Some more thoughts on cover letters in Gamedev/Tech Or ‘Yay more hoops to jump through’ 1.Consider your audience. Different teams need different things, is the company big or small, are they a new start-up or well established? Each of these criteria tend to favor different aspects of a personality and skills. It’s vital to be authentic, but there is nothing stopping you from emphasizing certain skills and traits according to your audience. 2. Personalize. Do you need to research the entire 15-year history of the company and name drop their most obscure IP? Probably not. Do you want to include the correct company name and the job title for the role you are applying for? And does it help to show you’ve done a few minutes of research about what the company does? Definitely. Pro-Forma is your friend here. Have a template you use and can very slightly adapt to each role you apply to. 3. Communicate effectively. So much of Game Dev is about effective communication, often in written form – this is a chance to showcase that skill. Be concise, be clear, be professional. Tech hiring managers tend to be analytical by nature so present the facts in as balanced a way as possible, striking a balance between giving a good account of yourself and not overselling. Does first/third person matter? Not really – do whatever makes sense to you. Best of luck people!

13

🚨 SINGAPORE GAME DEVELOPERS LISTEN UP 🚨   IMDA has launched a Call for Proposal (CFP) for games that are designed to promote and engage audiences with Singaporean narratives and culture. No, they're not asking you to resurrect World of Temasek... Think about Ghostlore, or Chinatown Detective Agency! Games with good taste!   Selected proposals will receive S$50,000 to develop a prototype/vertical slice (ie. a playable with at least 10-minute gameplay) over four-months, to be showcased at a physical event. The selected teams will receive regular feedback from a curated panel comprising the leads of renowned publishers (somehow, I'm on this panel), which will help push the vertical slice towards globally competitive quality standards. If you're a Singapore game development team looking to make something that meaningfully pays homage to the Singaporean cultural identity - but is still a viable, fun game that's relatable for a global audience!! - then please apply! I'm hoping to see lots of local developers, including all those who've been daunted by the prospect of how to sustain themselves while developing their own prototype, push their creative proposals forward.   Check out the CFP guideline and further details at https://lnkd.in/gn46spr3.   Submit your proposal by 24 Jun 2024 here: https://lnkd.in/gQkFxE2w

93

1 Comment

It has been a common and recurring theme. At some point I want to talk about companies that have been practicing bad practices. Though I believe first step to make and prove that there are alternate ways and they lead to better productivity and work spaces. Other than that, we do need to push for betterment and talk about what that truly means. What you said is truly on point and heart wrenching.

1

2 Comments

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬! Dear Hiring Manager, With a decade of experience in the gaming industry, I bring visionary leadership, end-to-end solutions, and expertise in engaging with product stakeholders. Proficient in technologies including 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐂#, and 𝐕𝐑. I also possess specialized knowledge in 𝐉𝐚𝐯𝐚, 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐭, 𝐍𝐨𝐝𝐞.𝐣𝐬, 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐬, 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐃𝐁, 𝐌𝐲𝐒𝐐𝐋, and 𝐀𝐖𝐒. Here are some key highlights of my career: 🔹 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞: With a robust foundation in designing scalable and maintainable games, I excel in selecting the most suitable tools and software for products. My experience extends to the Backend with AWS, ensuring seamless integration and deployment. 🔹 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Over six years of leadership experience have honed my skills in conducting code reviews, troubleshooting, and enforcing best practices, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. 🔹 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐭: From deep knowledge of Data Structures, OOPs, SOLID Principles, and Design Patterns to proficiency in Dependency Injection and System Design, I bring a well-rounded skill set to every project. 🔹 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡: I have a proven track record of employing a data-driven approach to solve user problems in games. Utilizing analytics and user feedback, I iterate on features and mechanics to enhance player engagement and retention. 🔹 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: In addition to Unity and C#, I am proficient in Java for backend development, complemented by expertise in AWS services. 🔹 𝐕𝐑 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: With over three years of hands-on experience in Unity and C#, I have contributed to multiple VR apps and games for leading platforms such as Oculus, HTC VIVE, and Google Daydream, leveraging Oculus SDK, SteamVR, and Social VR. 🔹 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: I adhere to industry best practices for optimizing Unity applications, ensuring optimal performance and user experience. I am enthusiastic about exploring new opportunities where I can leverage my skills and contribute to innovative projects. Please feel free to reach out to me directly or via phone: (+𝟗𝟏 𝟖𝟖𝟔𝟎𝟒𝟗𝟓𝟑𝟖𝟐) for further discussion. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

43

11 Comments

China's gaming regulator, the NPPA, approved publishing licenses for 15 foreign video games on June 5th, according to SCMP. This brings the total number of approved foreign titles in 2024 to 61, compared to 98 in all of 2023. The list, available on the NPPA website, leans towards mobile titles but also includes console and PC games. Here are some highlights: 🕹 Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! 🕹 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury 🕹 Ultraman Legend of Heroes 🕹 Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage 🕹 Valorant: Operation Primal 🕹 Black Desert Online 🕹 Samurai Shodown mobile 🕹 Railbound 🕹 For The King 🕹 Daemon X Machina 🕹 Dungeon Hunter 6 The most anticipated title is likely Valorant: Operation Primal, the upcoming mobile version of Riot Games' popular shooter. The NPPA approved the base game in December 2022 and greenlit the mobile version on June 5th. Valorant's PC version, launched in China last July, achieved considerable success, generating strong revenue for Tencent (Riot Games's parent company). While the mobile version's global release date remains unknown, its NPPA approval is a positive step. (source: https://lnkd.in/esr_Zf8D)

21

5 Comments

Exciting news for the gaming industry! Xsolla, a leader in global video game commerce, has acquired LF.Group, a prominent "looking for group" (LFG) platform. This powerful union promises to reshape how developers connect with players and navigate the ever-evolving gaming landscape. 😍 A Boon for Developers and Gamers Alike This acquisition signifies a significant shift towards a more connected gaming experience. Here's what it means for both developers and gamers: ⭐ Developers: Strengthen relationships with your player base! Xsolla's integration of LF.Group's technology will enhance developer-player connections, fostering a thriving and engaged community. Additionally, streamlined transaction tools will simplify managing in-game purchases across various platforms. ⭐ Gamers: Get ready for a smoother and more connected gaming journey! Innovative solutions born from this partnership will elevate the overall experience for players. 🤝 Aligning for a Connected Future Xsolla's President, David Stelzer, emphasizes their dedication to empowering game developers through continuous innovation. The acquisition of LF.Group allows them to leverage cutting-edge technology and further solidify their commerce framework. Alexey Moiseenkov, CEO & Co-Founder of LF.Group, echoes the excitement for the future. Together, they envision a more interconnected gaming environment that extends beyond traditional platforms. Their sights are set on integrating popular messaging services like WhatsApp, creating a seamless experience for gamers to connect and team up. (source: https://lnkd.in/eWGAPNqd)

9

1 Comment

“But you don’t look like a gamer. And I mean it as a compliment.” — Strangers “Then you are not a gamer.” — Industry veteran I grew up playing tons of games in China. I still vividly remember the fun times playing Korean MMORPGs with childhood friends at internet cafes. Can you imagine we had to pay both publishers and internet cafes by the hour? New maps, cosmetic items, creatures, and weapons were dropped with every update. I was always jealous of the kids who could afford monthly subscriptions, giving them unlimited playtime. This was easily 15+ years before the concept of Game as a Service. My first ever online purchase on Chinese eBay was virtual items for Ragnarok Online because little Grace was good at math and knew it was way cheaper to buy a decent beginner set than to grind for crafting materials. When I moved onto other games, I sold my RO account and made a small profit. This was 20+ years before NFTs and discussions around digital ownership. In Asia, video games are a crucial part of our social lives. My cousin, who introduced me to World of Warcraft, Half-Life, Need for Speed, and many other exciting games when I was a little girl, met his wife through Honor of Kings. My sister-in-law jokes that if dating apps fail you, find someone in a game who will carry you - you see their true colors through PvP and teamwork. Gaming has always been fun and positive for me, and I never doubted my identity. Then moving here to the US was a culture shock. On one side, I was told I was too good to be a gamer because I dressed nicely, wasn't socially awkward, and didn't live in my parents' basement. On the other side, an industry veteran said in my face that I wasn't good enough to be a gamer because I didn't play certain genres competitively. I was frustrated and turned to Reddit for answers. Here are some top comments I found: “I remember putting 300+ hours into Skyrim, but feeling like I couldn't call myself a gamer because I didn't play Halo or League. You definitely aren't the only one who feels that way. ♥️ We were just blocked by years of gatekeeping ugh” “I don't refer to myself as gamer and I don't think I ever will. I love video games, but the term comes with so much baggage it wouldn't fit onto a container ship bc most of the dudes who the term was coined for and that unironically refer to themselves as gamers are not people I would like to be associated with.” “𝐈'𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫, 𝐈 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬.” 🥲 ✨ Imagine a world where everyone who plays games can proudly call themselves gamers. ✨ Imagine the breakthroughs in storytelling and game design we could achieve if every gamer felt empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. ✨ Imagine the explosive growth of the industry if we shatter the stereotypes and gatekeeping that hold it back. Gaming is for everyone, regardless of how they look or which games they play. If you love games, you belong in this community. #videogames #inclusivity

332

79 Comments

There has been a lot of discussion around the current state of the US gaming industry and why Japanese companies are not going through the same heavy restructuring phase as Western ones. Given my experience with Japanese culture, I wrote an article on Brothers in Gaming with my two cents on the topic. Here the link: https://lnkd.in/dma7dZ6B Quick recap: - It's not the law the main reason why Japanese companies are not laying off - Japanese companies recognize an higher value for the people working behind an IP, probably more than the IP itself - Employees in Japan have more benefits in staying longer at one company instead of moving around - Because of different market conditions and expectations, Japanese companies have approached the current changing landscape with more caution, leading to fewer big fails, especially in the LiveOps/F2P space. To demonstrate this, I have manually gathered info on 14 gaming publishers and studios across Japan and US/Europe and over 50 gaming IPs, looking at how IPs have been managed since the early 2000s. Some of this info is available in the article - check it out! #brothersingaming #gamingindustry #gaming #japan #US

44

4 Comments

Welcome to SUMMER GJ - C&K Summer Splash! Step into a stylish world inspired by Charles and Keith with a twist! — inside this chic bag lies an epic 1v1v1 water gun fight like no other!" Immerse yourself in a miniature beachfront paradise, complete with inflatable islands and palm trees. Gameplay: 1. Choose Your Team 2. Equipped with own team's water gun, aim and hit your target balls to gain a score. Hitting an opponent's target ball will deduct your points. 3. Achieve Victory: The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins! Submerge into the summer escapade with SUMMER GJ - C&K Summer Splash. Enlist your friends, and let the water gun frenzy begin!

3

📊 Games & Numbers (01.05.24 - 14.05.24) 🎮 PC/console games ▪️Helldivers II sold 12 million copies in 12 weeks, surpassing the previous record holder, God of War: Ragnarok (11 million copies in 3 months). https://lnkd.in/dtaJ7B2e ▪️Hades II topped the chart of paid game sales on Steam from May 7th to May 14th. The peak online player count reached 103.5k. The first part's record was 37.7k. Video Game Insights estimates that the game has already been purchased 831 thousand times. https://lnkd.in/d9SuhviJ ▪️7 million people played Dead Island 2 over the year. These are not sales, as the game appeared on Game Pass in February. 2 million copies were bought in the first month. https://lnkd.in/dppn8vRh ▪️Koei Tecmo reported that Rise of the Ronin's sales exceeded each of the two Nioh parts in the first month (the first part sold only 3 million copies; the second - 2 million). https://lnkd.in/dppn8vRh ▪️Just two days after the release, Gray Zone Warfare sold 400 thousand copies. https://lnkd.in/du34Vxrr ▪️Little Kitty, Big City, a game about a kitten's adventures in the city, was bought 100 thousand times in 2 days. The game is also available on Game Pass. https://lnkd.in/djp44kDY ▪️The Polish team Donkey Crew announced that Bellwright sold 150 thousand copies in 12 days. The game was released in early access on Steam on April 23rd. https://lnkd.in/dy3UzJY8 📱Mobile games ▪️Sensor Tower reports that Summoner’s War has earned over $3 billion in revenue in the 10 years since its release. 30.4% of this amount came from the USA, and 18.1% from Japan. The game ranks 6th in the list of highest-grossing RPGs over the past 2 years. https://lnkd.in/dwbVHAbh ▪️Uma Musume Pretty Derby has earned $2.4 billion in three years, according to Sensor Tower. 90% of the revenue came from Japan. 78% of the audience are men. https://lnkd.in/dAsmj65c ▪️Squad Busters reached 30 million early registrations in 11 days. The company aimed to achieve this figure by the release on May 29th. https://t.ly/NQgW5 ▪️Over 100 million people played AFK Arena. Lilith Games shared this figure in celebration of the project's 5th anniversary. https://lnkd.in/d2akX2nP ▪️SHIFTUP, the creators of Goddess of Victory: Nikke, revealed that the project generated $750 million in revenue over 1.5 years. 61% of this amount came from Japan, 17% from the USA, and 14% from South Korea. https://t.ly/P-6cS

27

3 Comments

#BlackMythWukong draws gamers in with its eye-popping graphics and intricate story. Digital marketing and strategic marketing play a crucial role in driving further development. First and foremost, Black Myth: Wukong must leverage the rich history of The Journey to the West in our marketing initiatives. This cultural resonance can highlight the underlying cultural narratives and establish a stronger bond with a worldwide audience. In order to create anticipation and excitement, concurrently broadcast captivating movie trailers on social media, Twitch, and YouTube that emphasise important plot and gameplay aspects. Second, we can create lively online communities with engaging social media material, frequent updates, and interactive forums to ensure the continuation of community participation. Engaging directly with supporters can foster devotion and ongoing interest. Additionally, to maximise awareness and audience interaction, make sure you have great visibility on popular digital networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and gaming forums. These tactics will help Black Myth: Wukong become a more commercially successful game and maintain its top spot in the market. #BlackMythWukong #ChineseGame

1

Should you offer bonuses to casino players every day? Imagine this scenario: you walk into your favorite coffee shop for your usual delightful coffee. Upon ordering, you're pleasantly surprised when the barista hands you a croissant along with your coffee. You enjoy this unexpected treat and leave the shop feeling quite satisfied. As the day progresses, you find yourself visiting the coffee shop multiple times, and with each visit, you receive a croissant with your coffee. This becomes a daily ritual over the course of the week, stretching into the month. Eventually, the charm of the croissant fades. The delight you initially felt turns to indifference; you even start declining the croissant because you simply can't manage another bite. Then, one day, they offer you a cake with your coffee instead. But by now, the thought of more sweets only brings a sense of revulsion. You've had your fill of sweetness. This overindulgence mirrors the effect of constant #casino bonuses. Just like sweets, bonuses lose their appeal when they are no longer a novelty. Follow me for more 🦄

12

4 Comments

The gaming industry is evolving, not just in terms of technology and creativity, but also in its approach to environmental responsibility. We have a unique opportunity to address critical issues like climate change through our work and through having fun! At Virtuos, we recognize the environmental impact of our operations, particularly our energy consumption. That’s why we’re committed to transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2025 and achieving carbon neutrality every year. By integrating sustainable practices into our business model, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and inspire others in the industry to do the same. Let’s create a greener future, one game at a time. 🌱💚 #Sustainability #GreenGaming #RenewableEnergy #Virtuos

34

1 Comment

My colleague Chenyu Cui recently published a report looking at the PC online games market in South Korea, for 2023. Please find a sample version of the report below! #southkorea #pcgaming #2023

12