1: Why work in gaming?
We make games, generate fun and entertain people---how great is that?
There has never been a better time to join the games industry or Electronic Arts in India. While still a relatively young industry, gaming has achieved phenomenal success and continues to grow at an incredibly rapid pace—even surpassing the Hollywood box office in terms of annual revenue. EA, as a leading developer and publisher in the industry, earned more than $3.6 billion annual revenue in FY08 (with a market share of approx 20%), with projections to double that figure within the next 3 years.
The games industry is being driven forward on multiple fronts, including but not limited to the following:
- Casual games are expanding the overall games market by bringing fun and accessible games to all-new audiences.
- Online games are radically changing the industry model, with social networking and user-generated content leading the way.
- Gaming on mobile phones has a vast potential (mobile phones are the largest installed hardware base when it comes to gaming platforms).
- New peripherals are engaging audiences like never before (e.g., the Wii Remote, dance mats, guitars, drums, and microphones).
- Advancements in technology are giving game makers an ever-increasing array of tools to create more engaging storylines and create emotionally believable characters.
- New and expanding markets in Asia (particularly India, South Korea, China, and Singapore) bring new challenges and opportunities.
- One of the best reasons for working in the games industry is
the constant challenge brought on by advancements in technology. Game
developers are constantly given new opportunities to push the
boundaries of their craft to create compelling new game
2: 7 reasons why YOU should work for EA
Unlock your talent, fulfil your potential…
EA … One global company, many opportunities
Our goal is to entertain people across the world with great games. To achieve this, we strive to ensure our talented workforce enjoys working at EA and provide everyone with the opportunity to expand their skills and develop into creative leaders. We recognize that without our great staff, EA would not be the industry leader.
Seven Reasons Why You Should Consider Working for EA
- You will work on world-class games from day one.
EA has a huge portfolio of ‘AAA’ titles. You can contribute to a hit game from day one.
- You will work—and share—ideas with the best people.
You will work with creative, innovative people (some of whom are Academy Award winners). EA employees are passionate about playing—and making—great games. We learn from each other by sharing ideas across the company.
- Our philosophy is one person can make a difference.
EA is a hugely successful company with a culture anchored in a strong entrepreneurial spirit. This means anyone in the company can make a difference and have a real impact. In fact, one person’s ideas can influence the entire gaming industry.
- EA is a global company and this provides many career opportunities.
EA is a large global company, which gives you the opportunity to add to your skills and experience by working on different games in different locations around the world. Each team has its own unique feel and culture, which contributes greatly to creating a diverse global culture.
- EA is a highly ambitious company.
EA continuously pushes the limits of interactive entertainment by pursuing innovative opportunities on all gaming platforms and in all markets. We never stand still and are always looking for exciting new opportunities (for example, online gaming, growth in Asia, next-generation consoles and making casual games that entertain and appeal to a wider audience).
- Our aim is to provide ongoing opportunities for
career development by encouraging responsibility and providing
dedicated training and development.
We provide an opportunity for career development across numerous game teams at locations around the world. We offer a range of excellent training and development programs that provide ample opportunity for everyone to learn new skills, reach their full potential, and get the most out of their career at EA.
- You have the opportunity to entertain millions of people.
Our primary goal is to entertain millions of people around the world and we have a lot of fun doing it. It’s a great feeling to see your game become a bestselling, critical success.
3: Who are we recruiting?
EA is always looking for the best talent across the globe. The following table gives you an idea of the types of roles both full time and potential internships we typically recruit for.
Software Engineers: Programmers, Brew programmers, WinCe, mobile game developers, C++ C# programmers
Marketing: Marketing; Direct Marketing; Online Marketing; Public Relations; Brand Marketing; Product Marketing
Sales: Sales Managers
Project Managers: EA calls Project Managers Development Directors
Games Testers: The springboard into a career in gaming
Artists: Concept Artists; 2D / 3D Artists; Animators; Modellers; Texture Artists; Technical Artists; Computer Graphics Artists
Our Greatest need for EA India is currently: Games Testers, Software Engineers, Project Managers
However we are always on the look out for top talent, especially with our big plans for EA India.
To give an insight into key roles in Gaming:
Software Engineering
Mobile Phone Game Programmer
Mobile phone gaming is taking off and the potential in this area is huge. Mobile Phone Game Programmers are involved in both porting games from consoles and contributing on original new game ideas.
What skills does EA look for? Mobile Phone Game Programmers must have core experience in Java programming/development (J2ME experience a plus), C/C++ programming/development (BREW experience a plus), and a deep understanding of XML. They should have a Bachelor's degree in a technical subject, preferably engineering or computer science, and knowledge of and/or interest in wireless technologies. Experience in game/application development is desired.
Key programming roles in Mobile:
J2ME Software Engineer
J2ME Engineers are responsible for working with the EA studio engineering team to understand the game logic and source code and then deploy the high quality mobile games for EA mobile’s Global clientele. Key responsibilities include: providing technical assistance to developers; configuration and maintenance of the development environment and application-server software; assistance in making UI and gameplay decisions for different handsets/form factors; creation, maintenance and evangelization of guidelines and shared libraries for building widely deployable mobile games; portability Analysis and corresponding recommendations to Studio Game Development team; identification of Device specific issues; device specific code changes/additions; game feature additions/updates; localization and Translation for Global markets; internal code audits, Peer Code review; internal Documentation. Typically, and EA J2ME Software Engineer possesses: an expert level in all development programming languages including Java, J2ME, J2EE; experience of 2+ years in mobile gaming industry; hands on experience on ANT, Scripting languages and Version Control system; educational qualifications – Engineering/Computer Science Degree.
Software Engineer (WinCe)
(WinCe) Engineers work with the deployment team leader to ensure compatibility of developed games with a selected set of Windows Mobile devices and work with the deployment team leader to ensure our games correctly handle various localizations and prepare them for this if necessary. An EA (WinCE) Engineer typically possesses: an engineering/Computer Science Degree; 3+ years software development experience; 2+ years software development experience within the video game industry (or related) with a broad understanding of game development practices; excellent C/C++ programming skills; programming experience on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0; experience in Network Programming; experience in designing, coding, supporting complex software projects; strong debugging ability, able to detect defects and bad software practices and to propose improvements; experience in improving and maintaining existing code, while following coding standards; knowledge of Design Patterns. Additional skills which an ideal candidate possesses include: knowledge of Pocket PC and Smartphone SDKs; programming experience with eVC; development experience with Symbian or BREW; development experience with C# and its .NET Compact Framework on Windows Mobile 5.0; development experience with VC++ (MFC & Win 32), J2ME or eVB; creating development tools; OpenGL ES and rendering techniques, plug-ins / exporters for 3D modelling packages (Maya, 3DS Max, etc.)
BREW Software Engineer
Responsible for working with the EA engineering team to develop high quality mobile games, porting and localizing existing games for the Global market to allow the Company to broadly release complex and exiting titles. EA BREW Software Engineers normally possess very good technical knowledge in C, C++ and BREW; 2+ years of experience in mobile gaming industry on BREW platform; knowledge of Mobiles & Mobile gaming; hands on experience on different kinds of mobile Devices and related issues; experience and familiarity with multiple gaming platforms and genres will be an added advantage; educational qualification – Engineering /Computer Science
Tools Engineer
An EA Tools Engineer in Mobile is responsible for providing support for the Automation / Reporting Engineer and other roles in the various QA teams, Configuration Management team, Build Engineers and Game Development teams. A Tools Engineer will provide upgrades, patches, rollouts and to a lesser extent support for automation tools/processes. The role would include support, maintenance and training for a number of tools including internally developed test harness, automation tools and particularly TechExcels’ Devtrack and DevTest. In addition there may be some Sharepoint administration or support, or BI reporting tools development support. The role involves modifying and maintaining existing systems, third party applications, and also designing, implementing and testing new systems. Additional responsibilities include: works diligently with development, configuration management, information technology and quality assurance teams as the need arises on key Tools developed or supported by the team; owns the Tools toolset; owns the support, maintenance and training for specific games projects, working in sync with game development cycles; generates and maintains systems to provide customers with the ability to do their work in a timely manner; identifies, analyzes, and documents defects, errors, and inconsistencies in developed software, or other 3rd party systems critical to the core business; within a suitable time frame, with minimum disruption to users, is able to maintain, install, configure, rollout, manage user accounts, change tools and support systems - as projects go through a cycle or system/tool patches, upgrades, bug fixes and feature releases occur. A Tools Engineer in Mobile typically has a demonstrable background in the following: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computing Science, Software Engineering, or related; knowledge or experience of various software development support tools, such as Buildforge, Incredibuild, Devtrack, DevTest, Perforce, Sharepoint other similar third party tools; knowledge of Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii development environments and SDKs an advantage; knows and enforces Quality Assurance principles and methods; experience with HTML, web servers, Excel macros and database generation & maintenance (preferably SQL Server 2005) welcome but not critical; a knowledge of games and game production is welcome but not critical; understanding of Network/LAN protocols and ports, communications, client/server protocols appreciated but not critical
Software Engineer Consoles & PC
Our Software Engineers work with cutting-edge technology to tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges. Combine that opportunity with a passion for programming and games, and you pretty much have the perfect job.
At EA, our Software Engineers work on a range of projects. Some of our engineers are responsible for building unique tools and technologies used in the development of our award-winning and bestselling games. Others specialize in particular game architecture or features and provide support in a specific studio or across the company.
Regardless of their specific role, our Software Engineers are serious about making games. They are “techies” with a passion for gaming. They typically have a degree in a computer science related field, though some have gained their knowledge via real world programming experience. Our engineers recognize that the secret to being successful is not only technical know-how and clean code, but also an ability and desire to work and thrive in a dynamic and creative team environment.
Other non engineering roles
Project Manager (Development Directors)
The Project Manager (PM), also called Development Director (DD) at EA, is a critical role and responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of a game, on time and within budget. Prior to production they carry out a detailed analysis of the game design and work out the project ‘milestones’ (specific targets that have to be met by certain dates), agreeing upon these with the key technical and creative managers, such as the Game Designer, Art Director and Lead Programmer. The PM/DD then works out a schedule for the project and decides the personnel and equipment needed. They control the financial resources and negotiate all contracts with suppliers and contractors. Once development is underway, the PM/DD monitors the team’s progress against the schedule. They must be able to prioritize when production deadlines are a concern, manage risks, and plan for contingencies. Finally, the PM / DD is responsible for all people management on the team and entasked with motivating and developing all staff under their management and develop their career.
Producer / Game Designer
EA Producers work at the centre of game creation. They’re responsible for defining and refining the product vision and ensuring that the game team stays focused on their common goal. At the focal point of development, the Producer must have their fingers on the pulse of the project at all times. They evaluate and track progress, participate in ongoing design reviews, and oversee all phases of a game’s production cycle. All in all, the Producer is responsible for making sure the game gets to market on time and at the highest level of quality.
EA Producers are passionate about games. They understand the hottest market trends and work hard to ensure that we’re always a step ahead of the competition. A great Producer has the ability to anticipate where the industry is going, the skills and vision to be a great team leader, and the passion and enthusiasm to create the best games possible, games that keep our customers coming back for more.
Artist
We have a variety of art jobs available at EA. Our 2D/3D artists generally create animated characters and environments for in-game use, which could mean anything from creating simple props to animated sequences to elaborate worlds, and much more.
EA artists can become specialists who focus on a particular discipline like environment modelling or lighting design. Animators bring characters and environments to life in-game via traditional key frame or motion-capture applications. Concept artists utilize their skills during the early production phase to create the designs that set the look and feel for a game. Regardless of their specific focus, all of our artists benefit from working with talented and like-minded creative professionals who are constantly pushing the boundaries of our industry.
EA artists are typically graduates of university art programs or art schools who have the necessary artistic and technical skills and experience as well as the enthusiasm, stamina, and creative passion required to take our games to the next level. Our artists work with industry standard software, such as Maya, Photoshop, and other CG packages. While working at EA artists have the opportunity to develop their skills through ongoing art courses offered onsite through our own EA University.
Games Testers
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Join us & help EA India create the future of entertainment: www.jobs.ea.com
4: QA Games Testing: the gateway to a great career
For many, the first step into gaming is to become a games tester. Whilst initially playing and testing games may sound to some fun and others may feel it may not stretch their talent or educational knowledge, testing is a very challenging and scientific process. It provides valuable experience and lays excellent foundations for a career in gaming. Many games testers, springboard into lead roles in software engineers, project management and game design. Many of the best Game Designers across the world have been QA Testers.
Quality Assurance Technicians, or Games Testers, perform a vital role in game development, testing, tuning, debugging, and suggesting detailed refinements that lead to higher quality and better playability of the finished game. The job involves playing (i.e., testing) the game in a systematic way, analyzing the game’s performance against the designer’s intentions, identifying problems, and suggesting improvements. Sure, it’s great to play games all day and get paid for it, but it’s also a highly disciplined role that requires many skills.
Testers look for and document any bugs in the software, from complete crashes to minor glitches. In effect, they act as the game’s first audience, reporting on playability and identifying any aspects which could be improved. Testers are responsible for assuring quality in the final product and for finding flaws in a game before it goes public. They look for program bugs—spelling mistakes, localization problems, graphical or audio glitches, and also any copyright issues (such as ‘branded clothing’ etc.).
Testers must know how categorize bugs and be able to prioritize. They work to deadlines and must have an understanding of production and marketing schedules. They normally use a software quality management system to document their findings. Testers typically work in teams, sometimes playing together on a multiplayer game, and sometimes different teams are responsible for specific sections or parts of a game.
Testing involves playing a game over and over again, testing different levels and versions of the game. The work can be repetitive and tedious, but Testers must be able to stay motivated and test the game long after the novelty and fun factor may have worn off. Testers must be diplomatic when communicating with other team members and accept that they can have only limited influence over the design. They must also be able to anticipate different ways the game will be played, and test accordingly.
What skills does EA look for?
This is a popular entry level role, and an excellent way to find out about the gaming business as a whole. There are no specific qualifications required for Testers, although programming knowledge or experience is desirable. Testers must be analytical and methodical. Good English language skills (written and verbal) are necessary in order to document findings and communicate them to colleagues. IT competence, including use of spreadsheets and database packages, is also required. Above all, Testers must be passionate about making great games.
A tester will be rapidly trained into how games are put together, and how the different elements of a game contribute to the playing experience. A good Tester will not only identify and record a problem, but also try to work out what is causing it. Key skills for a Tester include excellent communication, especially the ability to communicate tactfully with other members of the team. It’s also important to have a good attention to detail, persistence, and patience. A Tester must be able to maintain concentration while playing games for long periods. Good negotiation and conflict resolution skills are very important, as of course is a passion for playing games.
Testers can progress into other roles such as level design, production management, or marketing, although to move into more specialized areas of game development typically requires an existing skill or aptitude such as 3D modelling or programming.
Join us & help EA India create the future of entertainment: www.jobs.ea.com
5: Graduates: The future of EA India
To make the world’s best games, we aim to attract and retain the world’s best creative talent. That’s why we provide all new graduates with a compelling compensation and benefits package and, even more importantly, with great opportunities for career growth and progression, backed by strong training and development programs. At EA India, we understand that our graduates are the leaders of our next generation.
Full time
Graduates are the future of our business. We take your success very seriously and seek to ensure that you get the support, development, tools and creative conditions to help EA continue to innovate in making world class interactive entertainment. With your hunger to continue your learning experience we throw you real life challenges and look for your leadership and commitment in resolving them. You will be assigned dedicated managers to look after your career development in EA, ensuring that you have the best chance of promotion up the career ladder and fulfilling your natural talent.
Internships
What better way to spend a summer than by working as an EA intern? EA offers paid internships (pay ranges vary depending on experience and skills), so you can actually get paid for working on games. We will also include your name in the game credits---how cool is that? We’ll even throw in some free EA games, too. Better yet, an EA internship just might lead to a career in games after your graduation.
An EA internship is a great way to get real-world experience in the games industry. You get hands-on experience working on actual projects, and the EA team you’re working with benefits from your fresh perspective. We are confident that once you’ve sampled life at EA you’ll want to come back after graduation. There’s no better way to get a head start in gaming than through an EA internship.
Join us & help EA India create the future of entertainment: www.jobs.ea.com
6: Training & Development: Our goal: Fulfil your career potential
A stimulated brain is a happy brain. That’s why as an EA employee, you are entitled to ongoing training and development, whatever your area of expertise.
Our philosophy is that we want to ensure that you have a successful career at EA and can not only reach but exceed your career potential. To achieve this goal means that you need to continually learn, be exposed to new situations, have strong guiding advice and feel motivated to push to your limits.
Success is also dependent on transparency and feedback on performance. To ensure you succeed we have various assessment and feedback mechanisms in place. These include Objectives & Achievements, (O’s&A’s), which include an agreed defining of key deliverables by agreed dates and then feedback on performance after the dates have past. Managers also agree a Personal Development Plan, (PDP), detailing career progression goals with training & development needs. This is backed by an annual appraisal, which reviews the past years performance and feeds into salary review and bonus. No member of EA staff is ever in the dark about the value of their performance and the career options open to them.
Learning & development is a collaborative process at EA and best practices are shared across the globe via the worldwide intranet learning site, EA Knowledge. Given continual advancements in technology and learning the best way to achieve results and uncap more processing power from games machines, EA staff the world over share their ideas and experience, to advance everyone’s learning. This investment in people development, backed by a dynamic company culture, a compensation & benefits package founded on rewarding achievement, working on world class games, with smart people, makes EA a great place to work and build your career.
Career development is imperative to EA. Our goal is to help provide you with the opportunities, responsibility, support through world class training & development and good management, to not only unlock your full career potential but exceed it.
To help in this process EA has built a common framework for career development. This details all the roles in a job family, (including art, audio, design, development directors, producers, QA, software engineers amongst others), and the expectations for each level of job and what responsibilities are needed for promotion. For each job family ‘what good looks like’ / best practices have also been defined. This provides a transparency for all employees to see what level they are at and how they can stretch up to the next level. This creates a clearer path towards achieving personal success in your current and future roles.
Join us & help EA India create the future of entertainment: www.jobs.ea.com
7: EA India in the media
Like the News & Events page on jobs.ea.com. This page contains a series of web links to Media Stories about gaming & EA in India. (Demonstrates a success business and that EA is growing).
Join us & help EA India create the future of entertainment: www.jobs.ea.com
