Blizzard job opportunity: Level designer

[Rapmaster]

http://www.blizzard.com/jobopp/level-designer.shtml

 

[Mind]

-Why do they need level designers?
-What are they going to do with the maps?
-How skillfull is skillfull enough?
-Will Blizzard accept average and less then average levels?
-Would I ever grow skillfull enough to be accepted?
-How long will they accept mapdesigners?

Please do not ignore my questions… Please?…

 

[The Helper]

You have to understand that we are not Blizzard - nor are we officially affilliated with them. Here are my guesses.

-Why do they need level designers?

Probably do not have enough of them.

What are they going to do with the maps?

They are going to use them to judge the skill of the applicants. In all the creative positions at Blizzard they require a sample of your work along with your resume

-How skillfull is skillfull enough?

Blizzard tries to hire the best.

-Will Blizzard accept average and less then average levels?

I think you are thinking they are going to use the maps for an add on or something - I don't think that is going to happen. Only Blizzard knows exactly for sure but I bet they just keep them until the decision process is over and either delete them or file them with the resumes.

-Would I ever grow skillfull enough to be accepted?

You can do and be whatever you aspire to be - as long as you work hard and have the desire.

-How long will they accept mapdesigners?

Only Blizzard can answer that question.

 

[Darg]

I think the partial need for a level designer is to continue making and releasing maps for warcraft 3. You may have noticed that there was a large period where no extra maps were released, and everyone was asking for a long time why there were no maps of the week like in starcraft. Then blizzard started to eventually do this, though this was only in recent times and on an irregular basis. They might just want to hire someone to continue releasing maps more regularly so they can put more resources into WoW or something.

Eventually, there is a chance that the level designer will give input and contribute to Starcraft 2.

Would I ever grow skillfull enough to be accepted?

If you're serious about applying, I will try my best to help you out wherever you want help.

 

[SD_Ryoko]

Do you have to live near Irvine, CA for this position?

Does it pay more than my engineering job? - LOL

How much do these people get paid? Any idea?

 

[Darg]

I don't know figures, but entry level positions into games companies aren't that flash, you will need to spend some time there first before your salary becomes decent. Like any job though, your initial pay will depend on how skilled you are and how much value you can add to the company.

I forgot you were an engineer hehe. I guess I should tell you I just finished my engineering degree in december, and I should be graduating in July

god, I am soooooooooooooooooo sick of studying..... :-(

 

[The Helper]

If you get the job you would have to work in Irvine CA. I mean if you lived close enough to drive that would be fine but they are looking to fill a full time position at there offices.

As far as pay goes, you have to also take into account the high cost of living in California. A dollar in Texas or in Flordia is not a dollar in California or New York. The cost of living in California is HIGH.

 

[The Helper]

I also wanted to add - once upon a time a long time ago I had a chance to work for Blizzard as a Tech Support person. It was during the heyday of my Helping on the Blizzard forums. I decided against it because I was making good money, the relocation issue, and the high cost of living in CA. When I look back I realize that I made a mistake. I should have taken the job because then I would have been doing something I love to do. Now, I am a divorced burned out programmer working a job I hate.

If I could go back in time I would have made the move - but unfortunately time travel is not possible. If you love to do level design go for it. Sure it is not alot of money and you have to move but you would be in the door in the Video Games business working at Blizzard. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Mind]

What does payment matter? The only goal I would have is, well, the goal. And, of course, the pleasure you have in creating the levels.
I don't think Blizzard would ever pay the designers of the map.

I'm certainly going to do my best to design levels that could be accepted by Blizzard.

 

[The Helper]

Mind - they are looking to fill an employment position. It is a full time position at Blizzard - working at Blizzard - getting paid by Blizzard. They are not asking for map submissions to make a map pack. They are looking for samples of work to go along with your resume. In other words they are looking to give someone a job. When you have a job you get paid.

Understand that this opportunity is just like if you picked up your newspaper classified adds and were looking for a job. It is not send in your level so it can be included on an expansion or something. Don't send in your level unless you have a resume attached to it and are at least serious about applying for the job. Human Resources have enough to do than to go through mails of people who are not responding to what they asked for. If you just send in your level you are wasting your time.

 

[SD_Ryoko]

The Helper

Well, remember, as any new job can start out fun, different, and interesting. As the years grow, a job is a job, and you'll get burned out on it. Things become less fun when your "obligated" to do it, and you don't get to make all the decisions. I use to love 3D design, but try it for 7 years - LOL.

About pay -

I'm sure if you sent your resume and sample portfolio, and you were accepted, they would contact you. Thens the time you ask about pay, benifits, hours and relocation. You can always decline! Employment is a competition, people. Go for the more green grass. I'm sure Cali is a lot more fun to live in than OHIO

Darg - Engineering
http://www.progage.com

Not only did I design some of the "showroom" products, I also wrote the entire page from scratch. LOL. Check it - its pretty neat... and rarely do I get feedback

Wow.... I really didn't realize how much I do.... web programming, perl, CAD, PLC, network admin, fighting, motorcycles, maps... jesus AHHHH

 

[The Helper]

I don't know - I have been doing the Blizzard Tech Support thing for about 6 years now and I am still here. Of course noone is telling me I have to do it or do it a certain way I also took some hefty breaks in between. I don't think they would let you do that if you worked for them

 

[Mind]

Originally posted by The Helper
Mind - they are looking to fill an employment position. It is a full time position at Blizzard - working at Blizzard - getting paid by Blizzard. They are not asking for map submissions to make a map pack. They are looking for samples of work to go along with your resume. In other words they are looking to give someone a job. When you have a job you get paid.

Understand that this opportunity is just like if you picked up your newspaper classified adds and were looking for a job. It is not send in your level so it can be included on an expansion or something. Don't send in your level unless you have a resume attached to it and are at least serious about applying for the job. Human Resources have enough to do than to go through mails of people who are not responding to what they asked for. If you just send in your level you are wasting your time.

*sigh* Of course, stupid, foolish, unexperienced me.

Sorry for moaning about the fact that I'm such a misfit, but I just occasionally want to get rid of my opinion about myself.

 

[The Helper]

Mind - don't worry about it. I just wanted to clear it up for you so you did not spend alot of time making a map for them and have them not even look at it. I wish they would do something with all the map submissions they are going to get. Put out a free pack for download off there site of all the submissions they get. That would be pretty neat.