Love Paradox. How do I get to work there? Where and what to study?

[fireonmyhand]

So I'm finishing my graphic design bachelor and was trying to figure out what's next. But honestly, at the back of my head I always wanted to work in the gaming industry and OMG especially paradox. I've been with paradox since CK1, and whether it is cities, or mount&blade or whatever, paradox seems to be involved the games I like and play most. I often joke with my friend that if paradox would take us we'd work there as toilet cleaners there.

Anyway my point is this: Do the guys that already work at paradox have any suggestions about what to study to get a job at paradox? Where did you study? What did you study? How did you get your job there? I'm mainly looking for schools in europe, if you have any specific suggestions, and especially if you were there yourself and are now at paradox.

I need to pursue my dream man. Help me out!

 

[Vetgirig]

Here: https://career.paradoxplaza.com/jobs

 

[fireonmyhand]

Here: https://career.paradoxplaza.com/jobs

I know, I'm actually asking for specific tips. Like where people studied and whatnot

 

[Dodge]

study medicine and end up in Karolinska as a backup option

 

[MiniVera]

Hi there!

As a game design student, I'll try to give you some suggestions and tips. I want to apologize if my tips do not apply to Europe, I'm in Canada.

I'd first suggest not going in as a game artist immediately. You can aim to work as an artist, this is perfectly fine, but the current market is kinda saturated right now and portfolios are the killer. You would need to do a lot of freelance work or find a small studio that is willing to pay you less than your worth to make yourself a name, I don't recommend it. However, if you start as a designer or a programmer (they are in high demand), you can make your mark and climb the stairs in a studio you love to get to an artist position.

If you haven't finished you bachelor's yet, I'd suggest trying to add a minor (Or better, another major if possible) in a computer science related field. If you are not interested in programming that much, some universities offer computer science programs that are less intensive in programming (Mine has Interactive Technologies for example). If you can code, even only a little, it will double your chances of getting a job as a content designer. Furthermore, try to take some project or studies credit before graduating, they're really fun and they allow you to show something practical when applying afterwards. The more you have to show, the better.

If you can't add a minor, try going for a quick certificate and graduate program in computer science. What is important is that you get some programming knowledge and practical skills, having a master gives you a better pay too, so keep that in mind (For the better and worse, some companies don't want to hire masters, as they'll be too costly).

Finally, try applying for an internship at paradox, they may have a good position for your skills and it'll allow you to see if Paradox and Sweden is good for you. You never lose anything by doing an internship, it'll give you some credits and experience for the future. If you go for the graduate route, you can also visit paradox for your thesis work, which sounds amazing.

For schools, I can say which are better than the other, but I'll try to give some tips related to my own search. I'd say to try and find a school that has a course list that best fit your needs, don't worry about schools prestige or rating, do something you want to do. Second, check if the school has high entry requirements. Sweden schools, for example, have very high requirements and take very few students. Third, look for partnership with game companies, I think Paradox has deals with some Sweden universities, but I can't find the link. Partnership means that you will be able to apply directly from your school for an internship, making the process easier and increasing your chances.

Hope that helps a little, this is a complex industry, but one that is extremely rewarding

Good luck!

 

[Dodge]

seriously there are just so many online training websites right now, lynda.com, udemy.com etc will teach you to code, you don't need to go to an university to do that. You just need interaction with like-minded people to learn to code, and not just code. Online they teach you how to present and market yourself which looks like what you need right now. Training options are abundant at the moment, just have to pick a course you like and stick with it.
Since you are already working in graphics I'd suggest web design and programming to widen the skill set a bit, and just ask different companies what they are looking for in a graduate (most will tell you personality, outgoingness, ability to work in a group, etc) but ask for the technical skills as well. Good luck

 

[Sanny]

Hi there!

As a game design student, I'll try to give you some suggestions and tips. I want to apologize if my tips do not apply to Europe, I'm in Canada.

I'd first suggest not going in as a game artist immediately. You can aim to work as an artist, this is perfectly fine, but the current market is kinda saturated right now and portfolios are the killer. You would need to do a lot of freelance work or find a small studio that is willing to pay you less than your worth to make yourself a name, I don't recommend it. However, if you start as a designer or a programmer (they are in high demand), you can make your mark and climb the stairs in a studio you love to get to an artist position.

If you haven't finished you bachelor's yet, I'd suggest trying to add a minor (Or better, another major if possible) in a computer science related field. If you are not interested in programming that much, some universities offer computer science programs that are less intensive in programming (Mine has Interactive Technologies for example). If you can code, even only a little, it will double your chances of getting a job as a content designer. Furthermore, try to take some project or studies credit before graduating, they're really fun and they allow you to show something practical when applying afterwards. The more you have to show, the better.

If you can't add a minor, try going for a quick certificate and graduate program in computer science. What is important is that you get some programming knowledge and practical skills, having a master gives you a better pay too, so keep that in mind (For the better and worse, some companies don't want to hire masters, as they'll be too costly).

Finally, try applying for an internship at paradox, they may have a good position for your skills and it'll allow you to see if Paradox and Sweden is good for you. You never lose anything by doing an internship, it'll give you some credits and experience for the future. If you go for the graduate route, you can also visit paradox for your thesis work, which sounds amazing.

For schools, I can say which are better than the other, but I'll try to give some tips related to my own search. I'd say to try and find a school that has a course list that best fit your needs, don't worry about schools prestige or rating, do something you want to do. Second, check if the school has high entry requirements. Sweden schools, for example, have very high requirements and take very few students. Third, look for partnership with game companies, I think Paradox has deals with some Sweden universities, but I can't find the link. Partnership means that you will be able to apply directly from your school for an internship, making the process easier and increasing your chances.

Hope that helps a little, this is a complex industry, but one that is extremely rewarding

Good luck!

This is completely right, one of my friends recently became a content designer for Rockstar North (and I know others in the studio). A killer portfolio and freelance work should get you in the front door at least. My friend threatens to punch me every time I ask about Red Dead Redemption 2
I had an internship at Rockstar North whilst studying BSc Computer Science. Was a great experience, even if they don't take you on after (I had to have prior 3 years of industry experience first).

Best of luck, as far as I'm aware there were some positions open at Paradox.

 

[MiniVera]

seriously there are just so many online training websites right now, lynda.com, udemy.com etc will teach you to code, you don't need to go to an university to do that. You just need interaction with like-minded people to learn to code, and not just code. Online they teach you how to present and market yourself which looks like what you need right now. Training options are abundant at the moment, just have to pick a course you like and stick with it.
Since you are already working in graphics I'd suggest web design and programming to widen the skill set a bit, and just ask different companies what they are looking for in a graduate (most will tell you personality, outgoingness, ability to work in a group, etc) but ask for the technical skills as well. Good luck

While I agree with you that online course can help a lot and teach very well, university does give you something to stick on your resume that is recognized and solid. Many companies will go for the candidate with clearly defined experiences and studies rather than the candidate claiming to have completed online courses.

It comes back to the portfolio, if the courses allow you to build an amazing set of achievements, go for it. You'll make money instead of losing it in endless university degrees. I, however, personally want to start out as an engine programmer and having no bachelors, but an online course in C++, will get me nowhere (I can build a random engine for a portfolio, but it would be hard by myself).

It really depends on what you want to do, I think both paths are good. I didn't think of online course in my first post since University is quite cheap here and I love the community, but it is indeed another route to consider.

 

[Dodge]

While I agree with you that online course can help a lot and teach very well, university does give you something to stick on your resume that is recognized and solid. Many companies will go for the candidate with clearly defined experiences and studies rather than the candidate claiming to have completed online courses.

It comes back to the portfolio, if the courses allow you to build an amazing set of achievements, go for it. You'll make money instead of losing it in endless university degrees. I, however, personally want to start out as an engine programmer and having no bachelors, but an online course in C++, will get me nowhere (I can build a random engine for a portfolio, but it would be hard by myself).

It really depends on what you want to do, I think both paths are good. I didn't think of online course in my first post since University is quite cheap here and I love the community, but it is indeed another route to consider.

Of course having a degree from a prestigious university can't be beat, however consider these factors:
1. the OP said he already has a graphics design degree
2. University degrees are kind of low yield when it comes to coding and business/presentation skills
3. Portfolio for an artist is more important.

Therefore combined factors led me to recommend an online education style rather than formal university education ie a second degree.
Nothing beats work experience, and once you have a foot in the door its much easier to get a job at Paradox or any other similar game design companies.
Good luck OP, look forward to hear from you in a few years to see how that works out for you.

 

[Archangel85]

As others have said, experience is a huge plus. I know how that feels when you start out, though - everyone wants someone experienced, so you don't get the experience you need to get the jobs that will give you the experience you need. Thankfully, our games are very modable, and I can tell you from experience that "My mod has X thousand downloads on steam, please hire me" gets you pretty far.

For a graphics design student, I would point out that we do have a 2d artist internship available, but I suspect that is not really an option for someone not already living in Stockholm. Other than that I would suggest looking into UX design as a specialization. Becoming a programmer takes quite a bit of time, although it should be said that we don't necessarily look for a famous university on your resume. You will be given a work test to solve a pathfinding problem, and we have had people being hired who did not complete a classical programming education but could solve the problems we gave them quickly and well.

The easiest to get into would probably be a QA job, where knowledge of our games is a huge plus. Of course, previous experience in QA would also help tremendously, but that should be somewhat easier to achieve.

 

[SolSara]

So I'm finishing my graphic design bachelor and was trying to figure out what's next. But honestly, at the back of my head I always wanted to work in the gaming industry and OMG especially paradox. I've been with paradox since CK1, and whether it is cities, or mount&blade or whatever, paradox seems to be involved the games I like and play most. I often joke with my friend that if paradox would take us we'd work there as toilet cleaners there.

Anyway my point is this: Do the guys that already work at paradox have any suggestions about what to study to get a job at paradox? Where did you study? What did you study? How did you get your job there? I'm mainly looking for schools in europe, if you have any specific suggestions, and especially if you were there yourself and are now at paradox.

I need to pursue my dream man. Help me out!

Depends on what you are interested in, is it game design, UX design, graphics (2D or 3D), programming, content design or something else? I studied Computer Game Development - Design at the University of Skövde, started 2006 and graduated in 2009. Got a job as a Scripter - nowadays called Content Designer - at Paradox 2010. Johan Andersson posted about the job on Facebook in a group I was a member of and in it was a link to this forum. After the interview I was convinced I wouldn't get the job, so I was very happy when I got a call back and they asked me to start in January of 2010 My thesis was a game manuscript called The Female Assassin, heavily influenced by Assassin's Creed and set during the French revolution. I think that was one of the reasons why they hired me, and the fact that I knew some programming. Now I am localization manager for all PDS games, which is a lot different from what I started as, and I really like working at Paradox.

The University of Skövde - www.his.se/en - has several different Bachelor and Masters programs, take a look at this page: http://www.his.se/en/Prospective-student/education/Masters-Studies/Computer-Game-Development/ for more information. I would not recommend the Game Writing program though, as it's very hard to get a job as that and it sounds as you might be more interested in art or design.

There are several schools and universities in Sweden that offer some sort of Game Development programs, there's Futuregames in Stockholm (close to Paradox), The Game Assembly in Malmö, and I just found this site as well which lists all the games development programs and universities in Sweden (sorry it's in Swedish, but you can use Google Translate): Spelutbildningar

 

[vukica]

Making mods for PDX games might help as a way of getting at least some experience.
I would dare to say that there is a lack of gfx modders in every game. Well, maybe not Cities: Skylines but that doesn't mean there isn't an opportunity there.

 

[Sanny]

My thesis was a game manuscript called The Female Assassin, heavily influenced by Assassin's Creed and set during the French revolution.

I don't know why but a female assassin in the french revolution sounds miles better than what we were given with Assassin's Creed Unity. Should have sold the idea to Ubisoft

 

[SolSara]

I don't know why but a female assassin in the french revolution sounds miles better than what we were given with Assassin's Creed Unity. Should have sold the idea to Ubisoft

I wish! Stopped playing the Assassin's Creed games after the third one, did not like Connor one bit. His father, however, was very interesting. Would've liked to play the game as him instead.

 

[Bratyn]

I need to pursue my dream man. Help me out!

I was in a similar position to you, though I was a much more recent fan; only since CK2. I studied English and History, and I was finishing up my Master's thesis on the Second World War as I was following the development of HOI4 (and Stellaris) on Streams and on the forums etc... I realized that what I was headed for (becoming a teacher, or perhaps doing a Ph.D.) wasn't something I was burning with passion for, and as I saw how much fun the people at Paradox seemed to be (and seemed to have), I caught myself regretting not having picked game design as a major.

So about a month after I wrapped up my Master's there was a post on the HOI4 forums about working as a content designer at Paradox ("Do you want to make Focus Trees for a living?"). I had looked into it before but nothing really required the skillset I had to offer. In my mind, this was the only thing I even remotely qualified for, having studied what I had. So I took a wild chance and applied.

And to my surprise I got to the second step in the hiring process. And the third. And the fourth. All the way until I was hired. It turns out that personality, attitude, drive, willingness to move to Stockholm, and a deep interest in (and knowledge of) history and PDX games are much more important than one might think. For a Content Designer role in particular, it is also very important that you not only have good English skills, but also that you hit the tone of the games when you write. Style can be extremely difficult to teach to someone, and so the ability to more or less (you never do so 100%) match the already-existing content design work of a game that is, say, 5 years old, is worth proverbial gold. Though I was not a modder, I have found that my lacking scripting knowledge was less of a problem in my application process. Though it takes time to become an expert at scripting, it's nevertheless much easier to learn than having to fundamentally change your natural writing style.

So in short; don't let lacking experience in the game design world dissuade you from applying, and don't think that you have to have studied game-development-related studies to have a chance. Yes, we are definitely interested in people with this experience and education, and it's definitely a huge plus, but it's entirely possible that you are precisely what we need, despite not matching these criteria. And the study you should follow depends on the career you want at Paradox. Perhaps you could elucidate on what you hope to work as? If you want to work as anything at all, it has already been mentioned by my ex-competitor in the hiring process @Archangel85 that QA is likely one of the easier things to get into. Assuming you write good bug reports you should definitely consider applying Programming and Game Design are pretty self-evident as for which studies you'd need. Content Design is a much more vague thing... Game Design and professional writing experience would go very well with it, but if you think you have what it takes and you haven't studied or done that, just apply anyway. You have nothing to lose!

Good luck!

 

[MiniVera]

For a graphics design student, I would point out that we do have a 2d artist internship available, but I suspect that is not really an option for someone not already living in Stockholm. Other than that I would suggest looking into UX design as a specialization. Becoming a programmer takes quite a bit of time, although it should be said that we don't necessarily look for a famous university on your resume. You will be given a work test to solve a pathfinding problem, and we have had people being hired who did not complete a classical programming education but could solve the problems we gave them quickly and well.

UX is a really fun and rewarding specialization and they are in high demand. Depending on the level of UX you are doing, it may not require that much programming, but you often have to juggle through all the teams to make sure the User Experience is improved. With my web Design background, it would be a second choice after Engine Programmer for me without a doubt.

Extra Credit has a great video on UX designers if you are interested.