LittleBigPlanet could get you that industry job
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Sep 25th 2008 at 3:30PM }
Having been "blown away" by the varied creations that flooded out of Parsons New School of Design earlier this week, Ettouney explained that LittleBigPlanet's shared level building could provide a way for upcoming game designers to become known and appreciated -- or feared, in our case. "People know his levels and know his name," he said, suggesting that aspiring designers would walk into a job interview, already known. "We hope LittleBigPlanet plays a part in getting new game developers jobs and also making them stars."
You hear that, Dad? This guy says we can get a job by playing a game! And you said it was just a waste of time.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Marty @ Sep 25th 2008 3:36PM
Yeah, because knowing how to design levels with a game's built-in level editor makes you really marketable to the industry. Please.
The editor looks robust and able to do lots and lots of things - but let's not get too carried away here. This thing ain't gonna help land you a job any better than designing series of platforms in Smash Bros. will.
jettoki @ Sep 25th 2008 3:42PM
I got my job in the industry by designing levels and mods with consumer-ready game editors. I'm not trying to defend LittleBigPlanet, but I wouldn't compare it to Smash Bros' laughable editor.
SoulBlade @ Sep 25th 2008 3:44PM
My bet is that some people looking to get into the level design phase / creative side of things in the game can benefit from having some really cool levels in their portfolio. It's not all they'll need, but demonstrating to an employer that you can come up with some crazy shit and understand some fundamentals of level design can probably go a long way.
Vince UK @ Sep 25th 2008 3:53PM
You're not going to land a job on the back of a few good LBP levels, but if you're qualified for the job and just happen to be one of the most revered level designers on LBP, it may just help.
I think that's the gist of it.
Killjebus @ Sep 25th 2008 3:53PM
Sure Marty, what would a CO FOUNDER of a MM know about recognizing talent anyhoo. You obviously know MORE than Kareem Ettouney does.
I am glad you cleared that up. Stupid art director....who do they think they are kidding?
Marty @ Sep 25th 2008 3:54PM
Jettoki - Mods are a whole different level of design though. You often don't have tools created for you to do what you want, there's usually some programming involved, and you have to know real-world tools, like Photoshop, 3DSMax, Maya, etc. to make anything good.
Building stuff in a level editor might show that you have a decent mind for level design, but that's where the experience stops.
Mr Khan @ Sep 25th 2008 4:00PM
@ Killjebus. Even you have to be able to recognize inflationary speaking. Its like when the guys from Harmonix talk about RB helping you learn an instrument. I mean sure, the basics of learning an instrument are there, but the reality is far apart
This is the same thing. A hopeful developer thinking that his magnum opus could do great things for society, where the reality is far apart again.
Kodros @ Sep 25th 2008 4:00PM
"Building stuff in a level editor might show that you have a decent mind for level design, but that's where the experience stops"
Who ever said that these people would be going into an interview with just LBP levels and no experience?
Turkish Superman @ Sep 25th 2008 4:35PM
Tell that to all the people in the industry who started out making levels for Unreal, Quake, Half-Life, etc., in their spare time.
j.howlett @ Sep 25th 2008 4:39PM
something negative to say about LBP? thats new
Tiptup300 @ Sep 25th 2008 4:47PM
I have to disagree. If you are internationally known for creating tons of mind bending levels on LBP, I doubt that wouldn't tip people off that you know how to make a good level.
bobartig @ Sep 25th 2008 5:08PM
Lots of people get into the industry by making levels or mods that become popular. This is not at all specific to Little Big Planet, except that their tools are extremely robust for a console title.
Aex @ Sep 25th 2008 5:14PM
As my first witness for the defense, I'd like to call to the stand Tigole Bitties A.K.A. Tigole A.K.A. Jeffrey Kaplan.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Kaplan
Jakka(A tribute to whose who fought and failed during the Epic Flamewar of L.A. Noir) @ Sep 25th 2008 5:40PM
When's the last time somebody got hired over a level he created? I'm sorry but I call bs.
Also regarding the mods discussion, the kind off mods that can ACTUALLY get you a job are Total Conversion Mods like CSS,Team Fortress,Red Orchestra and making those fuckers is just as hard as making a real game if not harder.Plus it needs to be absolutely fucking amazing in order to be noticed by the devs.
ThornedVenom (Harley Quinn Defense Force) @ Sep 25th 2008 7:07PM
Design is design: level design is about what you can plan out on graph paper. Afterwards you get level artists to really flesh out the appearance.
Giving credit to Little Big Planet for landing you a job is a bit too much of a stretch, but it's still a valid tool for implementing game ideas and for creating a tangible prototypes.
Titanium_Orchid @ Sep 25th 2008 3:37PM
thats meh plan!
Wiinterfang @ Sep 25th 2008 3:37PM
Prepares for a flame war.
TheOverlord#2 @ Sep 25th 2008 3:43PM
Over what?
Who's gonna get the first job from Media Molec...Oh Wait.
Alexxxxx @ Sep 25th 2008 3:41PM
no it couldn't
p.s. Xbox 360 is the best console evaaaaaaa!
TheOverlord#2 @ Sep 25th 2008 3:44PM
Yes, it could, and you are gonna get downvoted forevaaaaaaa!
GoldenS1104 @ Sep 25th 2008 3:51PM
TROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
tmacairjordan87 @ Sep 25th 2008 3:53PM
Such a convincing argument from a highly credible speaker!
Haggard (Mr.ESC resurrection force) @ Sep 25th 2008 4:40PM
A tip for your future comments, when making an over 9000 reference, it's written "OVER 9000!!!" rather than "thousaaaaaand".
Just sayin'.
AoE @ Sep 25th 2008 9:15PM
If it couldn't... the please explain American McGee. He started out as a fanboy making levels for Doom II if memory serves, ID hired him for Quake, and now his name is Marquee'd on every game he designs.
TheOverlord#2 @ Sep 25th 2008 3:40PM
Capcom should get in on LBP and have a Mega Man 9 DLC level creator contest.
I don't have a PS3, but that'd be awesome!
sk8monroe81 @ Sep 25th 2008 3:45PM
is this what sony and the developer wants us to think?
goto school if you want to make games.
j.howlett @ Sep 25th 2008 3:45PM
if i get a job in the industry i plan on getting a really expensive car, driving really fast and reckless, crashing said car to pieces, then switching places with the passenger.
SoulBlade @ Sep 25th 2008 6:44PM
and then somehow blame it on GTA
Wiinterfang @ Sep 25th 2008 3:55PM
Sony defense force is his prime.
Burritoclock @ Sep 25th 2008 3:57PM
I am excited about this game, can't wait to play it. Having said that, this article is a crock o' shit.
Thief @ Sep 25th 2008 3:59PM
It's kinda true, but it also depends which kinda job you're going for... Mostly a designer over anything, but LittleBigPlanet would be preferable to a 2D Game Design job where UnrealEd or Hammer/Q3Radiant would probably target more of the market out there with a 3D design sense.
DarkGeist @ Sep 25th 2008 8:42PM
Come'on Ludwig,
Joystiq brings happiness and joy to everyone!
Jack of No Trades 85 @ Sep 25th 2008 4:07PM
Hmmm no. First you would have to know some of the 3d modeling/animation software like solidworks, maya, 3dmax & catia plus have a degree if you want to get paid worth a damn.
I use Solidworks, Catia and 3dmax at my job and they would have never hired me if I would have brought in LBP creations.
He is just trying to get poeple hyped up about becomming famous or getting a job using LBP toolsets.
Trust me it isn't going to happen unless LBP modeling engine becomes bigger and faster and more productive than the current big hitters in the software industry.
Kodros @ Sep 25th 2008 4:26PM
"I use Solidworks, Catia and 3dmax at my job and they would have never hired me if I would have brought in LBP creations. "
Of course you need to know other stuff to get a job as a game designer but you always want to pad your portfolio. I don't see how having very nicely designed LBP levels in your portfolio wouldn't help you land a job.
Killjebus @ Sep 25th 2008 4:58PM
I think Ettouney was meaning that LBP user designed levels would show creativity and the potential for a good game designer. Sure the skills would needed but those can be taught...creativity, not so much.
Jack, I will probably ask your help in designing my FSM level(s) now that I know you have the skills that I don't have.
If I lived within visual distance of you or another game designer...I would have the knowlege to be a game designer.
Thanks SP for showing me that by seeing something...that can instantly give the experience.
Jack of No Trades 85 @ Sep 25th 2008 5:08PM
Jebus
lol, didn't you ever see my Mega Model posts over at Destructoid?
Buy anyways we will design a level together bud
samfish @ Sep 25th 2008 4:11PM
The hype for this game is rapidly becoming obnoxious, if it wasn't already.
Last week we're told it'll be bigger than YouTube and now we're being told that it can get you your dream job!
Next week: LittleBIGplanet might just cure AIDS!
Killjebus @ Sep 25th 2008 4:47PM
Where o where were the tears for Halo 3? NO GAME b4 or since has even come within 10 A.U. of the hype train for that game.
We don't even know if this game is being OVERhyped or not since this is the FIRST game of its kind. A game like this has NEVER been done b4.
My opinion? As I have said b4, this is the game that will define the PS3 on the level of GTA3. So if I am right, then this game cannot be overhyped.
Dirty @ Sep 25th 2008 4:48PM
But my PS3 is already curing cancer. Sony is going to save the world....with video games.
Mr Khan @ Sep 25th 2008 4:49PM
It can't cure AIDS, but it can cure Cancer
If it uses some spare SPEs to run Folding@Home in the background, that is...
Slayer @ Sep 25th 2008 4:53PM
"Next week: LittleBIGplanet might just cure AIDS!"
Correction, LittleBigPlanet will cure AIDS! :p
Burritoclock @ Sep 25th 2008 5:34PM
People DID complain about the Halo hype, to pretend otherwise is ridiculous! Second I agree the hype went from non-existent, to deserved, to slightly annoying, to just out of control.
And then the youtube and comments like these from the developers make it worse, until this game gets stuck in the "can't possibly live up to the hype" zone.
Gratch @ Sep 25th 2008 4:27PM
I got a job "in the industry" by playing DDR at a movie theater. A manager guy saw me and went over to talk to me about video games and casually mentioned off-hand that he worked for [big company]. I told him how freaking sweet it would be to have a job playing video games and he gave me his card and got me hooked up as a game tester in San Diego. And from there I've worked my way up and am now part of the internal IT department (which is really what I want to be doing as a career... testing video games gets old fast and it's hard to move up).
sk8monroe81 @ Sep 25th 2008 4:45PM
anybody can be a game tester.
in los angeles you goto THQ in thousand oaks , Activision in santa monica, and a few other companies.
about 5 of my friends have tested games for those companies before just by walking in and applying for the job.
what you do from the bottom-up is up to the individual.
but playing DDR did not get you a job as a game tester.
you were inside of an arcade and somebody was there specifically to find game testers for a project.
Dante G @ Sep 25th 2008 4:28PM
Is it just me or does Sackboy look creepy?
I mean, picture him holding a knife or something instead of a brush and add the psychosis theme and you got the next Hollywood horror film.
hey_big_dck psn:fuliano626 @ Sep 25th 2008 5:10PM
anything can be creepy if you say it like that.
sk8monroe81 @ Sep 25th 2008 4:42PM
sony does want and probably does need a game to sell more than 5 million copies, so they and the developers will probably say anything to us to make us believe in the game.
the LBP bundle proves sony wants to sell at least 3 million copies of the game, as their previous bundles in US have gone on to sell 3 million copies ( motorstorm and MGS4)
another dose of OVERHYPE.... all game companies do it.
sony might offer a LBP contest, and the winner receives a 1 year contract to work at a sony game studio... ?
but then thats just a 1 in a million shot.
Kodros @ Sep 25th 2008 7:08PM
You're a bafoon.
hey_big_dck psn:fuliano626 @ Sep 25th 2008 5:05PM
thats kinda not likely its almost like saying you could work as a secret agent cause you got the best score in 007 golden eye (wich you cant ive tried already),I would like to see someone make dazzling levels than go apply at media molecule and have them laugh in your face cause you bought their silly talk, i think since media molecule believes this they should be the first to hire someone from this alone. Having said that ooooooooo im so want this game to come out! and be offered a job cause of my telletubbie stage!!!
wiredknight @ Sep 25th 2008 5:09PM
Serious level designers are going to need more to go by than LBP. Sure it might be a nice addition to your portfolio, but you're still going to need examples of designing with other engines, like Source or Unreal.