Industry and Education

Sounds very intriguing, I'd love to know as well. I might make a front page post about it. Didn't Andrew Carter start off at Beam, then to some company in Singapore, and then came back to Beam/Melbourne House in the early days?

Winning developers from the Autralian industry to work on Andrew Carter's latest endeavour would indeed be a great achievement.

I can't imagine Atari would invest in such a project, but who knows, perhaps they have(?)

1) Mostly everything but only briefly - enough for small projects. Knowing how to write C++ code is very different from knowing how to write an entire game engine in C++.

2) If it's the only real programming experience you've got then no. There is way more to programming in general than can be covered in a single course. If you do have some programming experience behind you then you'd probably be wasting your time with the course.

3) Though a lot of topics might be revisited, they will be covered in much more depth, if only because there is more time to do so. And it's not like you can pick and choose if you still want the certificate at the end.

Aww.. you should have sent this in to me to post on the main page!

[QUOTE=Souri] Aww.. you should have sent this in to me to post on the main page![/QUOTE] No time like the present.... please do! The more exposure you can offer the better.

We're still processing applications (and will leave it open for as long as another 8 weeks: other positions may also become available in the next couple of weeks pending delivery of a promised commitment from an industry sponsor which will fund another PhD and a couple more positions).

I've let them know.

Scott.

For those that can't make it, will there be any information/pictures posted on the internet afterwards?

You could consider studying a 3D animation and modelling related course at the Enmore Design centre - although I'm not sure how easy it is to get in though, but it is a pretty good place to study from all I've heard.

Just a tip, Team Bondi hired a fair few students who studied 3D and animation from there.

Enmore Design Centre

I think you need a school that teaches you advanced stuff. Maybe you should talk to some people who have had experience with certain places before you make up your mind. It's a huge time and money investment so you should be fully informed.

You won't get the most out of your money if you don't understand the product you will buy.

However at the end of the day it's up to you to apply what you learn to get yourself into the industry. Some people who are self taught can still be 100 time better than a graduate...portfolio speaks more than that paper.

In the meantime keep doing what you love.

Pretty damn tight Dan.

Fun video to watch, but maybe the camera on the chase sequence could be smoothed out. It's a little nauseating the way it bounces and twists.

Be careful of the lure of space ships though. They're fun, but they aren't the best way to showcase your abilities.

You will probably want to shift your focus toward humanoid characters. Improve your knowledge of anatomy (life drawing classes are good for this). Colour theory too, and lighting. (look up Joel Styles web page, I think he has some handy stuff on there)

Fundaments in these area's will allow you to develop your skills in a more focused manner.

I am impressed by your video though, it demonstrates a willingness to apply yourself and see a project through to completion. This is something lacking in a lot of wannabe artists, keep pushing your art and you'll get there.

Er as per your question. Research your school like Frostblade suggested. It's a big investment to jump into blindly, so plan ahead!

Sorceror Bob2006-10-19 04:13:14

Hey thanks guys for the advice, if there's something on my mind is is there any college i shouldn't go to, like ones people recommend to stay away from, because they are poor, like i heard of colleges like SAE, JMC, AIE, AIT, MAD Academy and don't know much about how in-depth with there teachings with 3D, and what are the various diploma or degrees are called for 3D?, does these things really count in finding a job?, or really its unessary?

AIE has a pretty good reputation from what I have heard. :)

I good say having an awesome portfolio would be most important and I guess any studio would have a prefence for someone who went to Uni. But yeah the guy with the best portfolio would most likely get the job. :)

Only thing I'll add to what's said so far is that Australia does not have any educational institution that attracts the type of acclaim that places like the vancouver film school do. In other words, there is no place in Australia which is seen as a gaurantee that you will come out employable at all from what you learn there. With this said however, doing something that gets you closer to the people, environment, and type of work you wish to pursue is a very good thing still, just realise that you are going to need to rely on your own time and work to get employable (which is of course the ultimate goal here).

With thousands of animation and game graduates every year, and only a very small handful of finite positions in Australia opening each year, it does mean that skills are more important than your piece of paper, and for those skills I gaurantee you will gain the most value from sweating away at home in your own time after school hours.

True, thanks, is there anyway to increase the industry here in Australia?, is it because Australia is new to the idea of 3D?

I seccond that mate.

It applys to all positions. You Gotta show passion, guts and most of all demonstrate your ability to work hard.

And keep at it!

This is off in a bit of a tangent to education, but hey if it helps ya :)

[QUOTE=dan1989] True, thanks, is there anyway to increase the industry here in Australia?, is it because Australia is new to the idea of 3D?[/QUOTE]

I was really surprised to see that question - it's not often you hear it. My knee jerk reaction is that it's irrelevant, but at the end of the day I dont know how the industry could be increased, or if even increasing its size would be a positive thing.

My guess is that I think project and job demands need to be met for the amount of graduates being pumped out yearly, but even before that, the graduates that are coming out need to be employable first.

yeh exactly, cause i don't hear alot on 3D as a position in many jobs, so it seems to mean, that its fairly hard to find jobs in the 3D industry in Australia, like i was thinking, there are courses which i've looked up an there like 9,000 dollars per year for 3 years this course is called Bachelor of Communication Studies and was, wow!, thats expense but i could save my save alot of money using that money to buy video tutorials or apply for certificates on the web an i'll be fine, any objection to that?, like what would be the advantages and disadvantages?

I think the main disadvantage is you wouldn't be having people tell you to do work etc. If you were 110% dedicated I see nothing wrong with it IMO.

Another disadvantage would be the networking that'd happen at a uni or some such. Next to the skills you develop, this is such an important thing. Getting to know and work along side people who are interested in the same thing as you makes the experience that much more awesome. It also helps motivate you, especially when there's someone that whips out some work and makes you go "Whoa..." And then being able to see how they did it, bouncing ideas off them, and just working with them, sucking up their "secret magic powers".

Couldn't recommend a doing a course with real people more, even if the course ended up sucking (which hopefully, it won't @:-)

Comes down to your economic standing as well. If you have well off parents who are willing to pay for or at the least assist you in the courses payment then the course would be a great way to go.

Sadly not everyone is so lucky. If you don't have the money for these courses [but you do have limitless motivation hopefully] then home schooling is a great idea as well. As for networking. Again you're going to have to really go out on a limb and goto events and most of all. POST AND SHOWCASE YOUR WORK.

Both come with advantages and disadvantages. I know people who have come out of the AIE courses have had mixed feelings. Some loved the experience it gave them. Some came out thinking it was a waste of almost 18,000 dollars.

If you decide to home school. Books will a great asset, order books from online. grab a pen and a lot of paper and assimilate what the book has to teach. If you go education. Make sure to make the most of your course and research the course before you jump into it.

yeh i'm not one of those lucky ones so, cost is a problem for me thats why i wanna seek an alternative, for further education in 3D, hmmm...., is there any difference for those who attend Uni and those who attend TAFE, or colleges, and home schooling?

Well mate. I can only really speak on behalf of the home school student. Anything else I say is an egotistical assumption.

So..Home schooling eh...

There is a requirement for home schooling. I've been told that around the broad 90% of people who attempt to teach themselves at home fail and end up ether collapsing into tafe and uni or they sink into a poorly classed labour or hospitality based jobs.

So. Before anything else mate. You gotta have motivation. LOTS of motivation!

Ask yourself. Can you, for 12..maybe even 24 months sit at home and study and teach yourself using books and internet tutorials?

And can you handle receiving harsh criticism from internet forums about your work..or even worse getting no advice at all.. Can you be your own worst critic?

If you can..if you think you have boundless motivation. Home schooling can be for you.

Positives:

You do what you want, the way you want to and when you like to. This is great in many respects. Try not to think of it as no one is giving you guidelines as more so as you're allowed to pursue directly what you wanna learn without the extra unnessicery crap that might come with a course.

You wanna learn meshing? Do it.

You can work 10 hours a week or 50 hours a week. Essentially if you want to you can cover the equivalent of 2 years worth of uni work in one year! How cool is that!

Remember though. Your the one whose gonna have to whip yourself to do that. can you?

You also have a freedom of no alignment. All that really means is that no one really can make an assumption on your half based on the school you go to. They have to see your work before they do that!

Also. When you score big and get a job..you owe no money to no one! Sweeeeeet.

Disadvantages:

Lack of social interaction I have to say is a big one. At the least. Spend one day a week NOT studying and NOT working and go over to your friend and ass around for a while. Studying at home can also mean you could before anti-social and bitter. Try to avoid that mate.

Another thing is that networking will be somewhat harder. You don't have the flexibility that a uni or tafe has to get lectures from experienced dudes. So you will have to make it a mission to go out and meet these people yourself over the net and in person. Attend events in your state.

Lack of help is a big one as well. Your teacher is you really. If something goes wrong or you don?t understand something you can't ask your teacher..becouse hes you..and you don?t know. The remedy for this is to FIND OUT. The Internet is awesome for this and will have answers for 99% of your issues relating to your studies.

Also. Another issue that studying alone. You could be perceived as a lone wolf, someone who cannot work in a team. The answer to that is to engage in team projects.
Or mainly. Be nice and don't act like a dick over the net.

Conclusion:

There?s a good reason why home schooling has a 90% failure rate. IT'S HARD TO MANAGE! But. If you can be one of the 10% that strive and continue to work at it you will impress! I guarantee.

Granted that you display your work somewhere where people will see it..like..sumea perhaps!

Cheers mate. Good luck with your choices. And make sure to get opinions form ALL sides of education before you go ahead.

Wow that definately, open me up things i didn't know, thanks alot for that :), is there such thing as interships for 3D?

Well I reckon it would be feature creep central, but Wingnut would be a hell of an awesome place to work

Braindead the game!

Scott.

I've just made an update to the news item, the new studio will indeed be in New Zealand...

[QUOTE]Wingnut Interactive will be based in New Zealand, Henson said. But he would not elaborate on the business terms of the deal.[/QUOTE]

- News.com.comSouri2006-09-29 01:36:39

"Braindead the game!"

Was that another name for Bad Taste? cause I'd LOVE to play that, blowing up sheep with RPGs, hell yeah

Braindead is the Peter Jackson zombie movie with the Kung Fu Catholic Priest with the heavy NZ Accent (Iiii Kick Aaaarsse for the LOOOORD!!!")

Youtube Link

Best Peter Jackson movie you'll see. :)

Scott.

[QUOTE=Souri] I've just made an update to the news item, the new studio will indeed be in New Zealand...[/QUOTE]

Jackson has confirmed the studio will be based in Wellington.

This is fantastic news! Hopefully, that bring in a boost to NZs game industry.

"Braindead is the Peter Jackson zombie movie with the Kung Fu Catholic Priest with the heavy NZ Accent (Iiii Kick Aaaarsse for the LOOOORD!!!") Best Peter Jackson movie you'll see. :)"

............. Ok I'm sold, just that scene was enough for me

Does any one know the contact details for Wingnut Interactive yet?
I'd like to get in contact with them, and try to apply for work there.

LOL! I just googled to see if wingnut interactive have a website up and the number 1 listing is Sumea!

no Wingnut site though - we will have to wait and see what sort of hiring they are going to do.

edit: and I predict Chris Johnson will be sent an offer to purchace his domain name in the near future too! (www.wingnut.com) lucky bugger JohnN2006-10-15 21:27:49

Ohh gogo NZ

It all sounds very exciting :D

www.wingnutinteractive.com seems to be parked at the moment.

I've found that if you search for any of the local developers on google, Sumea shows up at least on the first page of the search. Sometimes it's even 1st, or 2nd placed. It's all the more reason for developers to regularly update their info in the Sumea wiki, since it's one of the top places where people find out about their company.

That reminds me, I should make an entry in the database for Wingnut Interactive. Souri2006-10-16 07:29:57

You know what, I should really get off my arse and get to one of these AGDC's at least once. I'd probably have to be going by myself, I don't see any of my friends wanting to go. But there's definately a big contigent of Brisbane based Sumean's that would be a blast to have some sort of meetup with.

i have a housemate who would love to go, just not for the admission price :
but i kinda have to if im serious enough about the industry, which i am. besides, it looks to be very interesting.

I am going :) i know u all want to meet me so come too ^_^

no, wait, i think i left my my apartment on fire. in december. sorry cant make it anymore.

Still no speakers announced, and until there are I'm not signing up. The price is too steep to go pay not knowing what I'm going to get.

I understand it's cheeper than the GDC in the US, though that is much, much larger. And it's about the same price as the AGDC, but in previous years this has been a little larger also, and at least had announced speakers by this time.

well the actual keynotes sound interesting, even if we dont know the actual names of the people talking...

[QUOTE=LiveWire]...And it's about the same price as the AGDC...[/QUOTE]

I remember AGDC being more around the $900 mark?

[QUOTE=J.I. Styles] [QUOTE=LiveWire]...And it's about the same price as the AGDC...[/QUOTE]

I remember AGDC being more around the $900 mark?[/QUOTE]

Correct. AGDC hasn't been that cheap since the very first one in '99.

Well I've just registered for it... hope I'm not the only one there

I'd love to finally meet and chat with some Sumeans.
To spot me, I'll most probably be wearing a T-shirt with 'Virtual Mechanix' plastered on it

maybe i should wear my nintendo shirt to stand out. but then again, the shirt is so incredibly stylish its easy to not notice im a dork.

[QUOTE=Mario]
Correct. AGDC hasn't been that cheap since the very first one in '99.[/QUOTE]

Ah, those were the days. The first one was excellent fun - the weaponry provided at the dinner was actually a surprise. Although the guy singing about the games industry at the dinner was a bit of a dud.

i guess $900 means that its an industry employee only event. i know if i wasnt under a salary i couldn't justify $900. gameconnect isnt like that

[QUOTE=PeterDavis] i guess $900 means that its an industry employee only event. i know if i wasnt under a salary i couldn't justify $900. gameconnect isnt like that[/QUOTE]

GCAP is $375 including the Masterclass.

http://www.iceaustralia.com/gcap2006/register.html

From memory the first AGDC was $330.

The program looks really interesting I?m finding it hard to pick which ones I?m going to go to, there are even ones scheduled at the same time when id like to see both. :(

Im confused as to the difference between the Masterclass and megapass registration categories (apart from price) megapass includes masterclass and 2day conference rego. ... but what does masterclass contain. It says I can get student rates ... but what is a student rate and is there any disadvantages or things I cant go to as a student...

Its hurting my brain :(

damn. i shouldn't have graduated.

I too am confused as to what exactly you get access to when you get the MASTERCLASS (presumably only one day?).

Probably because thats the only one ill be able to afford.

I think each of the masterclasses covers a full day of one particular subject.

[QUOTE=_Zax]Ah, those were the days. The first one was excellent fun - the weaponry provided at the dinner was actually a surprise. Although the guy singing about the games industry at the dinner was a bit of a dud.[/QUOTE]

Ah yes, good times - an eager crowd of game developers, keynote speaker getting escorted out by security during the nerf gun fight, drinks a plenty, people ganging up on Microsoft, and a limitless supply of addictive blue mints.

[QUOTE=Mario]
Ah yes, good times - an eager crowd of game developers, keynote speaker getting escorted out by security during the nerf gun fight, drinks a plenty, people ganging up on Microsoft, and a limitless supply of addictive blue mints.[/QUOTE]

If I remember correctly, it was an Intel guy (Kim Pallister?) who got escorted out for shooting a security guard with a sucker dart. It was a case of "Intel Outside".

Well, it was funny at the time.

[QUOTE=PeterDavis] damn. i shouldn't have graduated.

I too am confused as to what exactly you get access to when you get the MASTERCLASS (presumably only one day?).

Probably because thats the only one ill be able to afford.[/QUOTE]

The Masterclass is a full day session covering one topic in detail. Note that for the Sony Masterclass you'll need to be covered by an NDA.

So i get a full day on the show floor (if there is one) and access to one of the master classes on during that day?

[QUOTE=PeterDavis] So i get a full day on the show floor (if there is one) and access to one of the master classes on during that day?[/QUOTE]

From the web site it looks like if you pay for just the masterclass, thats all you get. There is no Expo on at the same time.

Mega pass is masterclass and 2-day conference, 2-day pass is just that (no masterclass).

http://www.iceaustralia.com/gcap2006/program.html
http://www.iceaustralia.com/gcap2006/register.html

The conference program has been updated. There are more details on speakers and sessions now.

http://www.iceaustralia.com/gcap2006/program.html

im still a little confused. so the masterclasses are in the top table, and the stuff outside the masterclasses are below it, in the coloured table?

and if there is no expo, why is there a big EXPO column down the main itinerary table? I am le confused

It seems fairly straightforward to me. Masterclasses are all on Thursday. And the expo is scheduled to run on both Friday and Saturday when the core conference starts ? unless someone organising the event has said otherwise.

The last table about student information sessions, are an expansion of the sessions that run on Saturday.

I didn't realise they had added speakers to the table. Looks like it is shaping up well, but, I'd still like to know who the keynote speakers are ? the Perth's GO3 already has their's up.

I'm guessing we'll know about a month out to the conference starting who the keynote speakers are and the majority of the finalised speakers for the other sessions ? hopefully for all of them.

I am going along with 2 of my staff, hope it turns out good :)

PS. Email me if you want a preshow look at Prime (address in profile)

Its all making much more sense I?m really looking forward to going now.

Watch out for me I?m going to be making you vote for our unsigned game -_^

Finialised Game Connect program is now up.

http://www.iceaustralia.com/gcap2006/program.html_Zax2006-10-24 21:31:26

I just realised that I couldn't possibly make it to Game Connect. That weekend has been set for my dad. It's sort of a huge family + relatives get together thing. Doh!

[QUOTE=Souri] I just realised that I couldn't possibly make it to Game Connect. That weekend has been set for my dad. It's sort of a huge family + relatives get together thing. Doh![/QUOTE]

Ah well, they will have to move GCAP then amckern2006-10-26 23:30:13

Sidhe Interactive will be there with 4 staff total (too many deadlines for more to come across :( ).

There will also be a New Zealand stand on the expo for the second year running. Last time we only had 4 companies on the stand - this time we have 7. Make sure to stop by and take a look at whats happening development wise across the ditch :)

Not that I'm against more constructive meets of people in the game developer industry, but dosen't the IDGA Brisbane chapter already do something along these lines?

http://www.igda.org/brisbane/

*snifs* what about melbourne? arn't we important anymore XD hahahaha.

Someone really should organise a student to industry meep-up down here.

quote:Not that I'm against more constructive meets of people in the game developer industry, but dosen't the IDGA Brisbane chapter already do something along these lines?

Yes we are aware of the IGDA Brisbane Chapter, of which I go to as many meetings as I can, My only thought is that the more meetings we have, the more people we can reach and spread the Brisbane game development community. Someone might hear about us (BGDM) and from us hear the about the IGDA - I suppose you could almost call us a middle man organisation =)

Hi Chai,

I work here at AIE Melbourne, and hopefully can answer some of your questions, and hope that some of our graduates/students will give you some feedback also.

Firstly, I will say that AIE courses are very focused on providing our students the skills they will use in the Games and related 3D industries.
This means that our courses feature advanced 3D techniques, rather than art theory. Students also undertake some lifedrawing components, this is relatively smaller.

Students come to AIE with artistic skills and learn 3D as the medium of their art. This is why students also need to provide a portfolio of artwork as part of the application process, so AIE tutors can assess a students artisitic merit and ability to create in a 3D medium.

The Diploma of Computer Game Development is a 1 year course, however most students without extensive 3D experience will undertake the Certificate IV in Screen (available in Melbourne)or Certificate IV in 3D Animation for Games and Film (available in Canberra)to develop the fundamental 3D modelling, texturing and animating skills required for the Diploma level courses.

If you can demonstrate that you already have these skills you can apply for direct entry into the Diploma Programs. The diploma programs are structured so students can develop individual showreels and gain practical experience which assists students in finding industry employment. This practical emphasis is a huge advantage to our students, with over 80% of 2005 graduates currently working in the Games and Film Industries.

I guess you need to decide if you want to do a vocational course that will equip you for a career in games and related 3D industries, or are you more interested in increasing your artistic knowledge?

Goodluck with your decisions and future.

For further information I can be contacted on enquiries@aie.vic.edu.au

Thanks for the well written and honest reply, appreciate it :)

so 80% of Graduates are working in 2005, do you have any more recent figures?

[QUOTE=Mikeylee] so 80% of Graduates are working in 2005, do you have any more recent figures?[/QUOTE]

What c8 wrote was "over 80% of 2005 graduates currently working in the Games and Film Industries. "

The 2005 graduates are the most recent graduates and will be until the current final-year students become 2006 graduates at the end of this year.

The AIE courses do not focus on background art theory.

Two other things to consider (cost wise) are that as a foreign student I don't believe you will be able to get the subsidised rate for the Cert IV course, which puts the price up considerably.

Also, the 2nd year games course is not subsidised while the film course is.

I did the film course and got offered a job compositing cinematics within 3mths of starting the course. 3 of my mates in the games course just got jobs as well.

Of course, this all comes down to how good you are and how you sell yourself ;)

I think you mean the AGDC conference instead of Freeplay. The details are here:

http://www.sumea.com.au/snews.asp?news=2181

Ah cool, thanks Souri

Pretty impressive.

As an old time Atari computer user I've always found it very strange that Infogrammes would pick that name.

It used to be a joke that people bought Atari computers despite their marketing rather than because of it, and not only did management's right hand not know what the left was doing, but it seemed to have a pretty fuzzy idea about what it was doing itself.

It also used to be a joke that TOS (Atari OS) was itself a bug.

Seems like Infogrammes is keeping the spirit of the Atari name alive.

edit: I'm amazed Katharine was so subdued. That has to be the mildest thing she's said on the topic of AMH in years. Some good comments about a certain Ben towards the end too [;)]

quote:Originally posted by baboon

Okay, in case anyone missed the blog, here it is: http://blogs.theage.com.au/screenplay/archives/gaming_culture/002580.ht…

Please please please archive this for prosterity. A sining example of the maturity of various members of the games industry in Australia. As a1studmuffin posts - "Pass the popcorn"

Gold.

I don't think that page will be going anywhere, and I'm pretty sure it's been read by pretty much everyone in or interested in the industry by now.

I'm surprised that there's still a lot of bad blood still brewing over some of the situations mentioned (that exodus happened a long, long time ago! Around 2003? Definately after Grand Prix). I guess you had to be there.

Okay...I shouldn't really say this but I'm going to anyway. Most of the bad blood was and is directed towards one person, it's just a real shame that the entire company more or less gets tarred with the same brush.

In 2 weeks time, we will have Jason Schroder, a programmer from Krome Studios. Jason has been working in the industry as a game programmer for 5 years. Thanks Jason! Students, get your questions ready if you want to know anything about being a programmer in the games industry, or how to get into the industry as a programmer!

That's 2 weeks time - Thursday 3 August 2006 at 8pm on the IGDA IRC channel
http://firefang.com/igdachat/java/

More details on the IRC chat at http://www.sumea.com.au/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3782

that's great. *thumbs up*

btw, i'll remember to come this week [:p]

Next week on Thurs 24 Aug we are going to have Dale! Dale has been working in the industry in QA for about 4 years now. He's worked at Torus, Perception and is currently at Atari Melbourne House. Please come along and ask questions to get the most out of this opportunity!

http://www.sumea.com.au/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3782

Hi Tim,

From the sounds of things, you're still at school? If so, my advice is to focus on getting good grades, especially in maths and computer science. A lot can change in 5 years and the game dev industry, and educational courses are no exception so it may be a little early to give advice on what you should aim for.

You may also want to check out www.gamedev.net and www.gamasutra.com for some good programming resources.

~Romi

Hey Tim

you can get a bachelor of Interactive Entertainment Majoring in Games Programming at Qantm College.

check out www.qantmcollege.edu.au

that degree has been designed in conjunction with the industry and will take you only 2 years.

I have other commitments, but feel free to give my CrateDM mod a run :)
http://www.thefurmanmachine.com/pnews.php?page=dl_cratedm

i will be there, even if it means going to the last place i want to be during the holidays... my university [:p]

*laughs* Ahh, the Auran tales. I remember a rather worked up tale over having to stand in line for lunch. It was such a desolete feeling place when I visited there, but they had a tardis, so it couldn't be all bad. @;-P

[:D] That's the funniest developer related thing I have heard in a long while.

Anyway, I hope that Fury works out for them, funny though that they are not even using their much hyped AuranJet engine however. But all the best with it regardless [;)]

Are there any Australian companies that don't have one form of conflict or another?

Many companies have just as many bad bits as they do good bits, it always just seems to depend what side of the fence you are on.

Managers vs Staff, Programmers vs Artists - where there are creative and passionate people, there is emotion and if not channelled properly, that emotion is bound to create drama.. such as the situation posted above by Souri.

I did an internship at Auran in 2005 and my personal experience was a positive one - For one, they gave me a chance in the industry. For another, people were really friendly and they have a lot of perks including free lunches, a never-ending supply of free softdrink and fruit, and once-a-month drinks night for everyone in the company.

I'll reiterate that it's totally of no indication of how Auran are now. Obviously this all happened 6 years ago, which is a very long time ago. I do find it an interesting piece of history though.

oh my :o

I was an avid PlanetCrap reader back then, used the forum client and everything. That thread was what turned me off applying for a job with Auran. It's a good reminder of how not to treat your staff. I'm glad Auran have turned things around, Fury looks like a fun game to work on, hopefully a fun game to play too :)

They've turned things around? Right.

No criticism intended of USQ, but I find it curious that it's an IT degree rather than computer science. Don't know about everywhere else, but at La Trobe IT degrees are quite a bit more aimed at general computing than programming.

Anyone... anyone?