Got a spare minute or two and a copy of Trackmania Nations?

Update time!

Went for my interview today and it was pretty tough but went well I think!

Started off with a short interview with the senior producer there who gave me a break down into how the company works and asked me questions about what I did at university and what kind of design documents I've made in the past and why I found them important.

Then I had an interview with the Lead Designer and Lead Level Designer and they talked about my track, asked how I go about getting inspiration, research, testing, design and all that kinda stuff.

I managed to answer everything and I got along with them all fine :)

They said my trial level was one of the best (they agreed with all your comments about it flowing well and feeling like a fast, fun track) and they loved that I made a video diary each day and that I actually tested the track (with help from you lot of course, you got a mention! :D).

Just gotta wait for them to get back in touch with me now but I'm very optimistic about it!

Cheers :D
 
Wow nice going Beck. I'm sure you've got 'em interested in you dude!
 
Sounds like you handled everything well. You've done all you can, so just sit back and relax while you wait for the final word. Good luck!
 
They didn't say. So just gotta wait and see now. Hopefully soon so I can hand my notice in at this job I really hate (if they say yes of course! :p)

They are indeed working on a new project and splitting the studio into two teams (A team for F1 2010 and a team for the new project). I'm guessing the game has something to do with racing since they got me to make a race track, but we will have to wait and see!

The studio allows its employees to have a bit of freedom. They allow people to do what they enjoy or what they're best at, but they still try and have everyone know at least the basics of other areas and such. So sounds like I could get some training or something if I get the position too. Plus everyone can sit in on design meetings and such to give their own input, which is something I like!

Cheers guys!
 
Right, update time!

Sadly, I didn't get the position. (Booo!)

Basically since it's been two months since my interview and having not heard anything from them (apart from emails to and from my mutual friend in the company) I decided to get some answers. Basically their recruitments guy thought they had emailed me with the feedback when actually they hadn't. No biggie, I know they're busy over there at the moment.

Here's what feedback I got:

Hello Beck,

I hope you are well?

Please accept my apologies for not providing feedback to you after your interview with the Birmingham Studio – I honestly thought I had contacted you.

We had a lot of applications for the Level Design role, and as we only had one position available, the final decision was a difficult one.

On this occasion you have not been successful, and I hope the below feedback is useful:

The track you produced was good – especially considering you have not worked in the games industry.

They felt that at interview you did not express yourself as well as they hoped. This may have been down to nerves but they felt they spoke to other people who were able to express their answers in a more comprehensive way.

They do feel you have a good understanding of games design and if we have other roles opened up in the future we would like to talk to you about them.

Please let me know if you wish to discuss this further.
Click to expand...

Basically I messed up the interview a little. I was pretty nervous, so I guess that showed and I didn't answer questions as well as others.

But some pretty positive comments from them and I'm not gonna let it get me down. Was a good experience!

So onto my next project which should be taking shape soon :)

Thanks again for the help testing it guys! Really appreciate it! :D
 
Unlucky dude, you'll nail it next time :).
 
Maaan, I love TM and wish I could have been there to help test. I'm sure this was great experience and will be looking forward to reading about your career progression.
 
It is pretty confident to post an e-mail like that. Good luck on the next project duderino!
 
Absolutely Shaker, no shame in that...the interview process in any industry is a learning curve and you will have certainly gained a lot from this. Hopefully it will be the next one, keep up the enthusiasm and desire!
 
Yeah I definitely learnt a lot from the interview! My first one in the industry so I had no idea what to expect. Now I do. :)

Mutoid, it was great fun to test, shame you weren't around too! Maybe I'll make another track someday or play mine again :D

No doubt I'll be inviting you guys to help me test my next project. So I'll keep you updated as and when I progress.

Cheers guys!
 
Best of luck for the future mate, hope it works out :)
 
Update time again!

So just under three weeks ago I got an email from Codemasters' recruitment manager saying they had some temporary level design positions coming up for the new game they're working on. He said that they would like to speak to me again and asked if I would like to have another interview with the guys over there. This kind of came at a perfect time since I had a week off the following week, and of course I said yes to a second interview and got it all arranged for the next week.

The project lead (He interviewed me the first time) and the level design lead (He is new to the studio) interviewed me. It went really well! It wasn't really an interview as such, they just basically wanted to talk to me again to refresh their memories on what I'm like and give the new level design lead a chance to get to know me. They said they are looking for temporary level designers, possibly permanent if the right person came along. After the interview I got another email from the recruitment guy and he said they had one last guy to interview, but that was going to be on the 11th so there would be a bit of a wait before I heard anything.

Today rolls by and I've been checking my email during my breaks at work and nothing was turning up. Dinner time came and I had an email from the recruitments guy... I basically shit myself (not literally) as I was opening the email.

His email was to confirm that I had got the job! :D Also in the email he discussed my pay annually. Which I thought was strange for a temporary job. So I emailed back asking how long the position would be for and he replied

Hi Beck,

On this occasion we have decided to offer you a permanent position.
Click to expand...

I am basically ecstatic right now. Couldn't be happier. This is my dream job!

Again, you guys helped immensely, they did mention a few times how impressed they were with my trial, especially that I got it tested. So, seriously thank you! <3

TLDR;

I got the job at Codemasters as a Level Designer!
 
Nice one! Now...about my payment for the track testing...

If it's a track design position, I'm guessing it won't be the F1 games you'll be working on since they're already designed? I just bought F1 2011 a few days ago.
 
Wow congrats man! That's great to hear, I always love to hear about people getting into the industry. I hope it's a blast!
 
Nah it's not the an F1 game, I actually don't know myself what the game is about or anything. I'll keep you guys posted once they announce it of course, maybe even hold a few competitions when it's released ;)

Cheers, Ennui! I cannot wait to start and I can't believe my first credited game is going to be a game from a company as big as Codemasters! :D
 
Wow, I didn't really pay attention to this thread in April, but I just read the second half of it, starting at the part where you had your first interview. I was grinning by the time I finished.

I'm happy for you man! Congratulations on getting your dream job, I'm sure you earned it :thumbs: Codemasters, huh. :D
 
Thanks guys! :D

I haven't stopped smiling all day! :D Never thought my first job in the industry (if I ever made it to the industry) would be at such a big company!

Again, you guys were a big help! I'm currently designing my own game on the side and I think a lot of you would enjoy it, so when that finally see's the light of day no doubt you'll be getting some nice alpha/beta versions since your feedback is great! :D

Thank you!
 
A very big congratulations Ren! I'm super thrilled for you getting your dream job!
Make a difference in the world of gaming! It needs you. :)
 
Thanks guys! :D

I'll keep you all updated with any news! At the moment I'm trying to find a car. There is so many to choose from it's so hard to decide which to buy.
 
They should have bars for handling, acceleration and speed at the dealer. That'd make it so much easier.
 
As I said on facebook Beck, well done and congratulations on all the work you put into this. This is the first step on the ladder so make sure you really put the work in to show how good you are and solidify yourself there. I don't imagine that will be a problem when you're doing something you enjoy.

Get yourself a small car, 1.2L or 1.4L or something, nothing too flash. Will help keep your road tax and insurance down. Don't listen to Codemasters if they recommend a Subaru impreza.
 
Major congratulations there Beck, awesome news :) Hope you enjoy it :D
 
Haha yeah I'm going for a small car, so long as its reliable and starts in the upcoming winter I'll be happy.

I shall be putting in 110% while I'm there as this is a massive opportunity and I don't plan on losing it!

I handed my notice in last night at the garage where I work. Never done it before and I wasn't sure how my boss would react (He's been a nasty bugger in the past when guys have handed in their notices and they've ended on bad terms) but he was ok about it, congratulated me and said he always knew I'd leave eventually. I feel kinda bad since I had a fair bit of training whilst I was there and made some great friends, but I also did a lot for him so neither of us have lost out really. Four more days at the garage and I shall be changing my job title to Level Designer at Codemasters! :D
 
So I've been here just over six months now and I have a little update for you guys.

I filled in a little form yesterday and at the top it read...

“I am pleased to say that Beck has passed his probation.”
Click to expand...

Basically, I am now a full employee at Codemasters!

I'm having a great time here. Made some great friends and I've seriously learnt a lot whilst I've been here. Couldn't be happier that they've decided to keep me on!

I'm very grateful for the testing you guys helped me with over a year ago, I have a little something lined up for those who took part in a few months!

Thanks guys!
 
Congrats buddy! Glad you're enjoying yourself :D
 
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