LEVEL UP – THE FACTS
Q: What is “Level Up?”The Eutechnyx Level Up program is a scheme in which we work with the best and brightest of the next generation of game developers to help them maximise their potential by giving them hands-on experience of game development, nurturing their skills and realising their dreams of working in the videogames industry.
Q: Why would you do that?Simple: we want to work with the best people in the world and by getting involved at this early stage in their career, we can ensure that the brightest and most promising future developers come to work at Eutechnyx, armed with the skills and insight needed to work in professional game production.
Q: Who is the scheme open to?Level Up is based around two core schemes: the Undergraduate Placement Program is for students looking for a position in their placement year and the Accelerated Graduate Program is for any graduate who has completed their course and looking for full-time employment at Eutechnyx.
The Undergraduate Placement ProgramQ: What does the Undergraduate Placement Program involve?The Level Up Undergraduate Placement program is a scheme in which the most promising students get to spend their placement year at Eutechnyx, working as part of the development team, based in Gateshead, in the North-East of England.
Q: What kind of work would I be doing?Our philosophy is that the best way to learn is to do, so from day one until the end of your placement, you’ll be working on real tasks and on real, million-dollar game development contracts.
Q: I don’t have any experience of game development! How can I work on real games?Don’t worry. If you’ve made it to the placement stage, we clearly believe you have the skills and aptitude to work in professional development.
Secondly, task allocation is staggered over the course of the placement, with your early tasks being relatively simple to help you find your feet and grow in confidence. So don’t worry, you won’t be re-writing our vehicle dynamics code on your first day… And if you have any problems, you can call upon your mentor for assistance.
Q: What do you mean by a “mentor?” A mentor is an experienced member of staff who oversees your tasks and is there to offer advice and help whenever you need it. Basically, they supervise your workload and are responsible for your personal development during your time here. Their chief role is to help you develop your skills and maximise your learning experience at Eutechnyx.
Q: What practical help will my mentor give me?Your mentor works on the same project as you and so understands the game and your tasks, as they’re responsible for allocating them to you. He or she will discuss each task with you in advance, explain what’s required and should you need any assistance, be on-hand to discuss how best to approach the task. By working with your mentor, you’ll earn valuable insights into the development procedure and gain vital “insider tips” on practical game development.
Level Up Team Leader Arwen Duddington is also available to assist you with all matters relating to non-project issues, such as liaising with your university, first-day orientation and other day-to-day matters.
Q: So what are the advantages of being part of Level Up?Firstly, you’ll receive the best training available in the games industry and be given a real insight into the workings of a game development studio – as you’ll be an integral part of the team!
We don’t believe in giving you made-up or theoretical work just to test your abilities. You’ll be doing real work on real game projects and contributing to their development in the same manner as any of our “regular” staff would.
Level Up puts you right at the heart of game development. This isn’t some theoretical position where we look for test exercises just to fill your days – you’ll be at the forefront of actual game production, using the latest development tools and platforms, working with some of the biggest publishers in the world and you’ll get real, hands-on development experience.
Your performance will be regularly reviewed to ensure your potential is maximised and your time here is used to the utmost advantage. You’ll also receive feedback from your mentor and tutors to make sure you receive the training and experience you deserve.
Q: Lots of companies offer work placements. Why is Level Up any different?We don’t believe theoretical exercises or a work-place extension of your coursework gives you a true insight into development and so we make sure what you experience here is the real deal. You’ll be working on million-dollar contracts for some of the world’s biggest publishers, working with some of the freshest and most exciting IP and licenses in the world and experience what it truly is to work in the international, commercial games market.
You won’t simply be sat beside somebody and shadowing them or acting as their “assistant.” You’ll be given real tasks, real responsibilities and real work to do. Your finished work will be featured in the game itself and you’ll be fully credited with that. Being able to say you worked on an actual commercial project does wonders for your CV and will show any potential employers that you’ve already got the experience and understanding of working in the commercial sector they’re looking for.
Q: How does taking part in Level Up help me on a practical level?You’ll gain invaluable experience of working on an actual game project with some of the world’s leading game developers. Not only will you learn how to apply your skills to develop games practically but you’ll also be party to “insider tips” and learn the way professional developers work. You’ll also learn about the realities of working on commercial projects and develop the skills needed to work to deadlines, deliver work on-time and produce game content efficiently.
And, as previously stated, you’ll be able to say that you worked on a million-dollar contract game, which gives you a head-start over your fellow students.
Q: What else will I experience?You’ll receive world-class training during your time here. We’re an Investor in People company, meaning we’ve been recognised for our commitment to developing our staff and ensuring they receive the training they need.
We work in an international market, so as well as dealing with development partners around the globe, you may also be given the opportunity to visit other countries to gather visual reference, attend conferences or meet with publishers. We have offices in mainland China, Hong Kong and the US and the opportunity to work there may also arise.
You’ll also get your hands on the next generation development kits and work on the cutting-edge of game production.
Q: What kind of game will I work on?Eutechnyx specialise in developing driving games or titles that simulate vehicular behaviour. In our 21-year history, we’ve topped the charts numerous times in many countries and have released a series of games that have gone on to sell over a million copies each.
Our past titles include some of the world’s most famous licenses, including James Bond 007, The Fast and the Furious and – most recently – Ferrari. We’re currently developing two projects: Ride to Hell, an action-adventure based around 1960s bikers and an under-wraps massive multiplayer game.
Q: How do I get into the program?You need to apply for a placement by sending your CV and covering letter to
levelup@eutechnyx.com If we like what we see, we’ll invite you in for an interview so we can find out more about you and if you’d be suited to working here.
It also gives you an opportunity to visit Eutechnyx, meet some of the key staff and generally learn more about the placement scheme.
Q: Am I guaranteed a placement if I apply?No. We have limited places and can only accept a fixed number of students.
Q: How long does the placement last?One year.
Q: How does it affect my degree studies?Positively! Your placement will grant you experience you couldn’t gain anywhere else and will allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical manner.
You’ll be able to arrange time-off whenever you need to attend college or take care of any other matters relating to your degree, so being at Eutechnyx will not interfere with your degree studies.
Q: What is expected of me during my time at Eutechnyx?Although game development is a young industry, that doesn’t mean we don’t have standards of behaviour we expect our staff to follow. We’re a professional company and we expect you to be equally professional in your day-to-day behaviour.
If you’re part of the program, we commit to giving you the best possible training we can, valuing your contribution and helping to develop your skills and abilities. We ask in return that you commit to us by maintaining a professional attitude at all times and committing yourself to producing the best work you possibly can. As mentioned earlier, you’re working on a real project and we expect you to act in a suitably dedicated, mature manner.
Essentially we just expect you to respect your co-workers and employer, complete the tasks allocated to you and act responsibly at all times.
Q: What skills will I learn during my placement?This depends entirely on which area of development you work in.
Programming placement students will gain experience developing in the C++ environment, Python, Havok integration, our in-house tools including Mapper and our task management system and the Microsoft Office suite.
Art placement students will gain experience using Photoshop, Flash, 3DS Max and our in-house tool-set, including Mapper, plus our task management system and the Microsoft Office suite.
Designers will use Word, Excel, Photoshop and any other applicable software, plus our in-house tools and the Microsoft Office suite.
As well as gaining insider experience of game production, you’ll also learn about team-work, time-management, how to work to deadlines and manage workflow, how to interact in a professional environment, improve your communication skills and gain experience of working a regular job and all that entails.
Q: Are there any other benefits – aside from the experience?We offer 20 days of annual leave, plus all Bank Holidays.
Your name will appear in the game manual and credits.
You’ll also receive a copy of any game you work on.
Depending what you’re working on or which areas you may also be given the opportunity of foreign travel. We have offices in China and are opening our US office soon. We may offer you the opportunity to visit these locations or go on fact-finding/reference-sourcing trips to other locations.
Q: Will I be offered a job at the end of the placement?Last year, 80% of our new employees joined us through the Placement Program so the odds are high. Whilst we make no guarantees of an offer of employment, if you can show us that you’re hard-working, brilliant and irreplaceable, your chances of being offered a full-time position are greatly enhanced.
Essentially, if you put in the work, it will be recognised and go a long way to helping your chances.
Q: Where do I sign-up?Please send your CV and covering letter to
levelup@eutechnyx.com
