Tenacity in game development is about relentless pursuit and adaptability. It drives a professional to learn new technologies, bounce back from setbacks, and continually strive for excellence, even when the path is unclear or the goal seems distant. And it's not always about how the sausage is made; sometimes we're just looking for the right path to the kitchen.

My Path to Game Dev

I vividly recall the lunch that changed my career trajectory. Learning about Ubisoft's new studio in Toronto was a eureka moment. Phil and I were eating lunch and talking about games (I was playing through my current favorite, Assassin's Creed II) and he mentioned that Ubisoft was opening a studio in Toronto.

When I returned to the office, I looked it up, and sure enough, they were and there was a single position open:

Recruiter

<<cracks knuckles>>

I decided that I was going to get that job. Come hell or high water. So...I applied. Through their job site (Brass Ring). Then I opened a Twitter account and tweeted them (I'd share it, but I've since left the X platform and I'm not willing to spend time digging that up...cringe). Not satisfied at this point, I started mapping their talent organization in Montreal. On a whiteboard. In my basement...

Ubisoft Montreal was the largest game studio in the world, and Montreal was a massive hub for game dev. I knew that things were going to be run from there since for all intents and purposes, Montreal was "local" to Toronto. I also doubted that I was the only one to apply and (ugh) Tweet. So I learned who their lead recruiter was. Who was the director? Who was the VP of HR? Who were the other recruiters on this team? I reached out and connected with all of them.

It should be noted that LinkedIn in 2009 was not what LinkedIn is today. Back then, for something like fifty bucks a month, you were given 10 rotating inmails per month. Use them and they replenish if the recipient accepts (or declines? I can't honestly remember at this point...) So I had to prioritize if someone didn't reply. I used one for every member of the talent org, as well as the VP of HR. That burned most of them up so I had to wait. But I wasn't done.

Next up, I started calling the studio to leave messages for the recruiters (I had no idea who was handling this role); remember this was at a time when everyone had a phone at their desk. Reception was no doubt used to candidates calling in so I got creative. It was the holiday so why not run with that? I had chocolate deliveries, and flowers and gifts. I looked up other studios where their recruiters had worked and said I was from there calling to wish them Merry Christmas. In hindsight, this all seems ridiculous and stalkerish. But I wanted that job so if it didn't work, what was the fallout? A punchline at their next get-together? WORTH IT.

Along the way, I sorted out who the HR Director was going to be in Toronto and reached out to her as well, on LinkedIn.

I got the call between Christmas and New Year, on my way home from the office. I remember my future boss saying that my name had "certainly come up a lot, so she wanted to see what the fuss was all about..."

On my first day at work, I checked the application inbox. There had been over 1000 applications for the job I landed, and people who I am certain, were more qualified than me. I made sure that my passion showed from day 1.

Practical Strategies for Tenacity

Tenacity is about smart and strategic action. Networking is key – attending industry events, joining online forums, and connecting with peers and mentors. Constant skill development, be it through online courses, workshops, or self-study, keeps you competitive and relevant. Get out there and distinguish yourself; I once had a candidate apply for a bartending job by applying stickers of his face and his resume to empty beer bottles and bringing in a case of himself to the manager. He landed the job on the spot.

Cultivating a Tenacious Spirit

Developing tenacity involves setting clear, attainable goals and embracing challenges as learning opportunities. It's about maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of rejection, and viewing each step as a valuable lesson.

In the dynamic world of game development, tenacity can be the deciding factor in your career's trajectory. It's about how you navigate challenges and seize opportunities, transforming them into stepping stones towards success.

How has tenacity played a role in your career? Share your stories and strategies that have helped you navigate the gaming industry (or any industry for that matter)