What kind of background do you look for in a designer? I've been a programmer at a software company for ~3 years, and I'm curious about getting into the game design space. I'm not sure what kind of training companies like Blizzard expect from their designers.
Nothing specific for background, as long as you are awesome and meet the requirements.
Hey Ben,
It doesn't list any experience requirements on this page. I'm a software developer with >2 years of experience, and have a huge passion for hearthstone. Is there a hard requirement on experience?
Well I think I fit the requirements of this position pretty spot on, even the experience with Unity and C#. Now I just need to brainstorm a really sweet card so I can apply! This is going to be a fun weekend.
EDIT: Quick question, do you consider applicants from Canada?
Do you guys use a JASS derived language or do you have your own language? I remember spending hours trying to learn JASS2 for Warcraft III custom maps.
How much does not having previous game design experience hurt an applicant? I feel like I meet the other requirements you listed, but I haven't done game design before.
ben brode said that a life in the gaming industry starts with the QA. Thanks bbrode blog. But I don't have in-depth knowledge in wow can I still apply if I like designing, balancing and play-testing cards? bonus: also not from NA and EU
This particular position requires a lot of WoW knowledge, but we sometimes have other positions that don't.
Another quick question, does blizzard entertain Canadians? I will graduate in 16 months(yeah I'm keeping count lol) in computer engineering.
I'll be down for working stateside.
Would location be a severely limiting factor for this job? I'm in college in Seattle, but as a Collegiate Hearthstone team member and prospective CS major, working for Blizzard is essentially my dream job. I'm just worried that my location and availability will bar me from the opportunity.
You would need to be willing and able relocate to Southern California if offered the position.
How deep a WoW knowledge is required? Mine isn't particularly good, but I have a LOT of experience with CCGs, from Pokemon when I was young through years of MTG and new having played more and more HS since beta.
Also, how hard would it be to get this job as someone currently living in Europe?
Yeah, we'd really like someone with a lot of WoW knowledge for this position. I'm not sure about EU, but we have a lot of folks on the team from Europe so I think as long as there are no visa issues it should be fine.
Might actually apply for this one. So tempting with all the analytical work done at Gosugamers, along with the various card designs I have done in the past.
A single card designed for Hearthstone, accompanied by some rationale for your design decisions.
Would have to dig through my entire catalog just to decide which one to present. I will find the best one though!
It would be a dream come true for me to get a design position like the one in this post after I graduate with my bachelor's of computer science next winter. I'm doing what I can to make my application more attractive to you guys in the interim, but since you're here and on the topic I was wondering if you had any extra advice.
So far I have read your articles here and have taken your advice and, when I have some free time, begun working on some stuff in unity. I've also done a few hearthstone related things for the community (like the pre-release chart and glossary), and have hit legend.
Is there anything else you can think of off the top of your head that I can also work on to increase my chances when I apply?
I just recently graduated as a Computer Science major. What should I be looking at for an entry level job or internship? Do you have any advice on somebody looking to get into the gaming industry in general?
It sounds really cool but I probably don't have enough experience to get a job there. Does the Hearthstone team ever do internships, like over the summer?
Seriously - hit us up! This position is on the "initial design" team, so you'd be designing, implementing, and playtesting new cards. We could especially use another person who has deep knowledge of WoW, and with enough technical skill to help with implementation.
Also I cannot oversell how personally satisfying it is to get to make Hearthstone better, every day, for a living. I love working at Blizzard and I think you might love it too. :)
Iksar
Seriously, come work with us :).
Iksar
no. I've spent a lot on Hearthstone. It's okay though I love this game :).
Iksar
Lots of good schools in the area. My friend is doing his MBA while working full time right now!
Iksar
I talked with Kripp on Skype for an hour just yesterday. We're good friends and he always has interesting ideas to share. :)
Ben Brode
This isn't a balance design position, so the latter is fine. :)
Ben Brode
Nothing specific for background, as long as you are awesome and meet the requirements.
Ben Brode
nope!
Ben Brode
yes!
Ben Brode
Our own language.
Ben Brode
It's not required, but it helps.
Ben Brode
It goes to a lot of different people - i'd just make it generic.
Ben Brode
yes, you would need to relocate.
Ben Brode
yes
Ben Brode
yes!
Ben Brode
This particular position requires a lot of WoW knowledge, but we sometimes have other positions that don't.
Ben Brode
I don't think the degree matters much.
Ben Brode
Is there a reason I shouldn't?
Ben Brode
Yes
Ben Brode
C# is not required, but it is a plus. More important is technical ability to learn our proprietary scripting language.
Ben Brode
We have a lot of Canadians on Team 5!
Ben Brode
Apply at any company that is currently making a card game, or make your own!
Ben Brode
Yes, you need to be able to relocate to SoCal.
Ben Brode
We also have an open position for a UI Designer, that might be a better fit for you.
Ben Brode
I think so - but you can just apply for an entry-level position if you're not in school.
Ben Brode
You would need to be willing and able relocate to Southern California if offered the position.
Ben Brode
Yeah, we'd really like someone with a lot of WoW knowledge for this position. I'm not sure about EU, but we have a lot of folks on the team from Europe so I think as long as there are no visa issues it should be fine.
Ben Brode
Glad to hear it! :)
Ben Brode
Play World of Warcraft and design cards!
Ben Brode
Entry level job, I would say.
And here: https://bbrode.svbtle.com/how-to-get-a-job-in-games
Ben Brode
http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/careers/university-relations/internships.html
Ben Brode
All kinds! http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/careers/university-relations/internships.html
Ben Brode
All fields! http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/careers/university-relations/internships.html
Ben Brode
We do! One started yesterday!
Ben Brode
Seriously - hit us up! This position is on the "initial design" team, so you'd be designing, implementing, and playtesting new cards. We could especially use another person who has deep knowledge of WoW, and with enough technical skill to help with implementation.
Also I cannot oversell how personally satisfying it is to get to make Hearthstone better, every day, for a living. I love working at Blizzard and I think you might love it too. :)