Meg Clarke, Senior Game Scout at Team17, dives into the fascinating realm of game scouting. She shares her personal journey and the vital role of soft skills in building a career in this field. Discover the nuances of networking at industry events and the balance between personal enjoyment and professional duties. Meg also discusses the unexpected benefits of rejection in publisher relationships and offers strategies for developers to effectively connect with scouts. Tune in for valuable insights that could shape your path in the gaming industry!
Meg Clarke emphasizes the importance of networking and attending smaller industry events to foster meaningful connections in game development.
The game scouting process requires a combination of critical thinking and soft skills, highlighting empathy and communication over technical expertise.
Successful game scouts balance data analysis with gut instinct while evaluating submissions, understanding trends without losing sight of creativity.
Deep dives
A Unique Path into Game Scouting
Meg Clark shares her unconventional journey into the gaming industry, which began at a young age after discovering a quiz in a Nintendo magazine. Initially drawn to game testing, she explored various roles, including aspiring to be a character artist. Despite facing personal challenges, including a chronic pain condition, she sought support at the Women in Games Conference, where she connected with mentors who guided her career. This unique path ultimately led her to become a senior game scout, showcasing the importance of adaptability and networking in the gaming industry.
The Importance of Networking Events
Networking and attending industry events are highlighted as crucial elements for aspiring game developers and scouts. Meg emphasizes that smaller conferences often provide more valuable connections compared to larger events like GDC or Gamescom, where the pressure to secure leads can be overwhelming. These smaller events foster a more relaxed environment, making it easier to engage in meaningful conversations about game development. The experiences she gained from events were instrumental in building her confidence and expanding her network, illustrating the significant impact of in-person interactions.
Game Scouting Process and Skills Required
The game scouting process involves evaluating numerous submissions while maintaining an eye for potential and quality. Meg emphasizes the significance of critical thinking and soft skills, such as empathy and communication, rather than solely relying on technical gaming skills. She mentions that scouts often need to make snap decisions about which games to pursue, requiring a balance of intuition and thorough evaluation. This reflects the need for scouts to develop a critical eye that considers both the game's potential and the developer's creativity.
The Role of Data and Gut Instinct in Decision-Making
When scouting for games, a blend of data analysis and gut instinct is vital in determining a game's viability. While some publishers utilize market research and data analysis to make informed choices, personal judgment and an understanding of the gaming landscape remain crucial. Meg discusses how trends can be misleading, as relying too heavily on data may ignore the nuances of gaming trends and consumer interest. Successful scouts develop their instincts over time, learning to navigate the balance between data and gut feelings when assessing game pitches.
Pitching to Publishers: Best Practices
Approaching publishers effectively requires developers to be prepared and forthcoming with information about their games. Meg advises sending concise pitch decks that include essential details, such as the game's genre, budget, and development goals, to streamline initial communications. Providing clear expectations and being honest about the project's status can lead to better conversations with scouts and publishers. Ultimately, the ability to present a complete and engaging pitch can significantly enhance a developer’s chances of making valuable connections in the industry.
Join Meg Clarke, Senior Game Scout at Team17, as she shares insights into the intriguing world of game scouting and provides valuable advice on how to build a career in this field on this episode of IndieGameBusiness. Meg aims to demystify the process of becoming a scout and dispel common misconceptions surrounding the role, encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to consider themselves eligible based on their unique personalities and soft skills.
Discover the intricacies of game scouting as Meg offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of the job. Gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed as a scout and learn about the best and worst aspects of the profession from someone who's been on the front lines.
Stay connected with Meg Clarke to access more insider perspectives on game scouting and industry insights.
Connect with Meg Clarke:
Twitter: twitter.com/MegMgumi
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/meg-clarke-19650869
Don't miss this enlightening discussion that sheds light on the game scouting process and empowers developers to navigate the publisher search with confidence. Subscribe to IndieGameBusiness for more enlightening conversations on game development and industry trends.
