The day starts at 09.30 and finishes (formally) at about 17.00. The introductory session is always given by Philip and Andrew Oliver, who wrote the Dizzy games back in the 1980s and founded this company in 1990.
Following that are overview presentations from the main games disciplines – 2D Art, 3D Art, Animation, Audio, Game Design, Programming, Project Management and Quality Assurance – all given by members of our game teams, from industry veterans with a couple of decades’ experience to people who have only just started their first job this year. We also take attendees on astudio tour, to show the range of games that we’re currently working on.
During the afternoon attendees get a chance to sit down for at least an hour with someone who is doing the job they want to do and ask them questions about what it’s like to work in the industry, what they do day-to-day and so on. These are small groups, one to one with the relevant development discipline, and attendees are encouraged to bring their portfolios / showreels / demos to get direct, constructive and helpful feedback.
At the end of the day, there is usually a trip to a local pub with some of our developers to continue talking and drinking ;)
Please note that anyone wanting to attend one of our Open Days has to complete a work sample and send it to us – this is because we get a lot of applications and need some way to make sure the places go to the most deserving people. The briefs are sent out automatically when registration is completed, based on the discipline chosen during registration; please see the briefs here: Briefs page
Please don’t think you’re not good enough to gain a place – we always try to pick a really good mix of people with potential and talent, so do apply!
It is also worth noting that project management is not generally an entry level position in the games industry and the role is dependent on having a broad range of development experience. We do cover project management as part of the day's presentations, but we don't accept applications from students citing project management as their primary discipline.
All the days are free to attend and lunch and refreshments are provided.
Work Sample Briefs
As part of the registration process we ask you to provide work samples, for previews of the briefs follow this link.
If you have any further questions regarding the Open Days, please contact us at:
education@blitzgamesstudios.com
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Please note that you retain all rights and title to the work that you submit to us, including copyright. We will only use your work to evaluate your application to Blitz Academy. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications that we receive we are unable to return anything that you send to us, so please ensure that you keep copies of everything. Please note that because of the amount and broad scope of work undertaken by us, we may currently or in the future be developing work or information internally, or receiving work or information from other parties that may be similar to the your work. Any work submitted by you will not affect our right to independently develop, make, use, procure, or market products or services now or in the future that are similar to or compete with your work.