10 Things I Learned Working In The Gaming Industry
8. "Specialise Or Die" Is A Myth
You know a nickname I was given a few years ago? The Art Janitor. Basically, I had become the go-to guy for all the odds and ends that needed to be done - animation, 2D art, some storyboarding... I hadn't really found a niche, a specialism, so I had become the "master of none" dude (not Aziz Ansari).
At first, I hated it. But as time passed, I realised that had become my strength.
It's typical when starting in a studio to be asked what your specialism is going to be - most studios have defined career arcs to follow, so it makes sense to follow those.
And for most roles, yes, you'll likely find you'll be working towards a specific career niche (and some love a particular part of game development so much that it makes sense for them to specialise), but despite the "official" channels pushing you to find your corner to work in, there will always be room for generalists or Jacks-of-all-trades.
If you're more of a generalist or you love working on multiple different aspects of a game, then typically the assumption is that you may be better off looking more towards smaller teams, on independent titles. But even larger AAA teams are starting to appreciate the value of the Art Janitor - so if you're a developer without a niche, worry not.
Hold that mop tight, and flourish.