Getting a AAA Gaming Job

Here's an interesting read from Down Under for anyone hoping to get a job in the gaming industry. It chronicles one man's experiences in finally landing a position on a AAA game being developed in the US. Source is Aussie game site Big Kid. Here's a taste:

And this is the important subtext to Step 3 - you have to value your own worth, because often no-one else will. It is in a company’s interests to keep you working for them. IT companies, and games companies in particular, make a great deal of money from the continued support, effort, and talent of their staff. Believe me, they make a lot of money. Generally, but not always, they look after their people in return. It is a symbiotic relationship, and a trade off. But it is not ownership - it is crucial to remember that when the pressure is applied, as it usually will be. Good companies understand this, and facilitate ways to keep staff even when they move. Luckily, THQ was one of those companies.

and…

So, as these things tend to happen, the telephone interview with the studio I wouldn’t normally pick went amazingly well. They liked me, and flew me over for a week to interview and check out the area. I liked what I heard and saw, and after several months of visa issues arrived into a mild desert winter to take up the position of Senior Designer on my first real AAA, “gamers” title. It took 6 or 7 years to do it, but I am finally working on games I would actually play.

You'll find the entire article here.
More information.

Link doesn't work for me. Get page not found.

Well, I just clicked on the link right here in the forum and went straight to the page. Unless it's something to do with it being an Aussie site here in Brissie where I am, I have no idea why you would have a problem!!

Why always AAA ? Why not BBB ?

Yes, and why this triple A? Isn't one A good enough?

Alternately, just stumble into it by sheer stinking blind luck, like I did.

Originally Posted by Alrik Fassbauer
Why always AAA ? Why not BBB ?

AAA-rated games are to A-rated games what XXX-rated movies are to X-rated moves…

Same content, with more advertising hype.

Good one stanza!! I just copied the title from the article!!

Okay, THEN I'm saying : "I wanna make an AAAA game !"

No matter how few things I know from gaming at all.