The best way to meet these people is to go to game conventions. Behind the stands, you can meet people who are here to interview people interested in their company. It's better to ask for an interview BEFORE actually going there though... and if you have a nice project you can show them, you should (be careful though, some companies -even large ones- steal people's work... make sure your project is registered somewhere to value your copyrights if needed). Being passionate and dedicated is not that rare, actually everyone in this industry is. You must show that you have more than just a "player-side" perspective of the gaming industry, you must know its rules and facts, how things work in general in such companies, and why.
Aim for a specific company, do NOT try to wander here and there and give your resume pointlessly. They'll notice and you won't get any chance, especially since they spend the whole days interviewing people who are probably more fitting to the job (because they have experience, while you don't). Go there with a real project in mind, and show them you did your master degree in that purpose. Do not hesitate to ask people for their business card, even if they are not related directly to a game company. The more people you will know, the easier it will be to get your project known, and you might even find people interested enough to contact you. So don't forget to have your own business cards ready.
Actually, the ultimate way to have a network in the video game industry is to work with these guys. When I was a student in Game Design, our teachers were real professionals (seniors, lead, and such), which helped a lot to create a network and be known. Since you can't do it that way, I'd really suggest to go for game conventions and get yourself known there. It's gutsy, but it's probably the best way for you to get known. Don't go there empty handed, you MUST know where you are going prior to meeting them.
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The best way to meet these people is to go to game conventions. Behind the stands, you can meet people who are here to interview people interested in their company. It's better to ask for an interview BEFORE actually going there though... and if you have a nice project you can show them, you should (be careful though, some companies -even large ones- steal people's work... make sure your project is registered somewhere to value your copyrights if needed). Being passionate and dedicated is not that rare, actually everyone in this industry is. You must show that you have more than just a "player-side" perspective of the gaming industry, you must know its rules and facts, how things work in general in such companies, and why.
Aim for a specific company, do NOT try to wander here and there and give your resume pointlessly. They'll notice and you won't get any chance, especially since they spend the whole days interviewing people who are probably more fitting to the job (because they have experience, while you don't). Go there with a real project in mind, and show them you did your master degree in that purpose. Do not hesitate to ask people for their business card, even if they are not related directly to a game company. The more people you will know, the easier it will be to get your project known, and you might even find people interested enough to contact you. So don't forget to have your own business cards ready.
Actually, the ultimate way to have a network in the video game industry is to work with these guys. When I was a student in Game Design, our teachers were real professionals (seniors, lead, and such), which helped a lot to create a network and be known. Since you can't do it that way, I'd really suggest to go for game conventions and get yourself known there. It's gutsy, but it's probably the best way for you to get known. Don't go there empty handed, you MUST know where you are going prior to meeting them.