I was talking to an artist recently. She is studying a videogame design course – specifically on the art front – but told me that she does not play games at all. That is a giant red flag to me. If I am an employer in that sector my interview questions are simple; “what are your inspirations?” and “what games do you play?” and if I get an answer back along the lines of “none” – then my decision is almost made for me.
How can someone possibly be training in a field that they demonstrate absolutely no interest in? Imagine hiring someone in PR who does not read the news? Or employing a chef who does not eat out and appreciate other people’s work? Someone who understands the industry they work in, someone who enjoys that industry as well is going to learn quicker, be more willing to try new things in that industry than someone who demonstrates no interest at all.