Gaming Journalism or Translation?

[Journalism_Translation]

I don't know if these two careers are out of the realm of what is discussed here, but here it goes!
I would like to work for a gaming magazine/online site in the US or in Japan (for foreign correspondence). If nothing else, I would like to use my Japanese skills for translating games!

Thanks for any help! This site is unprecedented!
Thank you for creating and maintaining it

[Hal Halpin]

I just did a panel yesterday at NY ComiCon about this very issue actually. The advice I'd pass along comes from the other panelists who suggested that you reach out to the media outlets that you respect and pass them your best work, content that impresses them. They also suggested that aspiring writers start and maintain a blog, as it'll serve you better than a resume or degree.

I'd add to that that you should upload your resume to GameJobs.com, our career site. It's free and the site will email you when a job is posted that matches your criteria.

I hope that helps, and good luck!

[Demontestament]

Do you have any plans on doing a panel at San Diego Comic-Con Mr. Halpin?

[Hal Halpin]

I'm not sure, to be honest. Requests for speakers usually go through our PR firm, which coordinates.

I am speaking at PAX in August, but not sure how we're juggling events in July, as I believe they conflict.

Going forward, I'll ask our publicists to tell Thomas or Seth so that we can get them posted here on the forums... perhaps in the Events section.

[Journalism_Translation]

thanks for the info.
I do have a question about the BLOG suggestion.
I know what they are, in essence. How would I use a BLOG to appeal to media persons?

Is it about how many hits/how many subscribers I have or how much activity I receive?

Is moving to the West coast close to essential in landing these jobs or similar experiences?

As an aside, I was told most gaming journalism jobs are in Northern California.

Thanks for your help!

[Hal Halpin]

On your blog question: it seems as though they're interested in seeing your skills, more than what kind of traffic you can drive - so I'd focus on quality of your product and quantity/frequency of content.

On your location question: there seem to be a few hubs (SF, LA and NY primarily), but yes, new hires are expected to relocate. Moving yourself increases your odds of being hired as well. That said, exceptions are made for extraordinary talents, but I wouldn't count on it.

Hope that helps.

[ZippyDSMlee]

Zippy says he is a disabled, chaotic(quantity/frequency), half crazed loon, and the net is the only place that would have him :P