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Gaining real-world experience through virtual-world gaming

Intern: Michael J.

Position: Game Intern at Digital Extremes

Digital Extremes is a Canadian video game developer headquartered in London, Ontario.

Tell us about a typical day in your internship?

“My internship experience at Digital Extremes was incredibly engaging and fulfilling. Each day, I woke up excited to hop on the computer and meet with the Community team to discuss the latest happenings within the game community and plan for upcoming updates. Some of my weekly tasks included presenting findings on creator content feedback, attending weekly livestreams to cover updates in real-time, and participating in playtests to determine the best practices and features for upcoming releases.”

What skills did you learn and develop in your internship?

“Team coordination and communication were the prime skills I fostered, but marketing and community management were the ones I learned. By speaking with the community on a daily basis I was able to develop a greater understanding of how effective certain implemented marketing strategies were, how to qualitatively analyze content, and organize mass communications for the player base.”

What was a highlight of your internship experience?

“A highlight of my internship experience with the Digital Extremes community team was being able to interact with the players and help create a positive gaming experience for them. I enjoyed being able to moderate chat rooms, answer player questions, and provide support and assistance to those who needed it. It was a great feeling knowing that I was making a positive impact on the community and an even greater feeling knowing that if I were to return, it would be with welcoming arms from both the community team and player base."

What did you find challenging about your internship experience?

“During my internship with the community team at Digital Extremes, I found that one of the most challenging aspects was balancing the needs of the community with the goals of the company. It was important to listen to player feedback and address any concerns, but at the same time, we had to make sure that our actions aligned with the overall vision and strategy of the company.”

Are there any specific topics from your classes you found applied to your placement?

“I found myself thinking often about the theory and practice of the gig economy throughout my internship. The gig economy on YouTube, Twitch and other social media platforms is relevant for video game company community teams as it allows them to collaborate with independent creators and influencers on a project-by-project basis.

This allows companies to tap into the talents, reach and credibility of these creators, which can help to promote the game and increase engagement. This type of collaboration also offers flexibility and allows companies to easily test new strategies and campaigns, rather than being locked into a long-term commitment.”

How did your internship shape your thoughts on your career/life after FIMS?

“During my internship experience with the Digital Extremes community team, I had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of my specific interests within the media industry. The hands-on experience allowed me to explore these interests and gain valuable skills in the process. Furthermore, my internship provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the gaming industry, which was previously limited to my personal experience as a consumer. The valuable knowledge and skills gained throughout the internship have proven to be invaluable in my personal and professional development.”

What advice do you have for a FIMS student who is considering an internship?

“My advice to students considering taking an internship is to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. When considering an internship, it is important to understand that it can be a valuable tool for discovering your career interests and goals. Instead of approaching your search with uncertainty about what you want to do, consider your internship as an opportunity to gain insight into what you may not want to do, in addition to exploring your potential interests. It is important to remember that the outcome of your internship experience is directly linked to the effort and initiative you put into it. The experience will provide valuable insights and skills that will aid in your future professional development.”