THIS is How I Got A Job @ Rockstar Games

[@BROKEN-ARMS]

I’m taking notes

[@stylore]

8:58 I can agree with this comment, back in 2020 i was hired by FEMA and the first thing people were asking me is "Oh so who do you know here" and of course my response was "Noone" and would immediately be received by a shocked face and "Wow, that does not happen often" Honestly, that was an amazing statement to hear. How you conduct yourself, knowledge and excitment goes a long way with interviews.

[@YorkReacts]

@@stylore it really does lots of people have talent now a days or can do the job but can I sit next to that person 40 hours a week haha 🤣 personality and blending in with the crew is super important

[@hughy897]

Get a job at R*, first day at the office and someone asks you “whats your favorite game ?” Me: “Driver”

[@YorkReacts]

Hey at least your honest hah

[@ryanconstantinechong4346]

Your advice about Linkedin is inspiring to all people of different trades, not just the gaming industry. Thank you.

[@trevorphillips8734]

I feel like I’d accidentally start ranting about their problems in their game and not get hired 😂

[@YorkReacts]

Hahaha that’s hilarious

[@Artoflucaboni]

You’re a fantastic story teller and a rad dude! So cool to hear these stories

[@Nathan-jj5hv]

Been a long time since I heard someone say "rad" 😂

[@curiousmind_]

​@@Nathan-jj5hv that word fits this guy perfectly

[@evanpaluch6190]

He is a rad chad

[@Nathan-jj5hv]

@@curiousmind_ forsure

[@beartrap8625]

@@Nathan-jj5hvthat’s how I felt till I played fallout lol

[@momsxrage]

I’m 18 years old and i live in tunisia my dream job is to be a developer at rockstar games!! Next year i will join computer science engineering university. I hope me and anyone who’s reading this to achieve our goals❤

[@YorkReacts]

That’s awesome! First you should think what you want to do most on a video game.. do you want to design, model, texture, animate or do VFX ect Don’t get me wrong a computer science degree is good to have and I’m sure someone has been hired before with that degree but if you want to work at rockstar ect I’d highly suggest focusing on one or two things and trying to become as good as you can at that. Oooo and I also hope anyone reading this achieves their goals as well ❤️hah if I can help In any way let me know

[@momsxrage]

Thank you sir i appreciate it!!

[@AstraN9ne99]

Good luck man. I hope you already coding etc.. So when you finish the university you will be ready to work 3-4 years in a smaller companies and by the time you will be in the uni try to build some projects just for your portfolio. To get hired into Rockstar Games you must have lot of expirience and be talented. The hours they work there are a lot!!

[@MJsgamingproduction]

wild bledi

[@takeo661]

@@YorkReacts what the name of the side who mapping the game?

[@Smb_designs]

After seeing your Portfolio , Damn GOW RAGNAROK, Callisto protocol, RD 2, MK 11 Good Luck for all your future endeavors.

[@danteshollowedgrounds]

Thanks for sharing with us.

[@Esmael822]

This channel is a godsend even for someone who has no skills for the gaming industry and just passionate about games. Your storytelling is so fun to watch. Thanks so much for your work rockstar loll. Subbed

[@MattZaycYT]

I would truly like to thank you. Thank you for sharing your experience. And thank so much for working at one of the best entertainment projects ever! I do not have the qualifications to work at Rockstar Games but I am a fan and I have learned valuable lessons with the tips you have shared.

[@YorkReacts]

Right on!! Love to hear comments like this. It’s why I started my KZbin channel I really wanted to share my experiences in the games industry and hopefully teach people some stuff along the way and have fun 🤩 thanks for stopping by hope to see you in the future comments

[@SCABRFB]

SO awesome to get some insight into a company i've loved throughout me growing up. I started at GTA 1 and i'm eagerly looking forward to GTA 6. Looking forward to more stories!

[@aaronredpath1050]

Creature Studios are still looking for an animator for Session: Skate Sim. You'd be a PERFECT fit over there

[@YorkReacts]

Ooooo that does sound super fun not gonna lie lol 😂

[@claytonbrown797]

With his skating background that would be a great fit

[@GMECRTL]

@@YorkReacts PLEASE apply for the role! We NEED a 'get on skateboard' animation from standing. I love that game but it's missing some much-needed fluidity.

[@YorkReacts]

@@GMECRTL hah well I just started at a new company like a week ago so it’s sorta bad timing. Wish I knew about it sooner

[@meechmayne1234]

I’ve wanted to work there all my life. This gave me a lot of peace listening to you speak. Thank you, @York Reacts . I’ve lost a lot of people recently. It’s hard to maintain passion and positivity when shit hits the fan in your life lol. I still have those dreams of working there. It would be a real shame if those dreams died too. Who knows?? Maybe someday I’ll get to work there too :)

[@YorkReacts]

Keep that dream alive! Chase it download Unreal engine and just take it one day at a time.

[@meechmayne1234]

@@YorkReacts thank you for the reply!! Love that you love what you do!!

[@MrGTAmodsgerman]

Glad i discovered your channel. This video was extreemly valuable for me , not because i didn't heard most of it somewhere already, just because it comes from someone who can actually show that it's an verified advice that not only can be applied to working for R*. Thanks for that. This can be applied to anyone who wants to work in the industry related to media creation.

[@Goodguy949]

I just saw your resume and my god you got some god level skills. Seems helpful for a person who wants to follow the same path as yours. Thank you sir

[@YorkReacts]

@@Goodguy949 haha thanks man appreciate that. I started small though the key is to start and never look back

[@s4aragon]

Great insight! Lots of points I needed to hear.. and I work in a completely different space!

[@IASP17]

dude I definitely wanna hear stories about working for R and also see some of your work

[@jangomp3]

Dude I’m gonna subscribe to you. I like how passionate you sound about your love for the industry.

[@RadeonVector]

If one thing can be said about R* Games in the last 10 years is that at least their animations are great, so thank you my dude for your great work!!

[@Macomades]

Thank you, i just hope to come back on this video years later working for rockstar game and thank you as much as i can

[@grass1962]

I like this guy, genuine .

[@armiiiiiiiin567]

Yo this video was so interesting, thanks for sharing your experience with Rockstar games 👌

[@YorkReacts]

Right on! No problem I want to share more but I heard some guy was sharing his old work from gta 4 and rockstar sent him en email basically wanting him to take it down I think or something along those lines don’t quote me lol But basically I’m kinda worried a bit of sharing certain things or them trying to come at me legally for something I say. But we will see. I think long as I’m not sharing trade secrets ect I’m ok

[@8BitRetroMonkey]

You’re a great genuine fella. Love your videos

[@YorkReacts]

Thanks man really appreciate that! You play lots of retro games ?

[@8BitRetroMonkey]

@@YorkReacts yeah I love all types of games but I love the old retro games coz I feel they were designed to be short but also to be played over and over again. I find that with big modern AAA games you sometimes play them once and never really go back to them. They focussed on gameplay back then. Today it’s mostly graphics.

[@msfh1991]

Thanks for sharing this, I've been talking to someone in RS who liked my work and he hasn't replied me for a week and I'm freaking out LOL.. I'll relax now a little

[@Ghaith37]

oh! i didn't know Bradly cooper worked at Rockstar , you are really a Rockstar

[@Rune3D]

I cant believe i missed this video! I love listening to you talk about your passions and past experiences! Its amazing that the they flew you out there for a follow-up interview! That doesn't happen very often and only with people who they think are REALLY skilled! Great inside advise here, so proud of you, dude!

[@YorkReacts]

Ayeeee thanks man yeah Overall Rockstar was a great experience for me. I learned a lot

[@YorkReacts]

I want to make a video next on my experience working on GTAV stuff I ran into cool little stories and quirks of the development process ect

[@basilshaikh2451]

What is your role/JD @ rockstar games@@YorkReacts

[@YorkReacts]

@@basilshaikh2451 my role was Animator. I worked at the New England studio. I was apart of a small team there only 4 of us there animating. They have lots of other studios and locations though that help on each project.

[@jordanheckler2674]

So cool to hear about! Excited for more content from you!

[@zuz2366]

Saw this video last month before your GTA VI trailer reaction!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Master_Psyper]

Damn this boy must have run into Twista at the club😮‍💨it’s been 4 days and this channel has blown up, congrats my guy!

[@Bulborb1]

Overnight celebrity 😅🔥

[@darrenameyork2679]

you layed it out so ppl can play it out 👍

[@YorkReacts]

Watch out Darren with the bars haha

[@josephvanwyk2088]

Any chance you can make tutorials for us? Like proper legit pipeline stuff - how big game companies do their things. Form building assets to animation to storytelling etc... Your knowledge would be saving grace (especially us newbies who want to make indie games and have no form of degree or education with regards to this sort of stuff).

[@lelanledoux21]

Beyond great video!

[@Loracka]

very interesting to hear your story 👌 cheers man

[@charlesAcmen]

thank you sir,i got your whole point and it is almost identical from what i guess.Now i am only a 4 years undergrauate working on software engineering,but let me cook,we will see !

[@YorkReacts]

@@charlesAcmen heck yeah bro cook it up take your time and work hard you’ll get there if you want it bad enough and chase it

[@chefalbert223]

So happy I came across your page, easy sub and will be sticking around for a while !! keep it up

[@YorkReacts]

Thanks Chef really appreciate the support more then you know. 🙏

[@lyraspartan]

I would like to thank you for your video. I just graduated and im currently looking for jobs and you advice is helpong me a lot in looking for more places

[@Mr.Mister420]

I have worked with rockstar in 2006-2009 System designer.Left it for financial reasons

[@raymond.ok_16]

Noted

[@Mikey.p257]

Get to the reason why you left already😂

[@danteshollowedgrounds]

Watch the video then 🗿💩🤓🤡👌

[@xiRePeNTx]

​@@danteshollowedgrounds😂😂😂

[@turzyn40]

​@@danteshollowedgroundsit's not in the video 🤡

[@TBolt1]

@@danteshollowedgrounds He didn’t say why he left Rockstar.

[@danteshollowedgrounds]

@@TBolt1 Do you really need to know every little detail?🗿🤔🤔 If so then maybe he'll make another video on it one day or a community post somewhere if not then oh well that's unfortunate.

[@CypherJam]

can you make a video about what makes a game developer? what to learn and stuff, would really appreciate it. I'm a senior university engineer and it would be really helpful to know how to get a career shift from someone like you.

[@ook4818]

I remember I wanted to be an actor. I moved out to LA after high school and realized .. I did not like it - fast forward, I play GTA online every single day (I’m playing it now lol) and have always wondered how does a video game work. I play the sims and city skylines because I like to create. I absolutely loveeee it, and gta is what got me into applying for college for a game designer. Working at rockstar or ea is a new found dream because I love gaming. I can’t believe when I was younger I wanted to act.. wth lol.

[@Degas93]

Sadly their support centers mostly employ people who don't even play the games or understand how they work (not on a programming level). So it's quite difficult for a non programmer/something to that regard to get into the company unfortunately.

[@Borland_666]

I bet Rockstar made him sign like 15 NDAs before they even allowed him inside the front doors into the foyer for the interview lol

[@ReeceGeee]

This guy is really Intreating 👏

[@FURLAS.GAMEPLAYS]

Im from Brazil and one of my dreams is to work at Rockstar games 😁

[@filta994]

Can't wait for more brother!

[@mightybeast3298]

I have watched a few of your videos now and you give off really good energy. I want to get into something regarding like animation, graphic design, or both. I'm just not sure really where to start. Any tips? You've also gained a subscriber.

[@AEDudes]

I like to see the Demo Reel which got you your first AAA position.

[@YorkReacts]

I think I can dig it up somewhere. From what I remember it had some mocap clean up in there and acting shots from animation mentor. Little bit of everything

[@RapidzF1]

This was a great video! Great career advice. Thank you!

[@johnrtrfc25]

Very interesting insight video!

[@iggythakid6997]

Do you have videos where you talk about gta v’s beta? I always thought those were really interesting topics. I remember when I was younger I heard talk about San fierro or las venturas originally being ideas for gta v but they cut it early on. I think they got as far as recording police dialogue (their radio).

[@victor6010]

awesome

[@JamesMyddelton]

Love your channel and your passion

[@abin6909]

How do I build a good resume as a programmer though? What do these guys love to see in the linkedin profile of a game programmer? I've never thought about having a fancy linkedin to lure in employers before. I always thought they only hire through job posting sites and with 10 degrees from prestigious universities. Just like you, gta vice city shaped my childhood as well and I always wanted to become a game dev. But as I grew up, people kept telling me these big companies have some EXPENSIVE requirements so I just slowly gave up on that idea and settled as a humble app developer. But these last few months, that spark has been slowly reigniting and I want to start learning game development in my spare time. I was wondering if you have any tips that can point me to the right path.

[@sinistan1002]

I don't think he is a programmer but I am (not with a game specific background though that is more of a hobby). it does not always matter in many cases though more than you would think if you have a degree or not what many people want to know is how smart you are and how hard you are willing to work. eg you can have 2 degrees and go into an interview and fail a white board coding test or just come off poorly in general. and with games you probably want a portfolio of works you can demonstrate to pull from, eg mods for other games, demos etc. that visual impact goes a long way.

[@gameplayripper]

I am a game programmer with professional experience and what I can tell you is that you want to show what you are capable of with demos, prototypes, game jams and whatnot. You should download a game engine and start learning its framework to start prototyping your own projects. In the gaming industry we preferrably use C++ for core programming and probably some other language for scripting such as Lua, C#, Python etc. Also, I advise you to go to the careers section of the companies you want to work for and take a peek on what they look for in candidates 🎉😊

[@gameplayripper]

One last thing, try to not get attached to learning only a game engine and its framework, but also learn the core concepts of what it makes a game engine such as rendering libraries, ECS, Audio libraries and whatnot.

[@abin6909]

@@gameplayripper that's really helpful, thank you. Can you recommend an engine I can start with?

[@gameplayripper]

@@abin6909 I would recommend either Unity or Unreal since they have a huge community that you can search for answers and whatnot

[@El_El_Guapo]

You definitely have a northern san diego county vibe. Encinitas, carlsbad, ocenaside. I would assume you never left after starting working at rockstar. Am I wrong? I lived there for 13 years.

[@YorkReacts]

Almost nailed it haha I was born in San Diego CA and been back to Cali many times to live and work over the years. I’ve bounced around a lot over the years. Germany, San Francisco, Glendale, Beverly Hills, Colorado, lol 😂

[@nikgamercp]

it amazing way to get Rockstar, I want to get any company, I don't know how they will react I have cerebral palsy

[@steffdagreat7]

I appreciate your contribution to the gaming industry. Question, how would an artist get in touch with the guys who add the music into the games?

[@HarryHavocGaming]

very nice i liked it

[@Andybarney555]

Didnt work on 5 then 2012. 5 came out back in tudor times... 1700 consoles ago...

[@z31Joshyman]

What a cheerful dude!

[@Kid_Guru]

Are you a big fan of the last of us? I feel like I see a statue of Ellie in the background.

[@YorkReacts]

The last of us part 1 is my favorite game of all time

[@Kid_Guru]

@@YorkReacts that’s cool. Mine as well. Closely followed by part 2 as controversial as it is. Maybe one day we’ll see your animations in that series!

[@user-pi7ug4dm6m]

❤❤❤Could you make a video describing how they give you different tasks to animate for the game do you just come up with stuff or do they say "I need you to animate an alligator eating a boar"

[@koenig1010]

I love your videos. May I ask, why do you not work for Rockstar anymore?

[@Divergence]

I've had a few chances of Rockstar games, but I can never get past the video interview stage. :(

[@YorkReacts]

Ohh really?! So once they do the video interview with you they choose to not move forward?

[@squash_blossom4398]

Great content Mike! Thank you for sharing with us! I only have one last curiosity left. You said you worked for GTA5 and RDR2 so you both worked for Rockstar North and Rockstar San Diego ? 🤔 How does it work ?

[@joeyb3889]

Thanks for sharing, what are your thoughts on media studies and production though. It gets a bad rep, but I’m assuming most of these guys with that degree end up in a similar field as you.

[@bovjer]

When are we gonna hear more about your time at rockstar 😊

[@YorkReacts]

Cooking up a video soon. Trying to plan it out sorta and figure out the best things to talk about and discuss. I also have limited time lately because of my work schedule. Harder to make longer format videos that are heavily edited. Takes a bit more time on my end

[@ogardiga6240]

hey cool video, what skills are valuable to learn? For example I like the world building aspect, would learning blender be a good option or should i pursue unreal engine instead?

[@syarsalar]

i am a 3D artist with 8 years of experience in the industry, will have a good chance to get hire by rockstar? its my dream to become an artist there since i started 3Ds in 2015 so i would like to know what is the possibilities and what software do they recommend their artists to use? i used cinema 4d, 3ds max, maya for modeling and substance painter for texturing with marmoset toolbag for rendering what is the possibilities for an artist who lives in iraq? any advice? love ur videos keep up!

[@danialredcliff8867]

If you dont mind can you tell how much salary you got as a animator?

[@henryjohnson-ville3834]

That would be interesting to know.

[@aaronthornell9785]

just now seeing this video so when i do my application and do my waiting if i have no exprince will they put me in training to and love the videos and keep it up

[@DashawnJizzle]

I like this dude. Great video.

[@Gamerrgirl12380]

Idk a damn thing about making games but i wanna work at rockstar😂😂😂

[@YorkReacts]

Hah well dreams can become reality at one point in my life I was in the exact same position as you. I really wanted to work in video games and at Rockstar but didn’t know a single thing about what it takes to make a game or where to get started.

[@whycreepy]

I don't like Samsung But I love ya Mike!

[@davusito]

this is cool

[@hyperdukes7860]

Yo ive got the same button up shirt haha

[@BasherBeans]

Hey, man I live quite close to Edinburgh where Rockstar North is located and do you suggest taking College for Rockstar games for a Programmer just that if it'll boost my chance? This has to be one of my dream jobs or working for Capcom games (I rather work for Rockstar from there pay)

[@YorkReacts]

Yeha man do it! And being close to the studio is a huge plus and don’t forget to mention that in your email when you apply. Let them know you live close by. It’s a big deal to be honest

[@BasherBeans]

@@YorkReacts Thanks!

[@Outpassed]

so R* basicly some cool dudes working on cool games

[@dariusdatcu1068]

Can you tell us why did you leave rockstar games? I mean it looks like a good job to me.

[@malekkarim9276]

Dude i saw you work for highwire games i play 6 days in fallujah all the time

[@stepY0gameup]

I’m in my 30s so unfortunately the dream for this might be too late. But this was a pleasure to hear your experience. Love your energy BTW. You have a a new sub.

[@ibrahimssen]

I'm 27 and was thinking same while I was watching the video.

[@harjeetsangha]

Never too late to achieve your dreams, you too are both still younger than you think, it’s not like it’s the NBA or football league. Get working and make it happen!

[@NessaDalloway]

that doesn't matter at all... I started my career in videogames when I was 29. All that matters is that you're a good fit and age is not a part of that.

[@stepY0gameup]

I’m 35, two newborns. And moved to a whole new state. I would love to do it but I don’t even know where to even start. I feel I’m not financially ready neither. But I hear you both and it does make me feel there’s hope. Guess I need to figure out how it’s possible.

[@joeyb3889]

Personally speaking pretty much every adult I know found their career in their 30s and late 20s.

[@wevsitekilo9072]

Hey man, that’s awesome that you made a video about this. Do you think there is any opportunity for a marketing student at rockstar? I’m extremely proficient and passionate about graphic design, but lack advanced computer skills and what not. Thanks!

[@YorkReacts]

I’m not sure to be honest I’m not working over there anymore but that being said I think every company can always use a good marketing student and designer. If you are serious about getting into games I would highly recommend downloading the Unreal Engine and practicing as much as you can

[@wevsitekilo9072]

@@YorkReacts Thank you! I guess that means I need a new crazy PC right. 🤣 I will download and try figuring it out. Cheers!

[@barnabyjones5161]

Right?

[@KingRoyale_]

I'm taking your notes thanks And how I get job as tester game Please respond!

[@YorkReacts]

Ooooo I could make a video on this topic! I used to be a game tester way back in the day.

[@clinzy2455]

Did you work on gta 6 and do they tell you when canes would be released or announced

[@YorkReacts]

Nah I didn’t work on GTA 6. I left a few months before RDR2 released. So now at this point I don’t know when stuff is released on their end until it’s released to the public

[@Marc5083]

Why did you leave Rockstar Games ? I know that Dan Houser he also left the studio 😯

[@YorkReacts]

Lots of different reasons but none I’d like to get into to be honest. Hope you understand

[@Marc5083]

@@YorkReacts lt’s okay, i am just wondering what’s the future for the studio 🤔🫤

[@YorkReacts]

@@Marc5083 ohh not sure but they will probably be fine. There are tons of fans that will buy basically anything they release because for the most part lots of people work hard at that studio and want to make the best game possible. I’m sure there will be restructuring and there probably has been a ton since I left but overall rockstar isn’t going anywhere anytime soon

[@Marc5083]

@@YorkReacts Yeah, but they taking so long for developing the next grand theft auto game, it’s been 5 years since they’ve been releasing a new game, and since Dan Houser left, i am so worried about the studio, that’s all…

[@YorkReacts]

@@Marc5083 haha that’s the name of the game as the say lol dude it takes at least 5 years to make a new game over at rockstar. Good things take time

[@Alex77777alexxxxxx]

Blessed by God the father

[@johnny5805]

Why did you leave Rockstar ? I've heard they are a terrible employee. Stories about Sam Houser open hand slapping an employee in front of everyone, because he blocked his car in ! And the veiled threats to employees who aren't super keen on working 7 days a week, 18 hours a day. Stuff like that.

[@bigdraco410]

No way lmaoooo

[@TurboLight]

Imran Sarwar, director of design, was accused of abuse towards the other employees. He left in 2019, around the time when company sought to change its workplace culture

[@user-pi7ug4dm6m]

I'd love to know how much you made there typically or roughly

[@Frarkles]

Why did you stop sorry for asking couldnt find that awnser in the videos ?

[@YorkReacts]

Sorry NDA

[@newzeriahgamingstudio5154]

I have a game Idea and I'm developing it right now and I want rockstar to help me create it but I'm a young boy at age 15

[@YorkReacts]

Well if you want my thoughts I wouldn't tell your idea to a huge company. Usually your idea wont even reach the people that make those decisions. My advice would be to download Unreal Engine 5 and start working on your idea and crush it and find people to help you who are excited for your game as well and want to contribute to it. Wish you the best man!

[@newzeriahgamingstudio5154]

@@YorkReacts I'm already doing it on unreal engine 5👍 but yeah I'll find people who will help me thanks my friend

[@Yasser-w5s]

When GTA VI

[@Jl-qg5xz]

2025

[@XlllIllIlX]

How do I apply for gaming companies been something I wanted to do since I was a kid

[@shreeprabinthapamagar2591]

😊

[@lefreecodeur]

one day maybe :)

[@yourkeel9012]

If I happen to live in a country that doesn't have an office (Greece specifically) will they help transfer and move to usa?

[@YorkReacts]

Yeah usually. If you have good work and they feel like you would be an asset to the team and project then yup they would most likely pay for your moving expenses and visa stuff

[@yourkeel9012]

@@YorkReacts oh that's great thank you so much. I'll get to computer programming university next year and when I'm out I'd love to join the company but I'll have to wait a few years.

[@_darkjs]

Can I have any chance if I put a lot of dedication into programs like Unreal Engine, ZBrush, Maya etc?

[@YorkReacts]

Yup you will have a great chance

[@_darkjs]

​@@YorkReacts Thank you so much for answering me I will try to do my best ❤

[@YorkReacts]

@@_darkjs focus your energy and time on what you enjoy doing most. Weather that’s animation, modeling, texturing or coding ect

[@_darkjs]

​@@YorkReacts I will, thanks again!

[@TopShotFrankers]

Is it true that you can’t talk about what games you making there to family friends

[@YorkReacts]

Well technically I don’t think you are supposed to tell your family but sometimes I slip to a family member but they all know not to say anything to anybody since it’s risking my job. I tell my mom or wife ect but I try not to tel friends or anyone in the industry. I’ve learned over the years to not say anything about what I’m working on until it’s released to the public.

[@ordermorehours]

@@YorkReacts yeah i guess your mom and wife have better things to do than leak a game lol

[@RA-eg8tw]

did they do a criminal record check?

[@henryjohnson-ville3834]

Pretty sure. Come on.