Moving to Australia

Hi. I'm currently working as a DS game programmer on a an unannounced license title for an independant studio. I also have tons of experience as a Flash game developper for free-to-play titles / virtual worlds. I'm currently tempted into moving to Australia and I was just wondering if anyone had any advice or similar experiences to share.

Did you quit your job, moved over there and picked up something once on location ? Or did you managed to find work remotely and moved once you had something setup ? Any pitfalls to avoid when dealing with something of this nature ?

 

Take it your not a aussie?

You'll need a visa otherwise, well I think unless your a kiwi, though they might have stopped that. It's not like you can bugger off to a country and live there on a whim.

www.britishexpats.com is a good place to see what the deal is on visa's, even if you ain't a Brit.

 

what bob said.

 

You don't mention where you're currently living, but i'm a Brit who made the move across to Australia this year. Sorted out the visa 3 years ago but for a number of reasons never got to make the full move until this year. If it's something you've always hankered after then i'd definately recommend it, even if just for a few years of some different scenery - and wow, it's pretty great scenery over here.

If you're looking for work over here then i'd recommend setting yourself up with a job beforehand. You could either get the company to sponsor you, but more likely its better if you sort out a visa yourself. We plumped for a 5 year permanent residency, which did cost a fair bit and involved lots of jumping through hoops, but did give us greater choice on where to live and what to do. We also used an agent in London to do the majority of the paperwork - costed a grand or so extra, but also saved us lots of hassle. PM me if you want any details.

Regarding the games industry...it's mainly either Brisbane or Melbourne you want to be in, although the other cities do have companies too. I'd also recommend you do a recce out here (I take it you've travelled over here before?) and would recommend coming to GCAP in November. Its not GDC San Fran by any means, but does serve as a good way to mingle with the Aussie devs directly, most of which are very open to chatting. This years is held in Brisbane. I came along to last years in Melbourne and had a great time, and funnily enough now live here.

Major pitfalls would be money orientated. The pound isn't as strong against the Aussie dollar anymore, and living in the bigger cities is more expensive than you think - although still a bargain judging by London's standards. Also know roughly which State/City you want to be in. If you don't know Australia very well you need to do lots of research and visit, as each is very different in terms of climate and culture. Oh, and be prepared for homesickness - that caught us out, especially my wife.

Anyway, hope that helps. Its a great country with a great vibe, with lots to see and I would heartily recommend it. PM me if you need to know anything specific.

 

As a Canadian who was brought over here by an Auz gaming company and someone who does a lot of hiring, definitely try to land a job before you come over. There is a big need over here for games talent and it is very hard to find. Our team is currently over 50% international so if you can land a job and get a company to sponsor you and pay for your move that is the most ideal situation. To be elegible for a 457 Work Visa (which is good for 4 years) you need to either have 5 years related experience or a combination of experience and a Bachelors Degree.
As well most studios will either pay full or for 50% of your permanent residency fees after you have been with them for a minimum of two years. Something to negotiate once you have been made an offer.
As ChessMate says it is rather expensive over here so negotiate a good salary and do some research into rent in the area you are looking before you make the move.
Good luck with the search!

 

Send me a Pm if you might want a job in Australia. I know a guy who's hiring.

 

I worked at EA Canada for 2 years... Being a Brit living there was a culture shock, and it was pretty far from home geographically.

I would recommend anyone to try Australia or Canada as a working holiday... But long term, your taxes and pensions and stuff like that get messed up, and you'll always be treated light a foreigner. Nice at first, but after a while you get annoyed by people asking you about your accent and where you are from

 

Really? In holland people love the fact I'm foriegn and want to practice their English on me. The only annoying thing is when they ask what part of England am I from, I then have to beat them to a bloody pulp and explain I'm actually scottish...though I lived in England so I let them live....for a few days more.