It’s been a little while since our last run of staff profiles as we were all wildly busy launching our first title for the Xbox One. But as we look ahead to what comes next and welcome more staff into the studio, we’re getting back to showing you the people behind the games.
We’re currently focusing on this year’s batch of interns. They’re an enthusiastic and talented bunch and will be sharing what it’s like to be starting their games careers here at Rare.
In this edition: Moira Masshardt, Product Management intern and Phil Hickson, Test intern. Now over to them!
Hi Moira! Where are you studying, and what’s your chosen subject?
I’m studying at Cass Business School, which is a part of City University London. I chose to study Business Studies to offer me a broad and diverse range of knowledge across all business functions. This allowed me enough time to see what areas are preferential and to avoid specialising too soon, shaping my degree as it progressed.
What led to you apply for a Microsoft internship?
It was around November 2013 when current placement students from across various industries spoke at the university and their positivity, passion and enthusiasm for doing a placement year was infectious. I finally realised that when I finish my degree I will leave university with roughly the same qualification as 300 other talented students, so what was going to set me apart from the masses? The answer was in fact this Microsoft internship. Once I became aware of internship schemes across the UK, I had to apply to Microsoft, a company that has unparalleled global presence and would give me real insight into the working world.
Were you a Rare fan before you began your internship?
Funnily enough, I was a lifelong Rare fan without even knowing who Rare actually was. I had played so many of their classics as a kid and GoldenEye literally shaped a significant part of my childhood. I’d never given much thought to the company behind the game but was so excited to find out I’d be working for the place that created such amazing games as part of my Microsoft internship.
How would you describe your first few months at Rare?
My first few months at Rare have been AWESOME! Haha. Seriously though, they have been life-changing in terms of the real experience I’ve gained, the amazing and SUPER talented people I’ve been lucky enough to work with and above all else, the fabulous culture here that makes you feel right at home. I can honestly say every day I’m thankful that I get to come to work somewhere that I love, and somewhere that I also – even as an intern – feel extremely valued. As a Business student who always had a passion for games, I’ve been lucky enough to get to use my talents while working with products and within an industry that I love.
Can you talk us through some of the things you’ve been doing?
As the Product Management intern, I’ve been lucky enough to gain insight across a few different areas of the business. I get to work with the design teams to ensure that their product vision is also in line with the broader objectives of the studio. Early on I was also able to work closely with the Social & Community Team here at Rare and help in coordinating plans around the Kinect Sports Rivals World Championship which was held at Comic-Con this year. I also focus on analysing the performance of our social channels and then working with the respective teams in order to maximise their effectiveness.
What has your biggest highlight been so far?
Can I technically say the ICE CREAM VAN? (This comes every other Friday during the summer.) Realistically, as great as the benefits are for Rare’s employees, I’d have to say there hasn’t been a shortage of highlights and I’m pretty sure the best is yet to come. If I had to say one thing that has remained a constant highlight however, I’d say the studio’s culture and how warm and welcoming everyone is. It really makes you feel like you belong.
What do you hope to take with you when you leave next year?
When I leave next year, I hope to have gained the practical knowledge and experience in product management and marketing all up to make me a more employable individual, and a more confident applicant. I also would like to have gained insight into the entire process that game studios undertake from initial idea to boxed product so as a consumer myself, to have a deeper respect and understanding of the talent and work that has gone into such amazing games.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a similar internship opportunity?
The advice I would give an applicant is to truly be yourself. Don’t try and be the person that you think they want you to be because chances are, you’ll get it wrong. Seriously, Microsoft is amazing at matching applicants with suitable roles, trust their judgement. The role I ended up with was not my first choice per se on the day of the Assessment Centre, however in retrospect I know I’m 10000% happier here than I would have been in any other role. Stick with the process, be yourself and if you have serious passion for the industry and for Rare, let it show.
Favourite Rare game, favourite game on an Xbox console and favourite game of all time?
Favourite Rare game would have to be GoldenEye. Too many hours were put into that game in the ’90s. On an Xbox console, I’d have to say my favourite game right now would be Forza Horizon 2, but I’ve probably invested the most time into the entire Call of Duty series. All-time favourite game would have to be anything Mario-based especially from back in the Super Nintendo/Nintendo 64 days! Serious classics!
So Phil, where are you studying, and what’s your chosen subject?
I’m studying Computer Games Programming at the University of Derby.
What led to you apply for a Microsoft internship?
Microsoft was highly recommended at my University for an internship, as many people had extremely successful internships with them. I applied to Microsoft as I believe that they could give me the best start in my career.
Were you a Rare fan before you began your internship?
Very much so. The first game I ever owned was Donkey Kong Country. I remember the countless hours I have spent making my garden amazing in Viva Piñata, or spent with my brother playing Kameo. Each one of these games brought so much enjoyment to my childhood, so it’s such a wonderful opportunity to be working here.
How would you describe your first few months at Rare?
My first few months here have been challenging, interesting and exciting. There was a steep learning curve getting used to the way things are done in the workplace, but I have taken everything on board and made use of many of the learning opportunities available to me. As soon as I got myself set up and sorted, I was given a task off my team’s task board, so straight away I was working on changes that would make a real impact on work flow.
Can you talk us through some of the things you’ve been doing?
I jumped in the deep end when I first arrived, being given a whole lot of source code to complete a task. Since then I have been ticking off tasks on our task board that have ranged from capturing output from tests, to adding a new button to the GUI to help speed up workflow.
What has your biggest highlight been so far?
My biggest highlight was seeing changes my team and I have made being used across the studio to help improve workflow and quality.
What do you hope to take with you when you leave next year?
Experience. I will leave here with experience of working in a team, knowledge of how to work with large amounts of code and lots of contacts within the industry.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a similar internship opportunity?
Always search for new ways to improve your work. If someone mentions something you don’t know, look it up. If you feel your code could be better, find out if you can improve it. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help. Nobody would be annoyed if you didn’t know something.
Favourite Rare game, favourite game on an Xbox console and favourite game of all time?
Donkey Kong Country, as it’s the first game I ever owned, I still remember opening it up on Christmas morning 2000. On the Xbox it would have to be Fable 2, so many hours I have spent building my fortune in that game. And all time would have to be RuneScape as it was such a big part of my childhood.
Thanks to Moira and Phil. Feeling inspired to apply? Want to learn more about the Microsoft internship scheme or the current openings we have at the studio? Check out our Careers section (or our specific Internships page) for all the information you need!