Breaking into Games: Tips from an HR expert | Play List Season 2 Episode 2 - Dani Walker

What’s it really like working in the games industry and how do you actually get a job in game development?

In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Walker from The Three Thousands, an HR professional working in the Australian games industry, to talk about careers in gaming, what studios actually look for when hiring, and the realities of working on the other side of a game studio. From her unconventional path into games to the challenges of recruitment and networking in today’s market, Dani offers a practical and honest look at what it takes to break into the industry.

Before joining games, Dani worked across a range of industries including construction, engineering, and workplace relations. It wasn’t until she discovered studios like EA had a presence in Melbourne that she realised a career in games was even possible. That discovery eventually led her into games HR, where she now helps shape studio culture, recruitment, and employee experience.

Alongside the career discussion, the episode dives into Dani’s love of games — particularly immersive single-player experiences like The Legend of Zelda. She shares why Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask became defining gaming experiences for her, why Breath of the Wild remains one of her all-time comfort games, and why hyper-realistic mechanics in games like Red Dead Redemption 2 can sometimes cross the line from immersive to frustrating.

The conversation also explores video game adaptations, from Assassin’s Creed and Halo to Fallout, and why translating beloved games into film and television is often so difficult. Dani and Ben discuss the balance between staying faithful to the source material while still creating something that works as entertainment outside of games.

For anyone trying to get into game development, Dani shares practical advice on standing out in an increasingly competitive industry. With graduate roles often receiving hundreds of applications, she explains why tailoring resumes, building genuine connections, and attending industry eventscan make all the difference.

Whether you’re trying to break into the games industry or just love talking about games, this episode offers a candid and relatable look at the people, challenges, and passion within the games industry.

Watch the full episode with Dani and find other episodes from the Play List Podcast on our YouTube and on your podcast platform. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTwxpdVCBSs&t=111s