Does being a game developer disqualify me?

[ZachariahMessiah]

Hello, I am a game developer, currently looking seeking to enter into the MSU machinima category. I have a long history in machinima, and was only recently hired at my current job (I am now doing ingame cinematic work within an unreal game). I would like to know if this disqualifies me from being able to enter in the MSU machinima category. I have currently been creating a film for the past few months , which I intended to casually enter into the MSU, with the deadline approaching however, I find myself needing to weigh whether to skip the contest, or overwork myself for the next 10 days. so In order to help me make that decision, I would like to ask.

does being a game developer disqualify me?

I'd like to add that I was only recently hired, and the work I am doing in my Home machinima project is far more technically intensive than my work in the office, so I can assure all you other dudes out there who might be crying (UNFAIR) that my current job is NOT giving me a massive advantage. I have learned far more at home on my own than I have at work. (which is part of how I got the job). I just don't want to go into "overwork" mode if I'm going to be disqualified on a technicality.

[Lord_Hades]

Some of the winners from Phase 1 were professional video games developers, so no it shouldnt disqualify you. Kudos for your honesty though

[Phopojijo]

To my knowledge, so long as all the work that goes into the entry is your own (or you made all the correct legal arrangements to use) it should be fine.

[Steve Polge]

We certainly don't restrict entries that way.

[m3fs]

UNFAIR!!

- no way man, your movie is a visual spectacle. You have really done some super creative stuff with the engine and I can't wait till you release it!!

in the third round...

[SpY]

Are u sure? I work for someone** but it disqualifies me. level design is not what I do there either, thats for sport XD

[Steve Polge]

The only way you are disqualified based on employment is (from the official rules):

"Employees of Sponsor, its parents and subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies and all other entities participating in the design, promotion, marketing, advertising, administration or fulfillment of this Contest and their immediate families and persons living in their same household are ineligible to participate in this Contest."

[SpY]

ok im am that.. then its for the good of mankind

[Godsbane]

While I'm sure that many will be disappointed to know that they may be up against game industry professionals with perhaps years of experience, and I'm sure this may make the competition incredibly skilled, just think - if you win, you can say that you won because you were the best, period. You weren't the best of the amatuers in a contest only open to hobbyists - you took on the pro's and were judged worthy!

For me, prizes aren't that great an incentive (don't get me wrong, if I win anything I'll very gratefully take any prize!) but the main reason is to show how our ideas, our hard work, and our creativity really is, actually, pretty damn good!

I doubt many professionals who enter will be disappointed to lose to an amatuer entry if that person really did come up with something fantastic. There's no shame in losing to the best, often it's simply an honour to be thought of amongst their peers.

But then, I've always been an idealist.