Inspiration pour l'entrée

A great Rookie Awards entry isn’t just about showcasing impressive work—it’s about making a lasting impression through clarity, quality, and keeping it short and focused.

Judges aren’t looking for massive portfolios with endless details. Instead, they want concise, impactful presentations that highlight your best work and demonstrate industry-ready skills.

A strong entry is focused, professional, and easy to navigate. By balancing quality over quantity, you’ll ensure that your projects shine without overwhelming the viewer. Let’s break down a few examples of successful entries and why they stand out.

Recrue de l'année

Example 01

This entry is a masterclass in clean presentation and thoughtful organisation.

• Simple Layout: The stacked images keep the page easy to navigate while maintaining visual impact.
• Clear Sections: The page is divided into three distinct project examples, each introduced with custom image headings. This not only separates the work but also adds a personalised and professional touch.
• Process Insight: The use of the process view showcases the development of ideas from sketch to finished artwork, giving viewers a glimpse into the creative journey.

This entry highlights how a well-organised and visually engaging page can elevate your work, leaving a lasting impression on judges.

Example 02

This entry stands out as a showcase of industry-ready skills tailored for the games industry.

• Focused Content: Features three projects that perfectly demonstrate skills aligned with game industry requirements, showcasing how they would fit into professional workflows.
• Engaging Media Mix: Combines video, process views, stacked images, and interactive 3D files to create a dynamic and immersive presentation.
• Efficient Insight: Includes wireframes and shaded renders to fulfill the “making of” aspect without overwhelming with unnecessary minutiae.
• Simple Layout: Maintains a clean and accessible format, making it easy to navigate and review.

This entry strikes the ideal balance between technical depth and visual appeal, demonstrating a clear understanding of what game studios are looking for.

Example 03

This entry shines by combining stunning visuals with thoughtful presentation and process insights.

• Curated Selection: Only three standout projects were included, focusing on quality over quantity.
• Balanced Content: Features final renders alongside process views and video breakdowns, giving a glimpse into the creative journey without overwhelming the viewer.
• Dynamic Media: Turntable videos and process videos were used effectively to add depth and variety.
• Clear Descriptions: Brief but insightful captions offer context without overloading with unnecessary details.

This entry strikes the perfect balance between showcasing exceptional work and sharing meaningful insights, making it both impressive and easy to review.

Example 04

This entry demonstrates how a visually striking portfolio can also be highly accessible and easy to navigate.

• Consistent Format: Four projects are showcased, each presented with the same clean layout and clear section breaks.
• Simple Introductions: Each project begins with a brief, engaging introduction that sets the stage without unnecessary detail.
• Well-Balanced Media: A thoughtful mix of image rows, stacked images, videos, and process views adds variety while maintaining focus.
• Visually Stunning: The highly visual presentation captures attention, offering an impactful yet approachable viewing experience.

This entry proves that with the right balance of media and structure, you can create an inspiring portfolio that’s easy to explore and appreciate.

Film de l'année

Example 01

This entry stands out for its professional presentation and excellent balance of visuals and insights.

• Clear Team Collaboration: Proper credit was given to all collaborators, showcasing strong teamwork.
• Video Placement: The film is featured right at the top, making it easy to access and watch.
• Balanced and Insightful: Includes concise insights into the filmmaking process (design, story, assets, etc.) without being overwhelming.
• Extra Renders: Showcases high-quality renders alongside the final film for added depth.

This entry is clean, concise, and professional—a perfect example of an engaging team project.

Jeu de l'année

Example 01

This entry sets a benchmark for showcasing large-scale game projects with clarity and style.

• Balanced Content: Avoids the common pitfall of oversharing by presenting just the right amount of content for a game project.
• Unique Touch: Features a poster artwork, adding a professional and creative flair.
• Immediate Impact: Kicks off with a video trailer and an explainer video, engaging viewers right from the start.
• Organised Presentation: Divides content into clear sections for characters, environment, and marketing, making it easy to digest and explore.

This entry strikes a perfect balance between creativity, professionalism, and accessibility, making it a standout example for Game of the Year.

Your Turn to Shine

A strong entry captures attention through thoughtful presentation and exceptional work. Here’s what makes a winning submission:

• Prioritise quality over quantity: Focus on a few standout projects that highlight your strengths and skills.
• Keep it concise: Use clear, impactful descriptions to make your work easy to review and appreciate.
• Showcase your process (but don’t overdo it): Share highlights like sketches, breakdowns, or workflows to provide insight, but avoid overwhelming with too much detail.
• Reflect your personality: Add a personal touch to make your entry uniquely yours.
• Make it your career pitch: This contest is your chance to craft a single, powerful page that screams, “Hire me!” Focus on showcasing the skills and creativity that prove you’re ready to thrive in your chosen category.

Focus on delivering a polished and professional showcase that leaves judges excited about what you bring to the table. Let these tips guide your path to success!