An introduction to the Game Industry: From generalist to specialist?

I think in the past I have mentioned how I wish to become a character artist, correct? Moving on in the course we have slowly come to focus slightly on the area we wish to “specialise” in. However, if the course has taught me anything it’s that you should always cover your ass. In the majority of industry companies – predominantly indie companies due to the lower funding and such, it seems that individuals will take on a “T-Model” – this meaning that they have a breadth of knowledge about multiple subjects which accompany one main area of expertise – or a specialisation.

For example, a character artist will specialise in, well, characters – however have knowledge on additional information such as rigging and animation. It’s very rare for a specialist to appear as an entry-level job without a dazzling portfolio. I believe Valve tent to hire more T-shaped people than I’s.. Google images inspired that, it’s terrible. This makes sense though – people with a general number of skills will be able to switch work and collaborate easier, and in generally function more comfortably within a team.

In general, a team’s structure will look something like this:

The majority of game teams will be made up of the same core elements – however, specialists are more likely to occur within the art, design or programming teams. An individual will originally start as a junior, being given a range of tasks with limited responsibility, then have the opportunity to move up the corporate ladder. 

And if you want to view it in the dickish way – hiring more generalists will mean you have to hire less people, as the knowledge is broad amongst the whole team. This makes sense as to why many companies are outsourcing for specialist jobs, rather than hire numerous amounts of specialists – especially if a role is temporary and will be lost on game completion.
Essentially the game industry is one big huge “cover your ass” lesson – but we can’t really cover our ass on outsourcing. Unless we move and get hired by a company which is outsourced. Unless they outsource as well.. A never ending loop of disappointment and shattered dreams.