One day, the receptionist at Rockstar Games called in sick. That's when my career in games began.

A temp agency sent me, a hapless kid with no direction and no ambition, to cover for her. They told me to wear a tie. As the Rockstars rolled in that morning, I knew that was a bad note. I took off the tie, ruffled the hair, tried to look cool, tried to look confident.

One day as temp receptionist turned into three days, then that turned into six weeks upstairs in Take Two's HR dept, sorting spreadsheets. Then came the fateful question: would you like to work on the new Grand Theft Auto, John? Being a hapless kid with no direction, I debated that for a while, but ultimately said yes. I'm glad I did.

If you want to have a career writing for games, consider starting as the team's receptionist. Infiltrate under the radar. Show people what a cool person you are. Insinuate yourself into their good graces, practice patience, and good things will happen. I guarantee. (Just ditch the tie.)