What experience do artists/designers in gaming usually have? What do they study/what programs have they completed to become artists/illustratiors in gaming? if you have a strong portfolio, do they still care about prior experiences/education?
Just want to echo that portfolio >>>> all
Depends what you want to be working on - environments, levels, characters, texture, sculpt, concepting, animation, lighting, fx, etc..... Diff companies use diff modeling programs and some have their own game engines so need to be able to quickly learn new things if needed but most model programs are similar in general regard. PSD is your new God Smaller companies want generalists while larger companies will have you hone in on a set skill Portfolio and networking are key and not being an arrogant ass is #1 priority
The games industry is super competitive, some people start as QA, some as junior artists at small indie game dev company, etc They may go into Game Art degree or animation or game design degree Portfolio > education 100% Experience is important if you have been part of a team that shipped X very succesful game, but chances are they will still care more about your portfolio