How to Get a Job in the Gaming Industry
If you’re a gamer, you’ve probably dreamed of working in the gaming industry. However, you may think your goal is impossible to attain. Breaking into the video game industry requires specific skills, but landing a job may be easier than you think. IT jobs and video game testers are just a few of the jobs available if you have the right skills or are willing to develop them.
From classic favorites like the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to free-to-play online games like battle royale favorite Fortnite, video games are more popular than ever, making it a great time to consider a career in gaming. In this article, we look at what it takes to get a job in the gaming industry.
Build A Portfolio
While many jobs are available in the gaming industry, most gamers want to become video game developers. As with all creative fields, if you want to design video games, you’ll have to show recruiters that you have the skills to get the job done. A portfolio is the easiest way to showcase your talent.
You don’t have to wait for a gaming studio to hire you to get experience in the business. If gaming studios won’t hire you, take matters into your own hands and get started designing indie video games. Before a gaming studio gives you the chance to create a blockbuster game like Destiny 2, you’ll have to prove yourself. There are many free game development tools available, so you don’t have to spend a significant amount of money to get started.
Once you get good, try to get your games published in the Apple Store, Google Play Store, and on Steam. When employers ask you, “Show me your work,” you’ll be able to show them successful games that users have downloaded from the various online stores.
When an employer can see your work, it gives them confidence that you can complete a game from start to finish. In fact, many employers require applicants have at least one title published in one of the major app stores.
Build Your Network
Gaining hands-on experience by designing games is the most important step you can take in pursuit of a job in the gaming industry. The next most important step is getting to know people and making sure people know you. There are lots of ways to network online and offline. Video game discussion boards are an excellent way to get to know people in the gaming industry.
You’ll learn from users sharing tips and advice on the video game industry and increase your knowledge of the field. Game developers often participate in these groups, so you’ll hear about what it’s like to work full-time in the industry. You can also share games you’ve developed and receive valuable feedback from others that will help you improve your craft. If you’re good, an executive game designer might reach out to you with a job offer.
Local and online game jams are another way to get to know people in the industry. Game jams are contests that bring together large numbers of people to design a video game from scratch. They usually last between 24 and 72 hours. You may work in a group or alone, depending on the format. They’re a great way to meet people, including professional game developers, and add something to your portfolio.
Become a Game Tester
This entry-level job is the easiest way to break into the gaming industry and doesn’t require a college degree or any formal training. If you love playing video games, this is an ideal role that often leads to other jobs on the game team. Video game testers perform quality assurance, ensuring the mechanics of a game work properly and relaying testing results to game developers.
Once you’ve got your foot in the door, it’s much easier to move into other roles in a gaming studio. You can let your boss know that you’re interested in learning more about game production and are eager to take on more responsibilities, and sooner or later, you’ll likely move up in the company. You may not have the game designer title, but you can still contribute to the development of video games in this role.
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