How to break into the gaming industry

Working in the gaming industry is a dream for many gamers, but it can be hard to know how to turn it into reality. What options are open to you, and how can you train and prepare for them?

As with any other art form, the gaming industry draws on a wide range of skillsets, some of which are unexpected. This article covers some of the roles you can choose from in the gaming industry, and some ways to make yourself more appealing to potential employers.

QA Testers – Game testers work as part of the quality assurance team, spotting bugs and glitches that need fixing before the game is released. They also give feedback on the playability of the game and any issues players can run into. If you have a keen eye for detail, this is a great way to break into the industry, as you won’t need any specialist training and may get promoted to a more senior role.

Writers – As a writer for video games, you’ll often work as a freelancer, collaborating with the designers and voice actors to create compelling characters, a believable world and an engaging plot. Some background in creative writing or scriptwriting is useful here.

Designers – Game designers work on the concept, story and gameplay. For this role, you’ll probably need a degree in game design or a related subject like computer science or engineering, as well as some knowledge of coding, animation or writing software.

Artists – Artists create both 2D and 3D art for games and can specialise in particular elements like characters or backgrounds. For 2D art, you’ll want experience with Photoshop, and for 3D you’ll need to be good with a graphic tablet.

Coder/programmer – This is a highly technical role where you might be working with anything from 3D graphics to advanced physics. Explore online resources on game coding, and get to know Unity and GameMaker, which are recommended by programmers in the industry.

Musicians – The soundtrack is crucial to a game’s success and can become very popular in its own right – the Undertale soundtrack has over 10 million views on YouTube. If you have composing experience, this could be the role for you.

Producers – The producer oversees the game’s development and organises the project, dealing with budgets, schedules, and contracts, pitching ideas and hiring testers.

If you’re not sure yet which role in gaming is for you, just get active on social media and shout about what you’ve done. There’s a strong gaming community on Twitter, for example, which is also followed by employers in the industry. 

Don’t worry if you don’t have a degree in game design – industry professionals come from a wide range of backgrounds, and you can always get your foot in the door by applying for an apprenticeship or a low-level job in a gaming studio, or even putting together your own team with other hopefuls. If you go that route, you may not be able to afford specialists for each role to begin with, so it’s helpful if your artists and writers also have some skills in other areas.

Recent Posts

Press A to Apply: Crafting Irresistible Job Offers in Gaming March 7, 2024

In the competitive gaming industry, attracting top talent can be as challenging as conquering a final-level boss. The demand for skilled professionals in game development, design, marketing, and other specialised fields has never been higher. To stand out in this crowded landscape, employers need to go beyond the ordinary and create irresistible job offers that not only entice candidates but also make them eager to press the metaphorical 'A' button and join your team.

Breaking Barriers: Diversity and Inclusion in Tech Recruitment February 28, 2024

In the fast-paced world of technology, diversity and inclusion have become imperative for fostering innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth. Breaking barriers in tech recruitment is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for companies looking to thrive in the digital age. In this article, we explore the importance of diversity in the tech industry, ways companies can enhance the recruitment process to achieve greater inclusivity, and the role of recruitment agencies in building diverse tech teams.

Crafting the Future: Trends in Tech Engineering February 21, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, staying ahead of the curve is not just a choice; it's a necessity. One of the trends that has been gaining significant traction is DevOps, a set of practices that combines software development and IT operations. The importance and business value of DevOps in today's tech-driven world cannot be overstated, and its role is only set to grow in the future.