If you are thinking of getting into the gaming industry, you may have chosen the perfect time to do so. The industry is bigger than it has ever been, it is more democratised, and it is easier to get in than it used to be. It doesn’t mean that anyone with programming skills and a love for gaming will be able to make it, however. You have to be ready for the challenges that come with pursuing a career in the field, and also make sure that you have realistic expectations before you go all in. Here’s what you’ll need to do if you want a career in the gaming industry.
Do Your Homework
The first task is to do as much research as you can on video game development and the different types of games. You won’t necessarily get to choose the type of games you’ll be working on in the beginning, but the more you know about different types of games and how they are programmed, the more well-rounded you’ll be. This will greatly expand your job prospects as well.
For instance, the online gambling industry is huge right now, and it would be wise for you to learn a thing or two about online casino games if you want more job opportunities. You’ll also need to learn a thing or two about VR gaming, AR gaming, and some of the top gaming engines being used at the moment.
Look for a Bootcamp
Before you think about going for a formal college degree, we suggest you go for a game development boot camp first. This will let you know if you have what it takes to be a videogame designer and if you actually like it before you spend too much money. Not only that, but some people in the industry will be willing to hire people who came from a reputable boot camp even if they don’t have a degree.
In this field, expertise is much more important than credentials, and if you can show your worth, you could have access to many positions without having to go the long route. You might not be able to jump straight into a senior developer role, but you could get some entry-level positions easily. The size of the company could make a difference here. Smaller developers will often be more open to people with fewer credentials as long as they can show that they have talent, so try going for a short-term course first.
Work on Your Projects and Build a Portfolio
It will be very important that you start working on your projects as soon as you can. This will allow you to work on your craft and start building your portfolio. Your portfolio could be your single most powerful tool if you want to get in the industry, so make sure to add your best projects. The more you have, the more you’ll be able to stand out as a candidate.
Get a Tester Job
The best thing you can do if you want to get your foot in the door in the industry is to start on the testing team. You could even do it as a free intern. This is a great way to not only show your expertise but to also learn more about the development process. Try to be vocal and provide plenty of suggestions. If they make sense, you will start getting attention from higher-ups who might vouch to promote you.
Getting into the gaming industry is not easy, but it’s possible if you take the right steps and are ready to put in the work. The most important elements are experience, expertise, and taking advantage of all the opportunities that are open to you no matter how small they are.