For many passionate gamers, landing a dream job in the games industry is something worth pursuing. However, in the same way talented writers struggle to get books published and there are artists with huge collections of unsold pieces, some ambitious, gaming-mad people don’t always land the roles they’re after in the end.
A tough industry to make it in, there are some tips you can consider employing to improve your chances of becoming a games developer or a marketing executive. Whether you’re interested in creating the next indie delight to rival Return of the Obra Dinn or you’re partial to new online casino games like Derby, there are some amazing companies that would love to have you within their ranks. From system designers and game programmers to game artists and QA testers, the industry is made up of some fascinating roles.
With all that in mind, below is a brief look at five general tips to consider employing if you’re striving to build a successful career in the games industry. Of course, some suggestions might not be relevant to the specific role you’re going for, but there should be some helpful pieces of information that could enable you to stand out from the crowd.
Focus on creating a portfolio
First and foremost, whether you’re an aspiring designer or you’re keen to get involved in the artistic side of gaming, you need to put a lot of time and effort into creating a portfolio that showcases your undeniable talent. From personal projects you’re proud of to game demos that really hit the mark with fellow members of the gaming community, a clear portfolio that highlights your abilities is a must.
Never stop learning
Once you’ve become adept at mastering programming languages or learning the latest marketing techniques, it can be easy to switch off and assume a job will land in your lap. However, given the competitive nature of this highly lucrative industry, you should never stand still. For example, artists out there are always looking at learning new skills, be it 3D modelling or animation. You should do the same, with evolution constantly on your mind. Then, with an eye-catching portfolio to your name and some admirable stories of progression behind you, some of the biggest names will be desperate to snap you up.
A degree does help
Of course, not every successful professional in the games industry necessarily has a degree to their name. However, it certainly helps. If you’re able to study alongside your day job or you can attend university to earn a degree that will benefit you moving forward, then it’s definitely worth looking into. This structured learning path and the qualifications you’ll earn along the way really can give you an edge over the competition.
Don’t be afraid to network
It’s fair to say that networking isn’t always easy to do. For some perhaps more introverted people, it’s a daunting prospect. However, it really can make a big difference. If there’s an event nearby, an online community to join, or professionals you can add and converse with on platforms like LinkedIn, then you really should get involved. Not only could you gain some invaluable feedback, but it might even lead to some game-changing offers.
Find a mentor
Finally, following on from the above suggestion of networking, you should also consider leaning on a mentor for some advice on your career development. Having a gaming professional who has been there and done it can only benefit you moving forward, especially as they might have contacts and invaluable advice you won’t find anywhere else.
