Gamota

11-07-2023
Job Coach – How to Get a Job in the Game Industry
Job Coach - How to Get a Job in the Game Industry

Are you passionate about gaming and long to make it a career? The game business offers exciting opportunities for people who want to work in a field they love. To assist you in successfully landing a job in the game industry, we will provide you with insightful information and steps you can apply right away. Therefore, let’s all set out on this thrilling journey together!

1. The Booming Game Industry 

The market for video games is expanding at a rapid rate and continues to thrive even when the economy is struggling. This growth has been fueled by technological advancements and the ever-increasing demand for interactive entertainment. Therefore, various open positions have arisen for hopeful game designers, developers, animators, and modelers. It is a great time to pursue a career in this field as the game industry’s future looks promising.

In Vietnam, Game is expected to be the focus of digital economy development

2. Learn about Different Jobs in the Game Business

The game business offers a wide variety of positions catering to different interests and skill sets. Typical roles include:

  • Game Designer: Game designers are creative thinkers who come up with game concepts, create rules, and create gameplay mechanics. They are in charge of creating engaging, immersive experiences for players. Nowadays, 
  • Game Developer: Through coding and programming, game developers bring the game designer’s vision to life. They are the technical wizards who write the software that powers games. Check out our toolsets for newbie game developers here
  • Game Artist: Game artists create stunning characters, environments, and graphics. They bring the game’s visual elements to life by employing their artistic abilities.
  • Game Animator: Character and object movement and animation are the responsibility of game animators. They make exact movements and activities that improve the player’s experience.
  • Sound Designer: The sound effects, background music, and voiceovers in a game are all created by sound designers. They play a significant part in immersing players in the game’s atmosphere. With studios that are on a tight budget, they usually use royalty-free music or outsource first, customize, and elaborate later.
  • Game Writer: They craft engaging narratives, dialogue, and storylines that drive the game’s plot. They construct immersive worlds and compelling characters.
  • Game Tester: They are crucial in ensuring that games are of high quality and function properly. They help fix bugs, give feedback, and make the game perform better in general.
  • Other Roles such as Game producers, directors, marketers, administrators, audio engineers, composers, animators, and voice actors are additional roles in the video game industry.

Job Coach - How to Get a Job in the Game Industry

(Source: Pulse College)

3. Developing Essential Skills for the Game Industry

Success in the Game Industry requires developing a set of core skills. While specific skills may vary depending on your ideal job, a few vital skills include:

  • Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python (for game programmers)
  • Knowledge of game engines and software development tools (for roles that involve game production) 
  • Collaboration and teamwork skills to work effectively with diverse teams in a creative environment 
  • Strong artistic abilities and knowledge of design principles (for game artists and animators) 
  • Excellent storytelling and narrative skills (for game writers) 
  • Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities (for game testers)

Self-study, online courses, attending workshops, and participating in game development projects are good ways to acquire these skills.

4. Obtaining Relevant Experience 

Obtaining entry-level positions (requiring zero or minimum experience), internships or freelance work in the game industry can provide valuable experience. Even if the position isn’t what you’re looking for, the experience can help you establish a foundation and connect with people in the industry. Treat each opportunity as a stepping stone toward your ideal job.

Job Coach - How to Get a Job in the Game Industry

5. Education and Formal Training

Acquiring relevant qualifications can boost your chances of getting recruited. Think about getting a degree or certification in digital arts, computer science, game design, or programming. You might graduate from one of these educational programs with the knowledge and abilities that employers are looking for. We recommend checking these online course providers out: Coursera, Undemy, edX, and PluralSight.

6. Building Your Portfolio and Resume 

It is essential to create a portfolio to demonstrate your abilities and projects to potential employers. Your portfolio should feature your best work and showcase your passion in your chosen field. if you are a game designer, include your artwork and concept designs. If you are a game developer, share your coding projects or your self-made indie game development project to highlight your technical abilities. Your chance of getting a job in the game industry can extraordinarily improve with a well-prepared portfolio. Take your time and devote all your grey matter to it. It’s gonna be worth it!

Job Coach - How to Get a Job in the Game Industry

(Source: ScreenSkills)

Normally, employers decide mostly on the portfolio but don’t neglect your resume just because of this reason. The resume is like the first impression and if you nail this, employers will pay more attention to your application. Here is an AI Resume Builder Software that we highly recommend – Wonsulting

7. Networking and Industry Events 

Networking is incredibly important for anyone who is seeking a job. To meet professionals in the industry, we recommend attending local meetups, conferences, job fairs, and industry events. Connect with game designers, artists, and developers through specialized forums and social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Building connections and fostering relationships can provide valuable insight into the industry and employment opportunities.

Job Coach - How to Get a Job in the Game Industry

8. Keep yourself updated with the job boards 

Many game companies post job openings on their official sites and platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed Jobs, ZipRecruiter, or CareerBuilder. Make sure you are familiar with these platforms and frequently check them for new job postings. There are a couple of sites that are specialized in the game industry such as Workwithindie, Gamedevmap, or Gracklehq. They provide high-quality job openings from renowned game studios so feel free to explore. 

9. Leveraging Social Media and Online Platforms

Online communities and social media can be valuable assets for reaching industry experts and keeping yourself updated on the latest industry trends. Create a professional online presence or personal brand, engage with relevant organizations, and share your insights and works. By doing so, you could increase visibility and attract the attention of potential employers. LinkedIn and TikTok are our chosen platforms for this stage

10. Interview Planning

When you secure an interview, planning is critical. Research the company and its games, find out more about industry trends, and anticipate easily-asked interview questions. Showcase your energy, abilities, and knowledge during the meeting, featuring how you can add value to the company’s success.

Job Coach - How to Get a Job in the Game Industry

It is also essential to share your gaming experience, projects, and any contributions you’ve made to the gaming community. Employers usually value candidates who truly enjoy games and have the potential to bring unique perspectives to the company.

11. Starting your Gaming Career Now 

Finding employment in the video game industry needs dedication, ongoing education, and a genuine love of gaming. By fostering the right abilities, building a strong portfolio, networking with industry experts, and effectively seeking valuable job opportunities, you can transform your dream into a reality. Accept the difficulties, persevere, and never stop learning. With the right mindset and approach, you can successfully land a lucrative job role in the game industry

Wanting to become a part of the game industry’s workforce? CONTACT US NOW to get more info and advice.