Are you interested in a career in the video game industry?

  • Posted at 28th August
  • Uncategorized by Micah Norris
  • 0 Comments

A career in the video game industry can be both fun and lucrative. If you adore video games, it gives you a chance to focus your professional life on something you genuinely enjoy. Plus, the average video game developer brings in $101,644 a year, and they typically get access to a robust benefits package, too.

Launching a career in gaming takes some effort, but it isn’t necessarily difficult. If you want to start down this road, PrimeStatement shares what you need to know.

Know the Skills You’ll Need

If you’re starting from scratch, the best place to begin is learning about the skills you’ll need to work in the video game industry. That way, you’ll know what to hone as you prepare to launch your career.

While every employer or position may call for something different, certain skills are genuinely considered in-demand. Here are some of the most widely sought technical skills for video game developers:

● Programming Languages (C#, C++, Python, GML, PHP, etc.)
● Mobile Languages (Swift, Objective-C, Java, etc.)
● Web Languages (JavaScript, HTML, CSS, etc.)
● Game Engines (Unreal Engine, CryEngine, etc.)
● Animation Software (Unity, Maya, etc.)
● GUI
● SQL
● Testing / QA

Along with technical skills, you’ll also need soft skills. Soft skills are traits that impact how you navigate the workplace and interpersonal relationships, making them crucial. Here are some of the most critical soft skills for game developers:

● Accountability
● Collaboration
● Communication
● Creativity
● Organization
● Problem-Solving
● Teamwork
● Time Management

Get Those Must-Have Skills

One of the most straightforward options for acquiring the skills you need to start your career as a game developer is to get a college degree. Some schools actually have programs focused on video game development. However, alternative majors like computer science, software engineering, and other tech-oriented subjects could also work.

If you are worried about balancing your education with work or family obligations, then you may want to choose an online degree program. Many online degrees are incredibly flexible, making it easier to maintain a balance. Just make sure that you select a program from an accredited college or university with competitive tuition rates.

In some cases, a boot camp could also be a great choice. These skill-based, hands-on intensives are excellent for bolstering your skillset. Typically, they focus on real-world scenarios, and you may leave with a project that you can add to your portfolio. Plus, 72 percent of employers think boot camp graduates are just as likely to perform well in a role as traditional college graduates.

Land Your First Job

Breaking into the video game industry isn’t always easy. Even if you have a degree and a strong portfolio, competition among candidates can be fierce.

If you want to get your foot in the door, consider securing a role as a video game tester. You’ll be able to build relationships at the company while refining your QA skills.

Getting an internship can also be a great option. These shorter-term opportunities are excellent for networking and getting real-world experience.

Level-Up Your Career

If you’re going to take your game developer career to the next level, you’ll need to stand out from the crowd. One option is to pursue personal projects. You could list the projects on GitHub or include links to published independent games on your LinkedIn profile.

Another option is to advance your education. Getting a master’s degree could separate you from the pack. You could also learn new in-demand skills through one-off courses or self-study and add related work to your portfolio.

Are you looking in taking your education and, by extension, your career to the next level? PrimeStatement can help you get into the program of your choice. Learn more here.

  • Posted at 28th August
  • Uncategorized by Micah Norris
  • 0 Comments

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