So you like video games and think you could do them professionally? Or you might be interested in designing amazing games for millions to enjoy? It’s more than possible to enjoy a career in gaming, but prepare for a lot of effort and dedication, as well as skill and talent that needs to go into your dream. After you do some research and figure out that the gaming industry is the right path for you, it’s time to start preparing to get into the industry and start your career. Here you will learn many things about how to start your career and become a new hit name in the gaming industry.
Take it seriously
Becoming a professional in the gaming industry requires you to be very serious about your finances and especially your attitude. This industry demands a lot of passion, dedication and money. You can choose one of the main two paths: become a self-employed entity that plays games for a living or creates gaming content, or you can choose a career that involves being employed for a gaming company. Each path requires different and specific steps that will get you to your goal. If you’re just starting in the industry, it’s smart to gain some experience by working for someone else before you go solo and start your own development company or gaming brand.
Designate time for learning
Once you’ve chosen the gaming industry, prepare to stay a lifelong student. This industry is always evolving, so to stay relevant, it’s necessary to learn and upgrade your knowledge and your skills all the time. It’s important to be familiar with different concepts, but in-depth knowledge is crucial for a steady and stable career. Luckily, learning about different aspects of gaming is not an issue in today’s world of the internet. You can Google stuff, check out YouTube tutorials or book courses on one of many platforms. It’s also possible to chat and ask questions to seasoned gamers and industry professionals. Additionally, if you want or require formal knowledge, many colleges and other learning institutions offer gaming-related courses. All in all, you have a lot of learning opportunities to exploit, so judge which ones fit your needs the best.
Take good care of yourself
It might not look so, but gaming is a hard career on the body. It involves a lot of sitting and looking at the screen which can leave serious consequences on your body if you’re not careful. Make sure to sleep enough and follow a serious stretching and physical training regimen that will activate your muscles and relieve tension. Also, to stay focused and motivated, stock up on gamer drinks that will not only keep you hydrated but also employ nootropics and other active ingredients to boost your focus. With a healthy diet and gamer drinks in hand, you will maintain good health and stay sharp even during long gaming or developing sessions.
Take part in game jams
If you don’t have any connections or experience in gaming professionally, it’s smart to visit game jams, events that bring individuals with similar goals in one place with a goal to create a game from scratch in a day or two. A game jam will not only get you close to the action, but also show you what kind of different gaming roles there are, some of which you might not have even considered.
Take networking seriously
COVID-19 might have put a stop to big socializing events, but networking doesn’t have to suffer. It’s possible to network with industry professionals through online event variations like Gamescom that went digital in 2020. These are also other smaller events that might be happening live this year. There are opportunities to network on every corner so seriously consider attending events and conferences. In many cases, you can be just one conversation away from landing a perfect starting job in gaming.
Do market research
The gaming industry is vast, so you need to do a lot of market research before you decide to apply for jobs or become a member of a certain team. Different studios and groups all have different dynamics, but one is true for all of them—notable members are all very passionate about their jobs and carry big love for gaming in their hearts. Love for gaming is not a requirement when applying for a job in the gaming industry, but it will make it easier to build a strong career. To find your perfect match and start your career on the right note, do a lot of research and figure out your perfect professional position.
Additional resource: Tomodachi Life Personality Guide
Consider an internship
If you want to get a taste of what’s coming up in your future if you choose to sign a contract for a longer period of time, you can consider an internship position. These usually start in the summer, but you can find positions all year round. This way, you can gain experience and insight into the gaming industry, make connections and maybe even end up with job offers. The only con is that you can’t expect any money or big opportunities.
Gaming is a serious industry that harbors a lot of money and fame—it’s not child’s play. So prepare to work and play hard if you want to make it big in gaming, but it will all pay off when you land your first real job.