CAREERS IN GAME DEVELOPMENT
Part 2. Careers in GameDev. Where to Start Your Path?
How game development differs from other fields and how to start your career path?
Continuing the series of articles, “Career in Game Development,” where recruiters from G5 Games company talk about how to find a job in the gaming industry. In the previous part, we discussed the professions in the gaming industry and the soft and hard skills required for each. And today, let’s discuss how game development differs from other fields and how to start your career path.
To Play or Not to Play, That Is the Question
As you may have already noticed, not all professions in game development are directly related to game development and deep immersion in games. It is not necessary to be a hardcore gamer to find yourself in this industry. So, the answer to the frequently asked question: “Can you work in game development without playing games?” — “Definitely, yes!”
Of course, it is important to understand that the gaming industry still has its specifics. Even if you don’t spend all your time in the virtual world, trying on different character roles, solving puzzles, or completing strategic missions, it is worth remembering that in this industry, you will inevitably have to interact with gamers in one way or another. Therefore, it is worth considering some features of the corporate gaming culture when choosing this field.
Informal Atmosphere. In gamedev offices, there is often an informal atmosphere, with interiors featuring favorite characters or recognizable details from the gaming world. Informality and openness in communication are welcomed. You are unlikely to encounter serious people in suits here; game developers usually prefer a creative style of clothing, bright colors, or even cosplay.
Innovations and Experiments. Game development actively welcomes innovations and experiments. Companies encourage employees to think outside the box, promoting unconventional ideas and approaches.
Teamwork. Game development is the result of collective creativity. Employees work in teams where each contributes to the game creation process. Brainstorming sessions, where ideas take the form of strategic meetings, often resemble gaming sessions.
Particular Perception of Games. One of the distinctive features of game development is a love for games. Most employees involved in game creation are not just doing their jobs; they are passionate about creating engaging and high-quality gaming products that bring joy to players. This is represented in one of our company’s values — Passion — without which creating a truly cool product is impossible.
If everything above resonates with you, game development is definitely for you!
Career in Game Development. Where to Start?
People of different ages and professions come to the gaming industry. There are both recent university graduates, for whom gamedev has become their first job, and specialists with a lot of experience behind them.
For example, in our company, some employees got into gamedev from absolutely different fields — former engineers, surveyors, scientists, and even doctors. At some point, they became so-called “switchers” and changed their professional trajectory, moving from one field to another.
If, while reading this article, you have firmly decided that you want to make games and be a part of the gamedev universe, then we will tell you where to start.
So how do you change from other fields to gamedev? How to adapt and immerse yourself in the industry faster? Let’s go through it step by step.
Specialized Courses. You can start with them. It’s not just studying; it’s an opportunity to gain basic knowledge and valuable professional connections. Here, you can find mentors who will help and support your development. Try starting with online courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera to get closer to your chosen direction and figure out what suits you best.
Community and Networking. The power of community, especially for the gaming industry, cannot be overestimated. Chats, forums, and communities are valuable resources you can and should use to get closer to the industry and find like-minded people. Attend meetups and game jams, visit conferences, and communicate in game developer chats. Follow the accounts of companies and well-known professionals on social networks, primarily on LinkedIn. Keep an eye on G5 Games events on our social media — Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.
Self-Education. To succeed in the profession, it’s not enough to just take courses. It’s important to constantly develop, learn new things, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends. On the internet, you can easily find articles, books, video tutorials, and guides covering various aspects of game creation, from programming and design to marketing and project management. Podcasts, streams from artists, and masterclasses are opportunities to get valuable advice and experience from leading industry experts firsthand. A big plus is that you can do all of this online from anywhere in the world.
Portfolio. In parallel with learning theory and immersing yourself in the environment, it’s important to start building your portfolio because it plays a key role in getting hired by a company. There are plenty of game engines, access to educational materials, and platforms for showcasing your work. For example, GitHub for developers, ArtStation, or Behance for artists and animators. Remember that real projects in your portfolio are more important than works from educational courses. Although they are useful for learning and practice, employers are primarily interested in your ability to work independently, think creatively, and accomplish tasks in a real work environment.
Job Search. It’s no secret that game development is a highly competitive field. Company recruiters review dozens of resumes every day, looking for the best candidates. That’s why it’s crucial to take care of a good resume that will attract employers’ attention and highlight your strengths.
Regarding formal aspects, at G5 Games, we look first and foremost at the orderliness of the resume — we value clear structure, content, and concise text. A well-structured document shows how diligent and responsible you are. And, of course, try to write grammatically correct, avoiding mistakes and typos.
Having formal or informal education in the chosen field is also important. If you have work experience, it is good to indicate not only your responsibilities but also your successes — what you have managed to do and what results the company has achieved thanks to you. Do not neglect your previous experience if you have worked in another field. Try to “adapt” it to the realities of the gaming industry and highlight what is relevant to the new role.
Candidates for individual positions are also considered through the prism of social networks, especially LinkedIn. For example, social activity is not essential for an accountant, but for an HR specialist or a producer, a wide network and the ability to interact with an audience is a significant advantage.
We hope these recommendations will help you build a clear trajectory towards your dream career, regardless of your level and experience. And if you’re ready to embark on an exciting journey into this industry right now, apply for jobs at G5 Games. Let’s create the best games together!
