Do you love playing video games and dream of one day making them? If so, there has never been a better time to do so. In such a booming industry, there are plenty of opportunities for those with the skills and drive to succeed. Here are four ways you can get started in video game development:
Get a degree in video game development.
There are many universities and colleges across the country that offer programs specifically in video game development. By getting a degree from one of these schools, you will learn the ins and outs of video game development and have a much better chance of getting hired by a studio.
Some of the best schools for video game development include:
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Southern California
- University of Utah
- DigiPen Institute of Technology
Best of all, some of these programs are online. You can earn a degree in game development from the comfort of your own home!
Work on your own video games.
One of the best ways to get into video game development is to simply start making your own video games. Use Unity or GameMaker Studio to create simple prototypes and test them out. If you can show potential employers that you have experience making games, it will go a long way in helping you get hired.
Keep in mind that carving your own pathway can be very difficult. The gaming industry is one of the most competitive and if you aren’t on top of things, it will be challenging to stay afloat. If you want to create a video game that ends up successful, you will likely need video game funding as well as a team of experienced developers to help you.
Join a video game development studio.
If you want to get hired as a video game developer, your best bet is to apply to one of the many studios that are out there. There are big studios like EA and Ubisoft as well as smaller, independent ones. No matter what size studio you end up working for, you will get invaluable experience that will help you in your career.
For those who don’t have much experience in game development, joining a game development studio on their marketing team, PR team, or as an intern, is a great way to get your foot in the door.
Become a video game journalist.
One of the most popular ways to get into video game development is by becoming a video game journalist. You can do this by starting your own gaming blog or writing for an existing one. This will help you build up a portfolio of writing that you can show to potential employers.
Additionally, becoming a video game journalist will help you network with people in the industry which can lead to job opportunities down the line. Since niche writers are often regarded as subject matter experts, you may even be able to get hired as a consultant or analyst.
Final Thoughts
These are just four ways that you can get started in video game development. No matter which route you decide to take, remember to always stay passionate and work hard. With enough dedication, you’ll be able to achieve your dream of making video games for a living.