Dreaming of creating the next big hit like Fortnite or Minecraft? The computer games industry is full of exciting jobs, from coding to art to testing. But with so many options, how do you break in?
TLDR: The gaming industry is booming and there are roles for all kinds of skills—art, coding, writing, marketing, and more. Build a portfolio, connect with people online, and start small if needed. You don’t need to join a massive studio right away—indie experiences count too! Passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn are key.
Understanding the Industry First
The video game industry is huge. It’s bigger than movies and music combined! But it’s also very dynamic.
Before applying, it’s smart to know what types of jobs are out there. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Game Designer – They design the rules, features, and player experience.
- Programmer – They write the code that makes games run.
- Artist – They create visuals like characters, environments, and animations.
- Sound Designer – They make audio effects, music, and voiceovers.
- Writer – They develop stories, dialogue, and world lore.
- QA Tester – They test the game for bugs and give feedback.
- Producer – They manage the team and keep the project running smoothly.
Of course, there are others too! Marketing, sales, community management—the list goes on.
Find Your Fit
Start by asking yourself a simple question: What do I love doing?
If you’re artistic, maybe try 2D or 3D art. Love writing stories? Narrative design or writing would be perfect. Techy? Coding is your path.
Here’s a little cheat sheet to help you match roles to skills:
- I love drawing → Concept Artist, Animator
- I enjoy solving logic problems → Game Programmer
- I like teamwork and planning → Game Producer
- I build my own worlds in Minecraft → Level Designer
- I enjoy finding mistakes in systems → QA Tester
Don’t worry if you’re not sure yet. Try different things. Many people switch roles early in their careers.
Start Learning the Tools
You don’t need a game degree, but learning industry tools can help a lot. Common tools include:
- Unity – A super popular game engine. Great for indie games.
- Unreal Engine – Another powerful engine, often used in AAA games.
- Blender – Free 3D modeling software.
- Photoshop – Used for textures, concept art, and more.
- Trello or Jira – Used for team management and planning.
You can learn a lot of these for free online. YouTube, Udemy, Coursera—all great places to start.
Build a Portfolio
This is very important! A great portfolio shows what you can do. It helps employers see your skills, even if you’ve never worked in the industry before. Here’s how to make one:
- Make small games – Even simple ones made in a week are helpful.
- Post your art or assets – Character sketches, animations, 3D models.
- Show progress – Post your work process, not just finished projects.
- Host it online – Use websites like itch.io, ArtStation, or your own blog.
If you’re a programmer, put your code on GitHub. If you’re an artist, create an online gallery.
Where to Look for Jobs
Now that you’re ready, where do you actually find a job? Here’s where to begin:
- Game studio websites – Most post jobs directly under “Careers.”
- Job boards – Try sites like Gamasutra (now Game Developer), Indeed, and Hitmarker.
- Social media – Twitter, Reddit, and LinkedIn are great places for leads and networking.
- Discord servers – Join game dev communities. Many have job channels.
- Game jams – These often lead to offers or collaborations.
A few cool sites to bookmark:
- Hitmarker – For jobs in the gaming and esports industries.
- Indeed – Search for “game developer” or “game artist.”
- Itch.io – Not just for hosting games, but check the forums and dev logs.
Network Like a Pro
You don’t need to know a game exec to get started. But networking helps a lot.
- Follow developers on Twitter – Many share job openings and give advice.
- Join online game dev communities – Talk to others, share your work, and collaborate.
- Go to events – GDC (Game Developers Conference), PAX, and TwitchCon have great networking chances.
Got a favorite indie game? See who made it. Reach out with a compliment. Maybe even ask for advice. Many devs are happy to help newcomers.
Make Your Application Shine
When you apply, treat it like a mini pitch. Show your best!
- Tailor your resume – Highlight game skills, tools, and passion projects.
- Write a short, honest cover letter – Show your enthusiasm. Be human.
- Link to your portfolio – That’s your golden ticket.
Stand out by being clear, polite, and passionate. Even if they don’t hire you now, they may reach out later.
Start Small, Grow Big
You don’t have to start at a AAA studio. Many developers begin with mods, indie teams, or internships. That’s totally fine!
Games like Stardew Valley and Undertale were made by just one or two people. Skill and heart matter more than brand names.
Freelance gigs or part-time work on a project help you learn and build experience. Work hard, show up, and keep going.
Don’t Give Up
The game industry is competitive. You might not land your dream job right away. That’s okay!
Keep learning. Keep making stuff. Keep applying.
Every game dev you admire started somewhere. Who knows? In a few years, someone could admire your work in the credits of the next big game.
Final Tips
- Stay curious – New tools and trends appear all the time.
- Keep creating – Games, art, writing, anything!
- Be kind – The industry is small. Your reputation matters.
- Help others – You’ll learn just as much by teaching.
Ready to dive in? Great! The world of games is waiting for you. Now go build something awesome!
