How to Turn a Love for Video Games Into a Career

Many students are turning their love for playing video games into a career. The professionalism of developing video games comes with enjoyable work environments and good salaries. If you’re serious about gaming but not sure how to make it anything more than a hobby, here are some steps you can take to build out your new career path.

Career Opportunities

Some of the career opportunities in the games industry include:

Game Design

Game designing is a wide field. It entails graphic designing, creative writing, and computer programming or science. The role of a game designer varies, but the primary responsibility of this expert is to create and design games. 

Game Developing

Game development refers to the science and art of creating video games. The process of game development starts from generating an idea to writing game codes. It also involves the steps of fixing and finding all bugs before games are launched for people to play. 

Game Testing

Game testing refers to the process of testing software. Its primary function is the documentation and discovery of software bugs or defects. As video games become complicated, the field of game testing requires what is called quality assurance. Basically, quality assurance[ii] is essential when it comes to game testing.

However, the process becomes nearly impossible because the industry lacks a standard technique. This is why game testers come up with their own methodologies to carry out the testing process. 

Game Programming

Game programming involves the writing of codes, which bring a computer or video game to life. Initially, programmers used to focus on the development or designing of a game. Now, game programmers work hand in hand with producers as well as other departments to translate the vision of projects into a playable game.

Salaries

Working in the gaming industry earns as follows for each above-mentioned career;

Game Design

A game designer may get a salary ranging from $40,000 to $60,000, but this depends on the tenure level. However, the most earning designer in Washington, DC, goes home with around $70,000.

Game Developing

The salaries depend on the type of game developer[iii]. Basically, there are three types of game development; they include:

– Entry-level game developer – This specialist earns around $5,000 per month.
– Junior game developer – Earns approximately 7,000 per month.
– Senior game developer – This expert parts with 10,000 per month.

Game Testing

The average earning for game testing in the US is around $13 per hour. The salary estimate is based on the average earnings from game testing users and employees. However, the salaries may range from $25,000 to $59,500. 

Game Programming

An entry-level for game programmer with an experience of less than one year should expect an average salary of $52,414. This includes overtime pay, bonus, and tips. However, an expert with more experience can part with a salary ranging from $64,593 to $85,000.

 

Education

To venture into various careers in the gaming industry, you must take the following courses;

Education: Game Design

A typical student can study the game design degree for a period of between 18 to 24 months. Though this will depend on the academic and schedule plan of students. Graduating does not guarantee you a job immediately. This is why you need to go for an internship to gain experience of one year or so. 

Education: Game Developing

Game developers have a degree in computer engineering, computer science, or game designing. Scholars who enrol in the course take around four years in schools. However, you can still enrol in a virtual program to study in the comfort of your home. Securing a position in this field will require you to have some experience. Hence, it may be necessary to consider an apprenticeship[iv] with one of the reputable designing companies. 

Game Testing

Studying a game testing degree takes around four years. However, some colleges may provide students with different accelerated options, which may be completed within three years. Some of these options include online programs. Thus, students can study anytime they want. Getting a job depends on the requirements of various organizations.

Hence, most of the companies expect candidates to have experience of two years or more. Though some firms may need you to have experience in specific courses, such as:

– Microsoft Office
– Unreal Engine 4
– 3D applications

Game Programming

A degree in game programming offers in-depth knowledge and skills of engine development, graphic elements, and computer languages. You can study this course online, and for you to acquire a job, you will need to be experienced with fields, such as multimedia development, artificial intelligence, web, and scripting. Hence, experienced programmers have an added advantage of getting a job in a game programming company.

Indeed, Game Creation is Lucrative!

Students who are looking for a field with many job opportunities and high starting wages should consider video game development. Careers in the above fields are many, and their advantages are indeed impressive. Therefore, game development, programming, designing, and testing will always remain to be rewarding fields in the United States. 

References

[i] “Careers In Video Game Development In The US”. 2020. International Student.
[ii] “Game Testing”. 2020. En.Wikipedia.Org.
[iii] “Guide To Video Game Developer Salary: Explore The Numbers”. 2020. Bitdegree Tutorials.
[iv] Garden, Home, HowStuffWorks, Tech, Electronics, Gear, and Development. 2020. “How Becoming A Video Game Designer Works”. Howstuffworks.