How to Get Into the Gaming Industry: 6 Strategies

What are some ways for someone to get into the gaming industry?

To help you with entering the gaming industry, we asked gaming experts and tech company CEOs this question for their best advice. From building the right portfolio to participating in game jams, there are several tips that may help you jumpstart your career in the gaming industry.

Here are 6 tips for entering the gaming industry: 

• Build the Right Portfolio
• Make and Market Your Own Games
• Consider a Career in eSports
• Begin Game Blogging
• Take On the Role of a Game Tester
• Participate in Game Jams

Build the Right Portfolio

The best way to prepare yourself to enter into the gaming industry is to build a solid portfolio of work that you are proud of. If you are a designer, for example, pick the pieces that you are most proud of that can show off what you are capable of. When you start applying to gaming companies they are going to ask for a portfolio from you, so make sure you are constantly updating and improving your pieces and skills.

Brandon Brown, Grin

Make and Market Your Own Games

The most straightforward path is to study game design and then get experience interning at a game studio, but if you also make games independently, you will have the option of taking those games directly to publishers or starting your own gaming company.

Matthew Ramirez, Rephrasely

Consider a Career in eSports

Consider a career in eSports. Today, there are several colleges that are offering eSports degrees, including the University of Texas at Arlington and Ohio State University. As a CEO in the tech industry, I know how lucrative these cutting-edge fields can be. Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb to pursue something you’re passionate about.

Rachel Blank, Allara

Begin Game Blogging

Game blogging is an indirect way of getting into the gaming industry by showcasing your gaming knowledge to potential employers. The gaming community always wants to know people’s gaming experiences to relate with them. By featuring your gaming experiences and information on how to play certain games and reviews about new games can attract professionals in the gaming industry, and you can get a chance to get into the gaming industry.

Ryan Yount, Luckluckgo

Take On the Role of a Game Tester

One of the easiest ways to enter the gaming industry is to take on the role of a game tester. The most significant advantage of this role is that the only preliminary requirement to landing this job is that the candidate should be great at gaming. In entering the industry as a game tester, one latches on to a relatively less stressful position that still provides a long list of essential insights into how the industry works. The enthusiast can then use this knowledge to zero in on the career they wish to build in the industry and gain necessary skills and certifications accordingly.

Eva Taylor, WP Buffs

Participate in Game Jams

A game jam is a competition where competitors have a certain amount of time to develop a new video game. Game jams are a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, collaborate on a project, and just learn how to make games. Representatives from video game companies attend many jams. Mentors, judges, and coaches are among the responsibilities of these corporate representatives. They may be able to provide you with advice on how to get into the sector. They may also be able to provide you with work leads.

Sudipta Gupta, WebTopic

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