4 answers
Tyler
Student
Brandon, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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Is there a good career to go into if I enjoy gaming a lot?
I often spend my time on video games and would like to pursue that because it is something I would be happy doing.
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4 answers
Rick Kolesar
Game Designer
11
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Hi Tyler,
I've been in the game industry for over 15 years and still loving it. It's nice to play video games on my own time as "research".
There are a lot of different skillsets that make up a game studio: game designers, artists, coders, marketing, manager, user research, graphics design, testers, user experience, narrative writers, and much more. Is there something you like to do already that might fit into 1 of these skillsets? If so, pursue that one. Once in, you can always learn new skills and transition to another discipline. I started off as a game artist and now a game designer.
I've been in the game industry for over 15 years and still loving it. It's nice to play video games on my own time as "research".
There are a lot of different skillsets that make up a game studio: game designers, artists, coders, marketing, manager, user research, graphics design, testers, user experience, narrative writers, and much more. Is there something you like to do already that might fit into 1 of these skillsets? If so, pursue that one. Once in, you can always learn new skills and transition to another discipline. I started off as a game artist and now a game designer.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Tyler,
Here's an action-oriented guide to turning your love for gaming into a professional journey:
1. Game Developer: As a game developer, you'll have the chance to bring your favorite games to life. This involves designing, coding, and testing video games. You'll need a good grasp of programming languages, a solid understanding of game design, and a dash of creativity.
2. Game Designer: This role involves shaping the overall concept and gameplay of a video game. You'll craft the storylines, characters, levels, and mechanics that make a game compelling. A deep understanding of player psychology and game mechanics is key.
3. Esports Professional: If you're skilled at competitive gaming, consider becoming a professional esports player. This involves competing in tournaments for cash prizes and sponsorships. You'll need exceptional gaming skills, dedication, and the ability to stay cool under pressure.
4. Game Tester: As a game tester, you'll ensure games are bug-free and enjoyable before they reach the public. This involves playing games extensively to make sure they meet quality standards.
5. Content Creator/Streamer: Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming have paved the way for gamers to become content creators and streamers. By creating engaging gaming videos or live streams, you can build a following and potentially earn income from sponsorships and ad revenue.
6. Game Journalist/Reviewer: If you love writing as much as gaming, consider a career as a game journalist or reviewer. You'll write articles, reviews, and news pieces about the gaming industry for various platforms.
7. Game Artist/Animator: As a game artist or animator, you'll create the visual elements of video games, including characters, environments, and animations. This role blends artistic talent with technical skills in software like Photoshop or Maya.
8. Game Producer/Project Manager: In this role, you'll oversee the development process of a video game from start to finish. You'll coordinate with different teams, set deadlines, manage budgets, and ensure that the final product meets quality standards.
These career paths offer the chance to work in an industry you love while leveraging your passion for gaming.
To ensure the accuracy of this information, I consulted the following authoritative sources:
1. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA): A leading trade association for the US video game industry, offering insights into industry trends, job opportunities, and resources for aspiring gaming professionals.
2. GameIndustry.biz: A reputable source for news and analysis of the video game industry, featuring articles on career opportunities within the gaming sector.
3. Gamasutra: A well-known website focusing on the art and business of making games, offering articles, interviews, and resources that can help individuals understand different career paths within the gaming industry.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Here's an action-oriented guide to turning your love for gaming into a professional journey:
1. Game Developer: As a game developer, you'll have the chance to bring your favorite games to life. This involves designing, coding, and testing video games. You'll need a good grasp of programming languages, a solid understanding of game design, and a dash of creativity.
2. Game Designer: This role involves shaping the overall concept and gameplay of a video game. You'll craft the storylines, characters, levels, and mechanics that make a game compelling. A deep understanding of player psychology and game mechanics is key.
3. Esports Professional: If you're skilled at competitive gaming, consider becoming a professional esports player. This involves competing in tournaments for cash prizes and sponsorships. You'll need exceptional gaming skills, dedication, and the ability to stay cool under pressure.
4. Game Tester: As a game tester, you'll ensure games are bug-free and enjoyable before they reach the public. This involves playing games extensively to make sure they meet quality standards.
5. Content Creator/Streamer: Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming have paved the way for gamers to become content creators and streamers. By creating engaging gaming videos or live streams, you can build a following and potentially earn income from sponsorships and ad revenue.
6. Game Journalist/Reviewer: If you love writing as much as gaming, consider a career as a game journalist or reviewer. You'll write articles, reviews, and news pieces about the gaming industry for various platforms.
7. Game Artist/Animator: As a game artist or animator, you'll create the visual elements of video games, including characters, environments, and animations. This role blends artistic talent with technical skills in software like Photoshop or Maya.
8. Game Producer/Project Manager: In this role, you'll oversee the development process of a video game from start to finish. You'll coordinate with different teams, set deadlines, manage budgets, and ensure that the final product meets quality standards.
These career paths offer the chance to work in an industry you love while leveraging your passion for gaming.
To ensure the accuracy of this information, I consulted the following authoritative sources:
1. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA): A leading trade association for the US video game industry, offering insights into industry trends, job opportunities, and resources for aspiring gaming professionals.
2. GameIndustry.biz: A reputable source for news and analysis of the video game industry, featuring articles on career opportunities within the gaming sector.
3. Gamasutra: A well-known website focusing on the art and business of making games, offering articles, interviews, and resources that can help individuals understand different career paths within the gaming industry.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
30
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Tyler -- my son worked in the video game industry for several years and found it rewarding and challenging. It is an industry that has its ups and downs, depending on the success of new games.
There are a range of skills in the video game industry, ranging from product management, to coding. Each takes skill and imagination. Most of those jobs require good computer program skills. These are talents that can best be cultivated in college and you grow and learn about the world you live in.
By the time you complete a college education, you will have a better idea if the video game industry is the place for you.
There are a range of skills in the video game industry, ranging from product management, to coding. Each takes skill and imagination. Most of those jobs require good computer program skills. These are talents that can best be cultivated in college and you grow and learn about the world you live in.
By the time you complete a college education, you will have a better idea if the video game industry is the place for you.
ian villebrun
Correctional specialist
115
Answers
Mountain Iron, Minnesota
Updated
ian’s Answer
Depending on the particular company and your interests, there are plenty of jobs for gamers in the industry. Some of the more creative jobs include video game designers, animators, and artists. Other jobs in gaming are more technical, such as software developers, market research analysts, quality assurance testers, and video game developers.