What steps should I take to work with video games?

I'd say first steps would be to look into whether you want to focus on design, code or art, but even if you're not totally sure I'd recommend looking at tools like Scratch, GameMaker and downloading the free version of Unity then using Brackey's YouTube tutorial channel or similar to get started.

Udemy often do fire sales where you can take an online course for about $15 or less so keep an eye on them too.

Hi Joseph!

As Ed stated above, if you're looking to start the process of creating your own games then it's good to specialise in a particular field. These include art, programming, design, or QA. A little research in your local universities will show you where you can go to study these topics to learn the basics. Many educators also encourage a gap year to take a job or internship in the industry, and experience is always the defining line between getting your first real job and not.

If you're looking to start a personal project then there are plenty of free tutorials that can help you learn outside of an class environment. You can also look at software like Game Maker or Stencyl, which do all of the backend work for you and so you can focus on just making a great game.

To add to what others have said, game companies are generally looking for a few different qualities other than passion for games: art, design, and programming. While there are other things (production, qa, etc) the three listed above are the areas that are generally recruited for and thus can become easier to get noticed in.

Figure out what you are passionate about in games. Is it good design (be a designer)? A great story (be a writer)? Killer visuals (be an artist or graphics programmer)? Or are you a technically oriented type of person (maybe you are programmer material)?

Once you decide on a direction based on what you like and your aptitudes, there is no magic formula. Work hard, go to school in your field, play all the games you can get your hands on, and once you graduate apply for everything you can get your hands on.

In addition to everything stated so far, I would add that you not ignore the foundational skills of what you are interested in.

Design = Make games. Make paper games until you gain the needed digital skills. Card games, board games, physical playground-type games.

Art = Make sure you develop basic knowledge in color theory, physiology and traditional art skills before you start worrying about 3D modeling or animation

Programming = Start with basic computer science. Learn C++ or C# and then worry about applying it to games.

Don't try to shortcut the process. If you don't understand what's going on in the black box, you won't be flexible enough to solve new problems.

Yep, what everyone said above, right on. And you need to have skills. WHY would they hire you? Even for your own game creation, you need to work on what you want to get into? Code? Graphics, programming? So many options and huge difference in playing games and making them. Get some training, read, use online sources and work hard. There's so many game designers and others wanting to be in gaming. You need to step beyond them and create something that is you. Really research it, see if it's suits you. It's not easy and no easy task at all. And not to bum you out but look into how competitive the industry is as well. You need to be strong and persistent in this field, not as relaxed as it seems. Good luck.

As mentioned, you'll need to think about what you want to do. Think of a game you want to make, get some basic development tool (eg Unity) and try to make your game, in a very simple fashion, using tutorials. You should quickly discover whether you've got a talent for doing art, enjoy programming enemy AI, or like working on the higher-level design of the game.