5 answers
Jaince
Student
Marion, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What skills do I need to work at a game company ?
I want to create indie games and possibly work at a game company
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5 answers
Rick Kolesar
Game Designer
11
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Rick’s Answer
The best people I've worked with and who have had great success in the industry are the people with great inter-personal skills.
-They are fun to work with. They stay positive and always looking on the positive side of things.
-Communication. Can explain their thoughts (written or spoken) quickly and exact.
-Leadership. Even if they're not in a leadership position, they can rally people around them to do something... even if that mean going to get lunch together.
-Feedback. Able to give and take feedback without taking it personally.
The best studios are made up of people who like each other and have a good time making games with each. They support each other in any situation and they're out to make the best game possible, they're not out to make themselves look the better than others.
-They are fun to work with. They stay positive and always looking on the positive side of things.
-Communication. Can explain their thoughts (written or spoken) quickly and exact.
-Leadership. Even if they're not in a leadership position, they can rally people around them to do something... even if that mean going to get lunch together.
-Feedback. Able to give and take feedback without taking it personally.
The best studios are made up of people who like each other and have a good time making games with each. They support each other in any situation and they're out to make the best game possible, they're not out to make themselves look the better than others.
Pablo Lloreda
Localization Operations Manager
14
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Pablo’s Answer
There's a myriad of disciplines that are required at a game company. The core competencies are:
Software engineering
Art
Design
Project Management
But in order to run a company, you need Business, Finances, HR, IT, Office Management, Events, Writing, Marketing, Security...
It looks like you have identified the world you want to be surrounded by, which is a great first step! Now, try to identify what type of job you feel you would like to get up in the morning to do regularly, become better at, contribute to the games, etc. Once you've identified it, talk to people around you (even stranges) that perform these functions and ask them how they feel about it, what they like or dislike, how does it compare to their expectations before joining, etc.
Information is a super power! The more you know, the best decisions you'll make.
Software engineering
Art
Design
Project Management
But in order to run a company, you need Business, Finances, HR, IT, Office Management, Events, Writing, Marketing, Security...
It looks like you have identified the world you want to be surrounded by, which is a great first step! Now, try to identify what type of job you feel you would like to get up in the morning to do regularly, become better at, contribute to the games, etc. Once you've identified it, talk to people around you (even stranges) that perform these functions and ask them how they feel about it, what they like or dislike, how does it compare to their expectations before joining, etc.
Information is a super power! The more you know, the best decisions you'll make.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Jaince,
Skills for a Game Development Career
That's a fantastic goal! Creating indie games and working at a game company are both exciting paths. Here's a breakdown of skills that can benefit you in both areas:
Core Skills for Game Development
Programming: Proficiency in languages like C++, C#, or Python is essential for game development.
Game Engines: Understanding popular game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is crucial for efficient game creation.
Art and Design: While not mandatory for all roles, a basic understanding of art and design principles can enhance your game's appeal.
Game Design: The ability to create engaging gameplay mechanics and compelling narratives is fundamental.
Problem-solving and Critical Thinking: Game development often involves overcoming challenges, so strong analytical skills are valuable.
Teamwork and Communication: Collaborating with others is essential in both indie and studio environments.
Passion for Games: A genuine love for games fuels creativity and drives you to create exceptional experiences.
Additional Skills for Working at a Game Company
Project Management: Understanding project timelines, resource allocation, and meeting deadlines is crucial in a studio setting.
Version Control: Proficiency in tools like Git is essential for managing code changes effectively.
Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC): Knowledge of the game development process from concept to release is beneficial.
Industry Knowledge: Staying updated on game trends, technologies, and market analysis can give you an edge.
Building Your Skill set
Start Small: Begin with creating simple games to learn the basics.
Online Tutorials and Courses: Utilize platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube for structured learning.
Game Jams: Participate in game jams to collaborate with others and develop games under time constraints.
Build a Portfolio: Showcase your work on platforms like itch.io or your own website.
Network: Connect with other game developers, attend industry events, and join online communities.
Remember: The game industry is diverse, offering roles beyond programming and design, such as game testing, marketing, and production. Explore different areas to find your ideal fit.
Best wishes!
Skills for a Game Development Career
That's a fantastic goal! Creating indie games and working at a game company are both exciting paths. Here's a breakdown of skills that can benefit you in both areas:
Core Skills for Game Development
Programming: Proficiency in languages like C++, C#, or Python is essential for game development.
Game Engines: Understanding popular game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is crucial for efficient game creation.
Art and Design: While not mandatory for all roles, a basic understanding of art and design principles can enhance your game's appeal.
Game Design: The ability to create engaging gameplay mechanics and compelling narratives is fundamental.
Problem-solving and Critical Thinking: Game development often involves overcoming challenges, so strong analytical skills are valuable.
Teamwork and Communication: Collaborating with others is essential in both indie and studio environments.
Passion for Games: A genuine love for games fuels creativity and drives you to create exceptional experiences.
Additional Skills for Working at a Game Company
Project Management: Understanding project timelines, resource allocation, and meeting deadlines is crucial in a studio setting.
Version Control: Proficiency in tools like Git is essential for managing code changes effectively.
Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC): Knowledge of the game development process from concept to release is beneficial.
Industry Knowledge: Staying updated on game trends, technologies, and market analysis can give you an edge.
Building Your Skill set
Start Small: Begin with creating simple games to learn the basics.
Online Tutorials and Courses: Utilize platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube for structured learning.
Game Jams: Participate in game jams to collaborate with others and develop games under time constraints.
Build a Portfolio: Showcase your work on platforms like itch.io or your own website.
Network: Connect with other game developers, attend industry events, and join online communities.
Remember: The game industry is diverse, offering roles beyond programming and design, such as game testing, marketing, and production. Explore different areas to find your ideal fit.
Best wishes!
Rahul verma
2
Answers
Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Rahul’s Answer
To work at a game company like WorkLooper, you need a combination of technical, creative, and collaborative skills:
Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming languages like C++, C#, or Python is crucial. Knowledge of game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine is also essential for developing and optimizing games.
Design and Artistic Skills: Experience with graphic design, 3D modeling (Blender, Maya), and animation helps create visually compelling game assets and environments.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Game development often presents complex challenges, so strong problem-solving skills are vital for debugging and refining gameplay mechanics.
Creativity and Innovation: A creative mindset is necessary to bring new ideas and immersive experiences to life, from character design to level development.
Teamwork and Communication: Working at a game development company like WorkLooper requires collaborating with designers, programmers, and artists, so effective communication and teamwork skills are key to success.
Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming languages like C++, C#, or Python is crucial. Knowledge of game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine is also essential for developing and optimizing games.
Design and Artistic Skills: Experience with graphic design, 3D modeling (Blender, Maya), and animation helps create visually compelling game assets and environments.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Game development often presents complex challenges, so strong problem-solving skills are vital for debugging and refining gameplay mechanics.
Creativity and Innovation: A creative mindset is necessary to bring new ideas and immersive experiences to life, from character design to level development.
Teamwork and Communication: Working at a game development company like WorkLooper requires collaborating with designers, programmers, and artists, so effective communication and teamwork skills are key to success.
Najee Dyson
Level Designer
3
Answers
Winter Park, Florida
Updated
Najee’s Answer
Let's split this into two sections:
1. If you wish to work for a game company, then you need to have experience in the following: Experience using a game engine, creativity, skills in working independently and with a team, knowledge of video game trends, and most importantly, you need to know specifically what you want to do for a game company. Do you want to code for video games? Do you wish to Design video games? Would like to create music for video games? How about Voice Acting for characters? There is various roles that game companies need filled, unfortunately there is not a place where you can make a general application to a game company and they put you in a spot. Game companies need specific people for a specific job. If you know what it is you want to do, then narrowing down what Game Companies have an opening for what you want to do will become more simple!
2. If you wish to make indie games, here is how you can do that: You can become a solo developer and create your own games! Once a game you create is finished, you can take your finished game and upload them to places like "itch.io" or "Steam", or any other place where you can download games! Epic Games also has a way for you to create your own Maps in Fortnite called "Unreal Editor for Fortnite" or "UEFN" for short. This way, you can use all the assets Fortnite has and create a new game mode or activity in Fortnite. This way, you can have people easily access your game, possible make money off of your map, and you can get a basic understand of Unreal Engine as a game engine! Finally, you can join other indie companies that are looking for volunteer game creators. While you probably will not get paid, you will gain industry experience that you can use to apply to other paid game creating positions!
Hope this helps!
1. If you wish to work for a game company, then you need to have experience in the following: Experience using a game engine, creativity, skills in working independently and with a team, knowledge of video game trends, and most importantly, you need to know specifically what you want to do for a game company. Do you want to code for video games? Do you wish to Design video games? Would like to create music for video games? How about Voice Acting for characters? There is various roles that game companies need filled, unfortunately there is not a place where you can make a general application to a game company and they put you in a spot. Game companies need specific people for a specific job. If you know what it is you want to do, then narrowing down what Game Companies have an opening for what you want to do will become more simple!
2. If you wish to make indie games, here is how you can do that: You can become a solo developer and create your own games! Once a game you create is finished, you can take your finished game and upload them to places like "itch.io" or "Steam", or any other place where you can download games! Epic Games also has a way for you to create your own Maps in Fortnite called "Unreal Editor for Fortnite" or "UEFN" for short. This way, you can use all the assets Fortnite has and create a new game mode or activity in Fortnite. This way, you can have people easily access your game, possible make money off of your map, and you can get a basic understand of Unreal Engine as a game engine! Finally, you can join other indie companies that are looking for volunteer game creators. While you probably will not get paid, you will gain industry experience that you can use to apply to other paid game creating positions!
Hope this helps!