Game development is a lucrative and ever-growing industry, but it can be difficult to get your foot in the door. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of landing that dream job. If you’re passionate about video games and want to make a career out of it, here are a few tips on how to get started:
Showcase Your Work on Discussion Boards
If you’re passionate about video games, there’s a good chance you’re spending a lot of time on discussion boards and forums. These are great places to showcase your work and get feedback from other gamers. You can also use these platforms to show off your skills to potential employers.
Discussion boards are also a great place to network with other industry professionals. Discord servers, for example, are full of game developers and other creatives who are always happy to help out or give advice.
Create a Portfolio
If you’re serious about getting into the gaming industry, you need to have a portfolio. This is a collection of your best work that you can show off to potential employers. Your portfolio should include any games you’ve worked on, as well as any other creative projects you’ve undertaken.
If you don’t have any professional experience, that’s okay! You can include personal projects, school assignments, or anything else that shows off your skills.
The most important thing is that your portfolio is high quality and reflects your best work.
Start a Gaming Blog
Blogging is a low-cost way to build an online presence and show your passion for video games. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your writing and communication skills.
When blogging, it is best to do so with intent. Focus on writing for both SEO and your target audience. If you don’t have much money to put behind your blog, you should rank for keywords that are of low difficulty. This will help you reach a larger audience and make your blog more visible to potential employers.
Additionally, try to be consistent with your content and post new articles on a regular basis. This will show that you’re dedicated to your craft and are always looking to improve.
Apply to Entry-Level Jobs
Even if you don’t have any experience in the gaming industry, that doesn’t mean you can’t apply for entry-level jobs like game testing roles. Many studios are always on the lookout for talented individuals to join their teams.
When applying for jobs, be sure to highlight your skills and achievements that are relevant to the role you’re applying for. If you don’t have much industry experience, focus on your transferable skills and highlight your passion for video games.
Join an Accelerator Program
If you already have a great game that you want to get to market, accelerator programs like Global Top Round are a great way to get started. These programs provide funding and resources to help you take your game to the next level.
Additionally, these programs can be a great way to network with other industry professionals and make connections that can help you in your career. Not only can they provide you with the resources you need to get your game to market, but they can also help you meet the right people and get your foot in the door.
Final Thoughts
There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of landing that dream job, but there are many ways to do it. The most important thing is that you stay persistent and focus on the games that you want to be a part of. The gaming industry is always looking for talented and passionate individuals, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and show them what you’re made of!