The gaming industry continues to be on the rise due to the advancement of technology such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and cloud technologies. Needless to say, it plays a key role in most Gen Zs’ lifestyles and it’s even sometimes used in e-learning curriculums. Because of this, there’s no other way for game development but up. In fact, the industry is projected to maintain its steady growth, which is projected to be worth $321 billion by 2026.
With this, game development is expected to flourish, creating significant demand for professional game developers. If you’re wondering how to become a game developer, you’re on the right page.
In this article, we’ll discuss some tips on how to become a game developer and what it takes to have a successful career in this industry.
What is a Game Developer?
Game developers are sometimes referred to as video game developers. They research concepts and gaming trends, turn them into interactive games, and maintain their functionality. To develop a game, they code visual elements, program features, and test them for bugs to ensure that they’re ready for the public.
Because of its multidisciplinary nature, the game development industry opens different career paths. Consequently, roles may vary depending on the specialization you plan to pursue. Mainly, there are four types of game developers:
- First-party game developers build exclusive games for a single console.
- Second-party game developers focus on creating for a single console, but are independent from the console company.
- Third-party developers craft and market their own games. They also develop games for other companies.
- Indie developers are self-supported game developers.
Now that you have an overview of the responsibilities this job entails, let’s talk about how to become a game developer.
How to Become a Game Developer
As mentioned earlier, with the rise of technology, like AR and VR, game development is a growing industry. This results in a lucrative career that attracts more job aspirants, making it a more competitive job market. If you’re one of them, here are some tips on how to become a game developer.
1. Earn a university degree and certificates.
One of the most vital factors in becoming a game developer is having the right educational background. Pursuing a college degree prepares and hones your skills to be globally competitive. In this case, it’s advisable to take computer science, programming, animation, or related fields to ensure that you know the fundamentals of game design and development.
However, if you’ve decided to take this path, it’s best if you can study a more focused course, such as Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BSEMC), with a specialization in Game Development. With this course, you can fully develop and enhance your knowledge and skills in game development. Graduating from a specialized course such as this will also give you an edge over your competitors because it impresses upon hiring managers your expertise in the field.
2. Master programming language.
Another point is to master different programming languages that you can use to write your code. There are dozens of programming languages available to choose from. So, it’s important to spend some time learning about the different options that are available before you start making your decision. Some popular options include C++, Java, C#, and Python.
More importantly, it’s vital that you’re knowledgeable and equipped with game engine know-how. This is because coding languages in game development focus more on this software framework. With CIIT’s program, you can become experts in Unreal Engine, Unity 3D, and Blender.
3. Learn the basics of game design.
In addition to learning coding skills, it’s also important for you to develop a strong understanding of game design. This involves a number of different concepts and skills, including drawing, animation, 3D modeling, and storytelling.
4. Build a game developer portfolio.
Working in this sector requires skills and expertise. And one way to prove this is through an impressive portfolio. That being said, building your portfolio as early as a college student is helpful to hone your skills and widen your experience. You can do this by attending workshops and relevant events. One example is the Global Game Jam, where CIIT is an active participant.
5. Be open to mentorship.
Having mentors who are industry leaders equips you with the necessary skills to prepare you for what’s ahead in the professional world. With their expertise, you can gain insights and learn effective approaches to succeed in your future career. Remember, nothing beats a game developer who is well prepared to win the game. Thus, it’s crucial to take action to arm yourself for the battle against other qualified candidates.
Moreover, you can connect with and learn from thought leaders when you choose to partner with a community of innovators and practitioners. You can start by purposefully choosing your course in college, going the extra mile by attending bootcamps, and acquiring relevant experience from on-the-job training and hands-on activities. Take every step you take in college as a stepping stone to a thriving career in game development.
Top Skills of Game Developers
After learning some tips on how to become a game developer, let’s discuss the top skills you need to be effective in this post.
1. Coding skills
Programming is the backbone of game development, so it’s essential to be proficient with coding languages such as C, C++, C#, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, and HTML5.
2. Creativity
Game development requires creativity to come up with a design that’s interactive and engaging for its target market.
3. Deep understanding of gaming engines
Gaming engines are an essential part of game development, and there is no doubt that they play a big role in shaping the overall experience of games. When it comes to designing a game, developers rely heavily on gaming engines to help them get the job done.
4. Communication
Having strong communication skills is beneficial especially when showcasing video game storyline and pitching your project to gaming companies.
5. Teamwork and collaboration
Creating video games includes multiple processes and testing. This means working with other teams is imperative to ensure a seamless workflow.
Be a Successful Expert Game Developer, the CIIT Way!
To prepare for the stiff competition, you need to have what it takes to be a game developer. As previously stated, the college course you’ll study plays an important role in your knowledge and competence in the field. That’s because pursuing game development can be challenging as it requires time, expertise, and creativity to excel in the gaming industry.
CIIT helps you weave your future with a top-notch relevant course such as Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BS EMC), with a specialization in Game Development. With this course, you’ll learn about the art and science of building games and we’ll even teach you its entrepreneurial aspects to ensure that you have the necessary qualities for success. Plus, you’ll be a part of a community of innovators who will push to meet your full potential as a game developer.
What are you waiting for? Enroll now and kickstart your career by being part of our community. Be a CIITzen and get ready to conquer the world of game development!
