How do you create a gaming portfolio and demo?

Establishing a clear direction is crucial before diving into portfolio and demo creation in the game development field. Begin by determining your game preference: 2D or 3D. This choice sets the foundation for your skill development. Specialization in a specific game genre, whether it's platformers, RPGs, or puzzles, allows you to become proficient in that style. It's akin to mastering a musical genre—you become an expert in the nuances.

I disagree. I do not recommend narrowing your focus to a "game type" for an initial portfolio - you just need to show your best work, maybe 3-6 projects. Multiple projects of various kinds shows range. You target audience is the hiring manager for a portfolio. That's it. However, you should tailor your portfolio to a particular skillset of the industry (a "vertical"). For example, if you want to be a level designer, your portfolio should lean that way. Speaking of "game types" again: If, in the future, you find that you happen to fall into a "game type" niche based on your career, and you want to use your portfolio to get jobs in that same niche, suppressing games that are out of that niche may make sense. That's case by case.

Your portfolio website is your digital resume. Use platforms like WordPress, Wix, or code your own. Ensure it's user-friendly, visually appealing, and professional. Sections should include an introduction, contact details, organized work samples, and a demo section with clear instructions and feedback forms. Within the portfolio section, use thumbnails, slideshows, videos, or links to showcase your game-related projects. For each sample, include title, genre, platform, tools used, your role, and achievements. It's your digital storefront to impress potential employers or collaborators.

It's important to make your portfolio as easy to review as possible. A hiring manager will spend the same amount of time evaluating it as a resume, unless you really grab their attention. Keep the most important parts of it in a single page. Scrolling is easier than clicking. Keep detailed information behind a "more detail" button. For game projects, pictures (especially animated images or gameplay trailers) are more important than an intimidating wall of text. Link to play opportunities like itch.io or your game's store page.

Your demo is your opportunity to stand out. Craft a polished game or prototype that reflects your unique style. Whether you use established engines like Unity or code from scratch, focus on engaging gameplay, an intuitive interface, and smooth performance. A compelling title and description are vital to pique players' interest. Think of it as your canvas to impress and make a lasting impact on potential employers or collaborators.

While I agree that the games featured on your portfolio should be your best projects, for a new portfolio, it's better to have projects. They won't be perfect, and they're not expected to be. If you're a level designer, for example, building a cool level with associated mechanics that work with default assets and blocked out materials but shows the "fun" is perfectly acceptable. In fact, that's how indie developers often pitch their games. Don't let perfection stand in the way of good enough.

Before unveiling your portfolio and demo to a wider audience, thorough testing and continuous improvement are crucial. Seek feedback from friends, family, peers, mentors, or online communities to gain different perspectives and identify areas for enhancement. Utilize analytics tools like Google Analytics to monitor the traffic and engagement on your portfolio website. Analyzing data helps you understand how users interact with your content and where improvements are needed.

There are many excellent resources for finding mentors who are willing to review your portfolio. Clearly, LinkedIn is a great place to start. Look up and follow Amir Satvat, for example. He maintains an incredible resource which includes volunteer mentors. Get on Discord and join the many game development servers that exist. Check out the Indie Game Academy for a collaborative community that wants to help you succeed! Whatever you choose, don't get paralyzed by this idea of perfection. Get your website up and get it started, refine as you go. Iteration is a part of the game industry, get used to it now!

The last step is crucial: spreading the word to the right audience. Use various channels like social media, forums, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters to share your portfolio and demo within your network and among potential employers and clients. Participation in game jams, contests, events, or conferences broadens your reach and exposes your work to a larger, more relevant audience. These platforms provide opportunities for networking and feedback.

This section reads weird. Use game jams to build projects to showcase on your portfolio. Don't use game jams to show off your portfolio. List it on your LinkedIn profile, your resume, and make sure you reference it on your job application (game studio applications often ask for a game portfolio link). List it on your GitHub and itch.io profile pages. Add it to your business cards. I recommend tailoring it for a vertical, not necessarily for a particular position at a company. This is not a resume, which you should tailor to get the best opportunities. You shouldn't be making significant changes to your portfolio between apllications unless you got really good, constructive feedback about a particular section or project.

If you're young and you're looking for your first job in the space, learn how to make content from the games you're playing currently. Write articles, create videos or even record audio snippets about your experiences in video games. It'll help you gain more insight in how people interact with video games and help you develop multiple skills that will help you flesh out your portfolio. Learn a bit of code as well and build out a few games. All of this will give you both the content as well as the experience to make a legitimate Gaming portfolio.

Your portfolio isn’t just a showcase; it's your gaming legend in the making! ??? 1) Feature your top-notch skills prominently—let them shine. 2) Flex versatility with varied projects—paint a complete picture. 3) Level up by including playable demos—let your work speak. 4) Provide backstory—let them understand the genius behind each piece. 5) Highlight the tech stack you’ve mastered—proclaim your wizardry. 6) Share the why—let passion ooze through every project. 7) Seek feedback, refine, iterate—the journey to perfection.

Over scoping is a pitfall for both beginners and professionals in the gaming industry. Be caution when planning your demo to avoid ending up with unfinished project added to the pile. Additionally, rather than spending excessive time searching for the perfect engine, especially at the start, choose one that runs smoothly on your PC and aligns with the course or tutorial you're following.