Crafting Game Experts: Entry-Level Edition

Life, the current issues in the industry and my earlier experiences moved to me to write this article. For the people keen to join (or rejoin): Welcome to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of the games industry, a realm where creativity meets technology, and where passion transforms into interactive experiences enjoyed by millions worldwide. It is not an easy business to get into and be successful, but it is truly rewarding. Whether you're an aspiring game developer, artist, designer, producer, marketer, or any other professional looking to carve out a space in this vibrant field, you're embarking on a thrilling journey. I aim to guide entry-level enthusiasts like you through the essentials of becoming a game expert, from understanding the industry's landscape to getting the experience needed to thrive. I also highly recommend you watch Tomá? Jech TEDX Talk , as it is not only insightful, but extremely interesting.

A Very Brief Overview of the Games Industry

The games industry is a multifaceted and global phenomenon, encompassing a wide range of disciplines including game development, publishing, marketing, and more. It's an industry known for its rapid growth, technological innovation, and creative storytelling. Financially, it is larger than music and films combined. But it feels tiny when you see how the community works. With the rise of mobile gaming, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and esports, the opportunities within the sector are expanding more than ever before. Therefore, there are opportunities a plenty, but also challenges beyond your initial understanding.

You will read and hear a lot of news about how the industry is saturated and the marketplace can be hostile and sometimes unfair. But if you are truly passionate about it, there is space for you, especially if you are willing to work for it and have the patience required to prosper.

Skills Required to Develop, Publish, and Promote Games

Breaking into the games industry requires a diverse set of skills, depending on your area of interest. Your experience and skills acquired in other markets may be transferrable to the gaming industry, so don’t let tradition curb your enthusiasm.

- Game Development: This involves programming, game design, art and animation, sound design, production, and testing. Nevertheless, this is a super simplified view, as each of these aspects can be broken down into more specialised tasks. A strong foundation in computer science, along with creativity and a deep understanding of game mechanics, is essential. So, if you don’t have experience in game development but have transferable skills, a good practice is to start viewing games from a more critical point of view. Analyse every detail of design, animation, art style, narrative. Break it all down. It will really help you understand what makes good games great.

- Publishing: Skills in project management, business development, marketing, user acquisition, licensing, and legal knowledge are crucial. Some publishers also support the development team, so other skills might be involved. Understanding the market and having the ability to navigate the publishing landscape can make or break a game's success. Publishers usually have the skills and experience that the developers lack.

- Promotion: This is, at times, related with the publishing work, but can also be tackled on its own. Marketing and communication skills are key in this case. This includes digital marketing, public relations, community building and management, and social media expertise. Knowing how to engage with audiences and build communities around games is vital. This is something that a lot of developers and publishers leave for the last minute, which I believe is a huge mistake and lost opportunity. But that is a full rant for another article.

What Does It Mean to Be a Rookie in the Industry?

Being a rookie in the games industry means you're at the beginning of your career path, eager to learn and contribute. It also means you are eager to get experience, but the options are unfortunately limited. Therefore, it's a time to absorb as much knowledge as possible, experiment with different roles and projects, and build a network of contacts. If you are studying, leverage every project you can to build a portfolio. If you are moving from another field, update your knowledge with every course you can, while applying your previous experience into games. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and the games industry is particularly welcoming to those who show passion and initiative, even if sometimes it doesn't look like it. Be persistent and creative in finding the path that works for you.

Tips and Tricks to Catch the Attention of Recruiters

1. Build a Portfolio: This might seem obvious, but a lot of people have difficulty selling themselves. Don’t be shy: Showcase your best work, whether it's game prototypes, art, code snippets, or marketing campaigns. A strong portfolio demonstrates your skills and creativity.

2. Network: This industry is built upon the community. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. If you reach out, people are friendlier and more open than you think. Networking can lead to valuable advice, mentorship, and job opportunities. Plus, if you want to start your company, you might meet your next partners in the most unusual settings.

3. Specialize: While having a broad skill set is beneficial, specializing in a particular area can make you stand out. Whether it's AI programming, 3D modelling, or indie game marketing, find your niche. It can start by defining what excites you the most about this industry. And you can build it up from there.

4. Stay Updated: The games industry is fast-paced and ever-changing. Keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices by following industry news, blogs, and forums. But be careful not to be dragged down by crisis and unwelcome news. Use everything in your advantage, while keeping a positive and constructive mindset.

5. Personal Projects: Working on your own projects can be a terrific way to learn and show your initiative. It also provides tangible evidence of your passion for gaming. It can be anything from a MVP to a GDD, or the business plan of your game idea. Nowadays there are a lot of resources to help you bring your idea to life, even if you are by yourself.

You Landed Your First Job, Now What?

Congratulations! Landing your first job in the games industry is a significant milestone. But it is just the end of a mission, not the whole quest. Here is how to make the most of it:

- Learn Continuously: You should never stop learning. There is always more to know. Be open to learning from your colleagues, taking on new challenges, and stepping out of your comfort zone.

- Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback is invaluable for growth, even though it can be scary sometimes. Don't be afraid to ask for it and use it to improve your work.

- Contribute Ideas: Don't hold back your thoughts and ideas. Another scary thing, I know, specially when you think your boss and/or colleagues will be mad at you. Fresh perspectives are always welcome in creative industries and shows you are interested in contributing to the success of the project.

- Build Relationships: This is deeply connected with networking. Everywhere you go, the people you meet are important characters in your adventure. Developing strong relationships with your team and other professionals can open up future opportunities and provide support throughout your career.

Things You Shouldn't Do

- Don't Overcommit: It's important to be enthusiastic but taking on more than you can handle can lead to burnout and affect the quality of your work. I know you want to be helpful, but balance is key.

- Avoid Working in Isolation: You are an essential part of your team. Collaboration is key in the games industry. Make sure to communicate and work with them. If you are a sole developer, make sure to surround yourself with a community that will provide you with the support and feedback you need.

- Never Learning: The day you think you know everything you need to know is the beginning of your downfall. Don’t be left behind.

Acquiring Experience

Most jobs ask for a certain amount of experience. Unfortunately, it is so even in the so called ‘entry level’ jobs. But there are some ways to acquire valuable experience:

- Internships and Apprenticeships: The most obvious way. These can provide hands-on experience and a foot in the door at game studios. Good if you are a student, as most studios require that.

- Freelancing: Taking on freelance projects can help you build a diverse portfolio and gain experience working with different clients and projects. Not everybody’s cup of tea, though.

- Game Jams: Taking part in game jams challenges you to create games within a limited timeframe, fostering creativity and teamwork. Also, great way to network and build teams.

- Online Courses and Tutorials: There are countless resources available to learn new skills and technologies relevant to the games industry. Several courses have projects to be developed and they can be then added to your portfolio.

- Personal Projects: Continue working on personal projects. They are a great way to experiment, learn, and showcase your passion. You should do it even if you are already employed, in my humble opinion.

Some extra tips

Embrace Collaboration and Teamwork

Understanding how to work effectively within a team is crucial. Have an overall knowledge of not only your area of expertise, but how games are developed. This will be a great tool for you to have an open communication with other teams, leading to a more harmonious work environment and a better end product.

Cultivate a Problem-Solving Mindset

Everybody can complain and present problems. But remember: problems need solutions. Cultivating a problem-solving mindset not only makes you an invaluable asset to your team but also enhances your personal growth and job satisfaction. Approach each challenge with a cheerful outlook, think critically, and don't be afraid to experiment with innovative solutions.

Understand the Business Side

While passion for gaming and creativity is at the heart of the industry, understanding the business side is equally important. You might not get involved with it at all, but knowing about it will open your horizons. This includes grasping the basics of game monetization, marketing strategies, audience analysis, and project management. Even if your role is deeply technical or creative, having a broad understanding of how your work fits into the larger business model can provide valuable context for your contributions and help you make more informed decisions.

Stay Humble and Seek Mentorship

You never know it all. No matter how skilled or talented you are, there's always room for improvement and new things to learn. Staying humble and open to learning from others can change the game (pun intended). Seek mentorship from experienced. A good mentor can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights that are not easily gained from books or online courses. Not to mention emotional and psychological support when things get difficult.

Balance Passion with Well-being

Working in the games industry can be incredibly rewarding, but it's also known for its demanding projects and tight deadlines, which can lead to long hours and work-related stress. I know you are passionate, but overstretched professionals do not deliver good results. It's essential to balance your passion for your work with the need for personal well-being. Keep an organised schedule. Leave time for yourself. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for sustaining a long and fulfilling career in the games industry.

Contribute to the Community

The games industry is supported by a vibrant community of developers, players, and enthusiasts. And we should be always trying to support each other. Contributing to this community can be a rewarding way to give back and build your professional network. So, whenever you can, give back. Engaging with the community not only helps others but also enhances your visibility and reputation in the industry.

Celebrate Your Achievements and Learn from Failures

Finally, remember to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Completing a project, solving a difficult problem, or receiving positive feedback from players are all milestones worth recognizing. Be kind to yourself and don't be discouraged by failures or setbacks. They are an inevitable part of the creative process and offer valuable learning opportunities. Reflect on what went wrong, adjust your approach, and move forward with renewed determination. It is a never-ending process.

Starting your career in the games industry is not always easy and sometimes even scary, depending on the jump you are aiming to do. But remember, every great game starts with a single idea, and every industry expert was once a rookie. With passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, you can craft not only great games but also a rewarding and successful career in this dynamic and exciting industry. If we did it, so can you. Go for it!