Dear Developers: 9 Ways To Get Into The Game Industry

Getting into the game industry as a beginner can be challenging, but there are several ways to increase your chances of success. Here are nine of the best ways to get started in the game industry:

1. Get involved in game development communities: Joining game development communities such as forums and Discord communities can help you connect with other developers and learn from their experiences. 

No one said you had to work for an established company, some Indie devs came into the industry... via their first title.

2. Create a portfolio: Building a portfolio of your own game projects is essential to showcase your skills to potential employers. 

This can come by way of your contributions to a project... if it's not a game you developed on your own. Even if you haven't worked on a game yet, you can still showcase your skills via your art, sound effects, voice acting + more!

3. Attend game development events: Attending game development events such as game jams, hackathons, and conferences can help you network with other developers and learn new skills. 

If you attend such events, be prepared so you have business cards, notepads, or anything else for networking and gathering new information. If you walk out with nothing more than memories of the event, you just may have wasted your time.

4. Learn the necessary skills: Building games requires a variety of skills such as programming, art, and design. Learning these skills through online courses, tutorials, and books can help you build a strong foundation. 

No college required.

5. Participate in game development contests: Participating in game development contests such as game jams and hackathons can help you build your skills and gain exposure. 

This is similar to number 3, but... gather any information that will benefit you in the journey. Going and forgetting vital information would... suck... royally.

6. Apply for internships: Interning at a game development studio can provide you with valuable experience and contacts in the industry. 

This one could be tricky to even obtain but always remember... Google search is your friend!

7. Build relationships with industry professionals: Building relationships with industry professionals such as game developers, publishers, and journalists can help you learn about the industry and potentially lead to job opportunities. 

At times, it's who you know but... it might be easier to meet them in a non-business setting. Building a relationship on the outside could help you get access just as quick or even quicker than being on the inside because if they're around you and know that you're skilled... they'd be more enthusiastic to want to help a friend. Professionally doesn't hurt either, especially if that person lives by the rule of not working or living with friends to avoid ruining their friendship, but... they could give you an alley-oop into another studio.

8. Seek out mentorship: Finding a mentor in the game industry can provide you with guidance and advice on how to succeed in the industry. 

The earlier you find a mentor for yourself or your child (15 to 24) the better. The older a person gets, the less people want to help them. Don't miss this boat, there are mentorship programs out there, do a Google search for local mentorship programs in the game industry. Also, check with your local government to see if they have any programs funded by the city that help youth with such a thing.

9. Be persistent: Getting into the game industry can take time and persistence. Keep practicing, building your skills, and pursuing opportunities until you achieve your goals. 

Always keep in mind, to protect your ideas. Just like you're looking for opportunities, there are people also looking for new concepts to make money from, and... if your idea isn't protected consider it snagged. It's uncool, but some consider it... business (and don't be surprised if some of those people are a part of bigger studios).

Lastly, while in pursuit of your career, never stop chipping away at an indie project. Just because you don't have a job yet, doesn't mean you can't create one for yourself if your own project hits the mark. You can start this as early as today because game dev projects don't have an age requirement, but I do encourage parents to ensure things are... kosher if your child has a team developing a game with the desire of releasing it on the market.

Sophima | Guest Contributor

                                      + BLU 

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Gameloading: Rise Of The Indies

Hey Blu: Where Can I Find Game Industry Opportunities?

I won't mention any names, but I was contacted about opportunities in the industry. Who you know is honestly one of the faster tracks to gain access, but... it isn't the only one. A previous article touched on this... which is more than likely the reason for the message, but... I'll deliver more information here.

One thing I will say is... you don't have to work at an established game studio in order to gain access to the game industry (as mentioned in the previous article). Having the ability to develop games gives you access as an indie developer, but if you want to work for an established company... click here.

Regardless of working for yourself or a company (which is great experience and a resume builder), you will have to do indie in some form so that you can gain experience for that job you desire.

Full courses are available outside of a college classroom, without the debt... including courses for game development using the new Unreal Engine 5 (literally 8 courses for $25, which this sale lasts until May 26, 2022). Learning how to create levels and characters is great, but don't feel left out if you're more so skilled with music, programming, or even making cool voice impressions, these all play a hand in games.

At times it will require you to work a day job while honing your skills, but at least you have a goal... and these skills won't go up in smoke. You have the ability to actually do something with them. Once you get the ball rolling, consider creating a LinkedIn account so that you can rub shoulders with other developers and companies. You will be able to include your work history, skills, and all that good stuff, which can turn heads and possibly get someone's attention. You will also see jobs promoted on this platform also, so... take advantage of every avenue possible when it's go time.

There are also Mod and Indie platforms out there that allow you to collaborate with others, just make sure you get with people you vibe well because it could actually turn into a game studio before you realize it. Ultimately, just avoid wasting your time and you will be fine. If you're a teen reading this, you and do the same things as far as learning and developing your own games, but consult with your parents before taking the step to share or release them so that your ideas are protected.

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Hey Blu: Why is it so hard to get a tech job?

This is a simple question, that requires a not so simple answer. Hmmm... when you apply to a position in fields that may require more skill than flipping a burger at the local shack, the employer seeks more (most of the time).

Nickelodeon's Good Burger

It's not just tech, and actually... flipping burgers requires you to do more than flip burgers. You have to sanitize, prep, maintain quality standards to avoid cross-contamination that may get someone sick, etc. Totally more than meets the eye, so I shouldn't just say flipping burgers. Back when I asked people if they'd like to upsize their combos, I also had to wash dishes, clean fryers, clean bathrooms, the dining area, etc.

I say all that to say... when it comes to some of these positions in tech... you have to be able and willing to do it all for some companies. Not everyone lands the position where they get to do the sole thing that they love, some companies want the jack of all trades... cramming as many positions into one. Sounds good on paper until some employers realize it resulted in a revolving door because it actually takes more than one person to do all those things efficiently.

I say some, because... some employers are still hell-bent on trying to fit a marble into a pinhole, in order to save money. So you have to dig and dig in order to find what you're actually capable of doing. There are many who just shrug as they lie on their resume, and they improvise to remain employed. You don't have to go this route if your reputation matters to you (and many get exposed), but knowing a little about a little... can go a long way when paired with your main skill (the main objective they seek to have accomplished).

At times you have people who focus on hiring who they know... ahead of what that person actually knows. There are tons of unemployed college graduates and many others working in an unrelated field... so the degree doesn't always result in a job either. Unfortunately, some hiring managers also discriminate based on a number of reasons that may include race, weight, disability, gender, age, gender identity, and even attraction or a lack of attraction. So even if the question is simple, the answer isn't as simple.

If it were me... I'd probably work a 9 to 5, and look for local tech enthusiasts that get together for various activities. Based on your tech interests... consider taking that route, or learn about it online if it doesn't require a degree. There are a slew of online communities regarding tech, and if you budget the right way... you can invest in what may ultimately get you in the door thanks to your hands-on experience.

The great thing is... you don't need anything except your know-how to create your own opportunities in tech... and games are the perfect example. Look at all the indie games available (i.e. Shantae 1/2 Genie Hero Ultimate Edition). 

Independent developer, Wayforward, has been around since 1990! So it all depends on the route you want to take, but if you go indie... you still have the route to work for others. You're gaining experience on the indie front... and most of all... you're not just waiting around doing nothing.

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