Addicted to Halo? Can't get enough of Grand Theft Auto? If you love video games, you've probably already considered a career in the video game industry.
Jobs in this field are diverse and varied, so whatever your talents are, there's probably an opportunity out there waiting for you.
Producer
The producer of a video game is responsible for the overall creation of the game. Depending on the company, a producer may be responsible for coordinating the efforts of outside agencies specializing in computer graphics design, sound production and more, or – if the company is large enough – hiring individual staff members responsible for these areas. In addition, the producer is responsible for ensuring that the game production stays on schedule and that any specific timeline objectives are met. If there are any conflicts between different elements of the production staff, the producer may ultimately be responsible for resolving them.
Video games wouldn't be nearly as dramatic or exciting without the perfect soundtrack to accompany the story. Sound designers are a critical part of the video game creation process, although their backgrounds may be as varied as the video games they work on. Some video games feature popular music, so the sound designer must be able to search out new artists and carefully select songs to accompany the game. Other games feature orchestral background music, so a sound designer with a degree in music production may be required to write original songs or translate instrumental music to a digital format.
Game Designer
Video game designers serve an important role in game production – they're typically responsible for creating all the graphics that will be included in the game, from characters to items to background scenery. Getting a job as a video game designer requires specific experience in creating 3-D computer graphics, so most people working in this field have degrees in computer science and design. In addition to a degree, having a good quality portfolio that demonstrates your skills is critical to getting a job in this industry.
Video game developers are responsible for generating the code that's the base of the video game. However, as with every other position involved in the production of a video game, developers don't exist in a bubble. Developers must work closely with other members of the production team to create an enjoyable video game experience. To get a job in the field, video game developers need a background in writing code – usually in the form of a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or video game production. As with game designers, having a strong portfolio of games you've designed goes a long way towards helping you secure a job in the industry.
Tester
Perhaps the most coveted of all the video game positions, testers spend every day playing new video games, offering feedback and reporting any bugs that have gone unnoticed throughout the development process. But don't think these jobs are all fun and games – testers may be required to play the same level or game over and over as the game moves through production. Video game testers don't need to have any specific educational background, but competition for these jobs is fierce. Job postings can be found in traditional classified ads or with individual gaming companies, and you may need to demonstrate expertise with specific games or gaming platforms.
Writers
Just like any TV show or movies, video games also hire writers to develop the scripts and dialogue of the game. As video games become more complex, the task of creating a complete storyline creates more job opportunities for writing positions in the video game industry. Having a degree in English or creative writing is helpful, as is a background in science fiction or fantasy writing. Job listings for video game writers can be found on general job posting websites or by contacting video game companies directly.
The International Academy of Design & Technology offers online degrees in video game design. Choose from an associate's or bachelor's program in game design and help transform your design talent into the skills employers want. Learn more about IADT | Request free info
