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Game development is a hot industry, especially for software design, web and wireless engineering, online community creation, graphics, script writing, marketing, rendering and animation. But competition for these jobs is tough. To win in this field, you’re going to need technical skills and plenty of passion.
Getting in the DoorWorking as a temp or short-term contractor is one good way to get started in game development, according to Aaron Schurman, CEO of Phantom EFX in Cedar Falls, Iowa. “[Temping] can help a lot of companies out of a jam,” he says. “There have been times where I needed help, and having a dependable [contractor] is worth gold.”
So how do you become that kind of go-to guy or gal? Start by contacting companies in your area, Schurman says. And when you send your cover letter or go for an interview, make sure you demonstrate dedication and commitment.
“The industry likes to hire people who finish what they start,” says Ed Magnin, chair of the Game and Simulation Programming program at DeVry University’s Irving, Texas campus. “If you give up halfway through a project because you got bored or it got too difficult, then you're not a good candidate.”
The Education DebateThe jury is still out on whether a degree is needed to help you land a job or secure a higher salary. “I don’t hire based on degrees,” says Terry Wayne Ranson, creative director for WideEye Interactive, an editing and production house in Dallas. “Some of our very best people are self-taught. A degree is at best a start.”
But if you do want the academic training, technical programs in all aspects of game development are available nationwide through classroom and online delivery.
And when you enroll, consider this advice from Magnin: Be ready to dig into numbers. “Math seems to be the best predictor of future programming ability,” Magnin says. “An ideal student should have either excelled in math or have the desire and aptitude to catch up with those who did.”
Frederic Descamps, senior director of marketing and business development for Menlo Park, California-based Xfire, part of MTV Networks, has another recommendation: “Get the best engineering degree in a technical area you are passionate about,” he says. “A strong programming, animation or artificial intelligence background will make you a very attractive candidate for any gaming company. Your chances are even better if you can showcase your skills with personal or class projects related to gaming: a game, a mod, a demo, or animation work.”
Here are three more tips:
- Be a Voracious Learner: The ability to pick up new skills quickly is key, Ranson says. “You have to be open to learning everything and not [just] be told or taught. You have to be interested and constantly seeking. Don’t get pigeonholed into a single skill set and lose the ability to evolve with field.”
- Be Passionate: “Besides excellent technical skills, most employers in the game industry also look for a passion for gaming,” says Magnin, who is also founder of Magnin & Associates, a Dallas-based game-development company. “There are long hours. We work heavily during the summer getting products ready for a Christmas release, when most people would rather be enjoying themselves at the beach. We figure if someone is really passionate about gaming, they won't mind spending the extra time it takes to produce quality products on a tight deadline.”
- Be Motivated: “Motivation can even make up for lack of relevant experience or diplomas,” says Descamps, in explaining a decision he once made to hire a longtime swimming coach for a game-development position. “He was extremely motivated and convincing. His determination carries over every day in his work, and he is one of my best hires to date.”
