How to Make Video Games for a Living
Back in the early days of video games, only a handful of self-taught guys could make a commercial product out of their homes. Since then, advances in technology and consolidation of companies into corporations has made even entry-level jobs more competitive and all but required creators to specialize, such as in level design, 3D modeling or programming. To obtain a position in the field, aspiring video game creators must enter the job market prepared.
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Instructions
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Educate yourself in all areas of video game design, including programming, art, audio and map building, but specialize in one area. Research video game specific degree programs but keep in mind that these are expensive. It is possible to self-educate and practice game creation at home, but this will require that you build a body of work on your own time.
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Build up a portfolio of work. Emphasize your specialty in each project. For example, if you want to become a level designer, create a series of maps with an existing game's level editor; if you want to be a character modeler, use a game-design software program to create characters; if you want to be a programmer, create several functional game programs. Track the development time for these projects to show that you can do the job the company requires. When you organize them into a portfolio, build an executable file that opens up to a menu, from which employers can click on different projects to see a summary and the development time, and subsequently examine or play through the content themselves. A centralized menu format is particularly handy when applying to a general design position because it lets users access a variety of media types, which could include pre-production notes and art as well as the game itself. Not every company requires the portfolio to be in menu format, but the format highlights your ability to organize your work.
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Search video game career listings online at job search forums. You can also check for job listings on game developers' websites if you have a specific workplace in mind. Look for listings in your specialty. Review their application requirements before sending in your resume and portfolio.
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Tips & Warnings
Be prepared to accept a lesser position than you would prefer right off the bat. Many video game creators start out in testing, a position that has long hours, low pay and lengthy reports on single game segments played ad nauseum. The most desirable positions in the industry require at least a year's time spent with the company and likely several years of experience to be considered. The upside is that testers, especially testers with project portfolios, can make valuable networking contacts.
Video game creators do not have 9 to 5 jobs. As projects come closer to their expected completion dates, developers go into crunch mode. One recent study suggested that, on average, game development teams have 13 weeks out of the year in which they have more than 15 hours added onto their typical 40 hour workweek.
References
- Photo Credit black video games controler or games pad image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
