High scores, strategies, hardcore gaming sessions and saving up for the latest editions…most of us have had these gaming phases and still do. Well, have you ever thought about turning your love for gaming into a career?
It could mean being able to create the games that you love. But, getting the next big game out there in the market is not as simple as it seems. There are multiple roles and responsibilities involved in game development.
If you are thinking about a career in this field, the first step is to analyse where your interest lies. Is it the art, the testing or the programming ? Do a thorough self-analysis of your skills and interests and pick a role which fits best. Researching and reading up can help you get a better understanding of what will be required of you as a game developer.
Level 1:Getting yourself game ready:
Within these roles you can find specialised ones for yourself like- Level designer,concept artist,texture artist, environment artist,character artist, modeller, story writer and many more.Once you enter the industry, you will get a better idea about the process and then pick what you love best from the lot. For all you know, you could even carve out a niche of your own.
You can also broaden your horizons and apply to schools abroad which offer dedicated programmes for game developers.
These are some of the top international colleges with courses specially designed for gamers:
The Art Institute of Vancouver,Canada- Offers a strong curriculum with some of the best teaching faculty which will arm you with the skills necessary to enter the ever changing gaming industry
Digipen Institute of Technology- There are campuses in Washington, Singapore and Spain. These places could be a huge chance to network with the gaming community and train yourself for the modern gaming industry.
Rochester Institute of Technology- With resources like the National Museum of Play and communities for students with professional mentors, it is a hub for game development students.
Gnomon,Los Angeles,USA- Specialised in computer graphics education for careers in the entertainment industry.
If you see yourself as capable of dabbling in the creative side as well as the technical, then go for it because this is a multidisciplinary field : )
The top skills you’ll need as a game developer be it design or programming are creative art and basic computer skills. Make sure you are always learning and developing these.
A good portfolio/personal projects will take you a long way in game development. For this, it is important to start early, even as you do your undergraduate degree in design/programming. As beginners in this field, you are advised to pick small passion projects and create something of your own. This will help you stand out from the crowd.
Level 2: Now you’re ready to get into the playing field:
Once armed with a degree, you will have gathered the necessary knowledge and expertise to land an exciting job in the industry. Working at some of the bigger firms would mean getting a chance to work in specialised teams. You can also pick the kind of projects you want to handle- XBOX, PC etc.
Work hard and play harder at these companies as a game developer:
Top Indian gaming companies:
1.Dhruva Interactive – Leading Indian game developers with popular games like Sea of Thieves
2.Zebu Games-Makers of deceptively simple and strategic games like Follow the Dots
3.Apar Games- Doing a fun take on all genres with games like Scribbled Arena
4.Dumadu Games-Innovators who are releasing popular VR games like VR Monster Truck Extreme Dash
Top international gaming companies:
1.Nintendo – Creators of the legendary Mario
2.Ubisoft – Popularly known for their project Assassin’s Creed
3.Gameloft-Involved in exciting projects like Modern Combat
4.The Walt Disney Company – They bring all your favorite Disney movies to life in the gaming world
5.Zynga-Developed everyone’s favorite, FarmVille
Game development as a field has plenty of opportunities. If you want to stand out and do your own thing then you can also look for jobs in companies not solely dedicated to gaming.
Pro tip: The first step towards this dream job is performing well in your 12th Board Exams. BYJU’S-The Learning App has programs designed to prepare students in an easy and fun manner. With adaptive and engaging videos, sample test papers for each concept and personalised feedback, BYJU’S visual learning methods will give you the necessary boost to prepare for your exams.
Now, you can get a free counselling session with BYJU’S experts at your home to help guide you better.
A self love warrior and a believer of 'hugs make life better' - Nidhi Tom is a member of team StoryWeavers. Currently, she is in the pursuit of finding the right balance between making nutty travel plans, cozying up in her happy place-the bed and weaving fun and quirky tales. Do write in to [email protected] if you want to share your stories, thoughts or any random rants with her.
Arya C is a 4th grader who talks about her transition from the US to India and how BYJU`S has helped her at that. She also loves how BYJU`S has made learning a lot more fun.