In recent years, the gaming industry has grown by leaps and bounds in terms of popularity and revenue. With more and more people turning to games as entertainment, it is no surprise that a career in the gaming industry has become a viable option for many.
What was once considered a niche industry had become a mainstream profession, with job opportunities in game design, development, art, sound, and more.
According to Insider Intelligence, with the new release of next-generation consoles and widely popular video games, the gaming industry could see a boom in product sales in 2023. When consumer spending on games is strong, career options will also open up in the gaming industry.
But what about students who are still in school? Can they also pursue a gaming career while balancing their academic commitments? The answer is yes, and this article will explore how students can turn their passion for gaming into a viable career option while still in school.
From developing skills and building a portfolio to networking and finding job opportunities, it will provide a roadmap for students who want to pursue a career in gaming.
Develop Your Skills
Developing skills is a crucial part of pursuing any career, and the gaming industry is no exception. Whether you’re interested in game design, programming, art, or sound, it is essential to hone your skills to succeed in this industry.
To develop your skills, you can start by taking online courses, attending workshops, participating in game jams, and creating your games or mods. You can also seek out mentorship or internship opportunities with professionals in the industry to gain hands-on experience and learn from their expertise.
If you want to work on the development and coding part of gaming skills, you can help with a homework helper website or an online tutor. First, you must log in to the website and go to its homework section. There you can place your queries and get answers from experts.
Continuously working on improving your skills will not only make you a better candidate for job opportunities but also help you stand out in a competitive industry.
Participate in Game Development Clubs or Esports Teams
It is interesting to know that gaming is not just limited to a particular age group in the US. According to Statista, around 36% of gamers are adults aged between 18 to 34 years. In addition, the number of gamers aged above 50 has also increased in the past few years. These enthusiast gamers form the backbone of game development clubs or esports teams, which the students must look upon.
Participating in game development clubs or esports teams can be an excellent way to gain practical experience and build a network of like-minded individuals. In addition, game development clubs provide a platform for students to collaborate on game development projects, share ideas, and get feedback from peers.
On the other hand, Esports teams allow students to compete against other teams in online or in-person tournaments. Joining a game development club or esports team can help you develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills that are valuable in the gaming industry.
It can also provide opportunities to showcase your skills and gain recognition in the gaming community. Participating in these clubs or teams can help you stand out to potential employers and open up job opportunities in the future.
Attend Gaming Conferences and Events
It can be a valuable way to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and network with professionals in the gaming industry. Conferences like the Game Developers Conference, E3, and PAX provide opportunities to attend talks, workshops, and panels from experts in various fields. They also showcase the latest game design, programming, and art developments.
These events also allow students to meet with recruiters and industry professionals, potentially leading to internships or job opportunities. Attending gaming conferences and events can also give students a chance to showcase their work, receive feedback, and make important connections that can help them establish themselves in the gaming industry.
Create Your Games or Stream on Twitch
To showcase your skills and build a following in the gaming community, you can create your games or stream them on Twitch. If you’re interested in game development, creating your own game can demonstrate your technical skills and creativity, potentially leading to job opportunities or even creating your indie game studio.
On the other hand, streaming on Twitch allows you to showcase your gameplay and personality, potentially gaining a following that can help you build a personal brand in the gaming industry. Streaming can also provide opportunities to monetize your content and generate income.
Whether you’re interested in game development or streaming, creating your games or streaming on Twitch can help you establish yourself in the gaming community and build a career in the industry.
Research the Industry
Students can make informed decisions about their career paths by staying up-to-date on the latest trends, developments, and job opportunities in the industry. Researching the industry can involve reading articles, industry reports, job postings, and networking with professionals in the field.
It’s important to understand the different career paths available in the gaming industry, the skills and experience required for each role, and the companies and studios hiring. Once you graduate as a game developer, you can get a handsome job. According to Zippia, the average salary earned by a game developer holding a bachelor’s degree in the US is $102,257. Those with a doctorate or Master’s degree can earn higher.
It can also help students identify their strengths and interests and determine the best path forward in pursuing their dream career in gaming.
Pursue Internships or Part-Time Work in the Industry
Many gaming companies offer internships, which can provide opportunities to work alongside industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and learn about different roles in the industry.
Part-time work can also provide similar opportunities to gain experience and earn money while still in school. In addition, pursuing internships or part-time work in the gaming industry can help students build their resumes, develop industry-specific skills, and make important connections that can lead to future job opportunities.
It’s important to research and apply to internships or part-time jobs early, as they can be highly competitive.
Conclusion
Pursuing a career in gaming while still in school is a viable option for students who are passionate about this industry. With the growth of the gaming industry, the demand for skilled professionals in game development, art, sound, and other areas has increased.
To make gaming a viable career option while still in school, students can develop their skills, participate in game development clubs or esports teams, attend gaming conferences and events, create games or stream on Twitch, research the industry, and pursue internships or part-time work.
By following these steps and staying dedicated to their passion for gaming, students can lay the foundation for a successful career in the industry and turn their school daydreams into reality.