Path 1: Higher Education
Higher education is an important aspect of pursuing a career in game development. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or related fields can help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this industry. These programs typically cover topics such as programming languages like C++ and Python, 3D modeling and animation, game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine, and more.
Many successful game developers have pursued higher education to gain the foundation they needed to create iconic games. For example, Markus Persson, the creator of Minecraft, studied Computer Science at Jönköping University in Sweden. His experience in higher education gave him the technical skills he needed to bring his vision to life and create one of the most popular games in history.
While a degree can be helpful in gaining experience and credibility in the industry, it is not strictly necessary to become a game developer. Self-learning and projects can also be valuable ways to gain experience and build a portfolio of work.
Path 2: Internships and Entry-Level Positions
Another way to gain experience in game development is through internships and entry-level positions. These opportunities allow you to work alongside experienced professionals and learn from their expertise. You may be tasked with tasks such as creating assets, programming code, or testing games.
Many successful game developers have started their careers in entry-level positions before working their way up the ranks. For example, John Carmack began his career as an intern at Softdisk. This experience allowed him to gain valuable knowledge about game development and programming. Another example is Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario Bros. He began his career working in various entry-level positions before eventually becoming a game designer at Nintendo.
While it may be challenging to find an internship or entry-level position in the competitive game development industry, the experience can be invaluable for building your resume and gaining knowledge about the field.
Path 3: Self-Learning and Projects
If formal education and entry-level positions are not an option for you, self-learning and projects can still be a valuable way to gain experience in game development. You can use online resources such as Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube to learn programming languages, game engines, and other related skills. Additionally, you can work on your own personal projects to showcase your abilities and build a portfolio of work.
Clifford Stern, the creator of Superhot, is an example of someone who built a successful career through self-learning and projects. He began learning programming at a young age and later went on to study Computer Science at Brown University. However, he found that formal education did not provide him with the hands-on experience he needed to create games. Instead, he spent years working on his own personal projects and eventually released Superhot, which was a critical and commercial success.
FAQs
Can I become a game developer without a degree? While a degree can be helpful in gaining experience and credibility in the industry, it is not strictly necessary to become a game developer. Self-learning and projects can also be valuable ways to gain experience and build a portfolio of work.
How long does it take to become a game developer? Becoming a game developer can vary depending on your level of experience and education. For those with little to no experience, it may take several years to gain the necessary skills and knowledge through self-learning and projects. However, having a strong portfolio of work and networking with industry professionals can help speed up the process.
Do I need artistic skills to become a game designer? While it’s not strictly necessary to be good at art to become a game designer, having some artistic skills can be helpful in creating game assets and designing levels. Some game design positions may require a portfolio of your work or experience with 3D modeling software like Blender or Maya. However, there are many successful game designers who did not pursue an art degree or have limited experience with art software.
