How to get into game development

The gaming industry offers endless opportunities for those passionate about video games, whether you’re inspired by iconic titles like Mario Kart or captivated by modern masterpieces like Elden Ring. If you aspire to become a game developer, transforming your passion for gaming into a rewarding career is entirely possible.

Breaking into game development involves much more than simply loving to play video games—it requires mastering technical skills, understanding the game development process, and cultivating creativity to bring virtual worlds to life. From game design and programming to art, audio, and quality assurance, the industry calls for a diverse range of talents.

Whether you have a background in computer science, are an aspiring game developer, or are completely new to the field, here’s how to start your journey into the exciting world of game development and build a career that’s both fulfilling and impactful.

What is Game Development?

Game development refers to the process of creating games, from initial concepts to a finished product. It encompasses a range of roles, tools, and techniques, requiring collaboration between game designers, programmers, artists, and other professionals in the gaming industry.

Core aspects of game development include:

1. Game design: Crafting gameplay mechanics, storylines, and objectives.
2. Game programming: Writing code that forms the backbone of the game’s functionality.
3. Game art: Developing characters, environments, and visual elements.
4. Audio design: Creating music, sound effects, and voiceovers.
5. Game testing: Identifying and fixing issues to ensure game stability.

Step 1: Understand the Game Development Process

Before diving into the game development field, it’s essential to understand how video game production works. The typical game development process includes:

1. Pre-production: Outlining the concept, setting goals, and creating design documents.
2. Production: Building the game, including coding, designing, and asset creation.
3. Testing: Ensuring the game is bug-free and enjoyable to play.
4. Launch: Releasing the game to players.
5. Post-launch: Updating and maintaining the game.

Step 2: Choose Your Role in Game Development

The video game industry offers diverse career paths. Your role will depend on your skills, interests, and career goals. Here are some common roles in game development:

• Game designers: Responsible for designing the gameplay mechanics, levels, and game logic.
• Game programmers: Write the code that powers the game.
• Game artists: Create characters, environments, and animations.
• Audio designers: Produce sound effects, music, and voiceovers.
• Game testers: Test games for bugs and ensure a smooth user experience.
• Producers: Oversee the project and manage the team.

Step 3: Learn the Tools and Technologies

To become a successful game developer, you must master the tools and technologies used in the gaming industry. Start with popular game engines and software:

• Unity: Ideal for beginners and widely used for 2D and 3D games.
• Unreal Engine: Known for high-quality graphics, often used in complex games.
• Blender: A powerful tool for 3D modeling and animations.
• Photoshop: For creating textures and visual elements.
• Audacity: For editing audio and sound effects.

Step 4: Learn Programming for Game Development

Programming is a cornerstone of video game development. Learn the following programming languages and tools:

• C#: Frequently used with Unity.
• C++: Essential for Unreal Engine and more complex games.
• Python: Useful for prototyping and smaller projects.
• JavaScript: Perfect for browser-based games.

Develop strong programming skills by practicing regularly and building small games.

Step 5: Build Your Skills

Steps to build skills in game development:

1. Take online courses: Learn from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Codecademy.
2. Join game jams: Collaborate with other developers to create simple games under tight deadlines.
3. Practice regularly: Create your own games to improve your abilities.
4. Study successful games: Analyze what makes them engaging and technically sound.

Step 6: Start Creating Games

The best way to learn game development is by doing. Begin with small games and gradually take on more ambitious projects.

Steps to start creating games:

1. Start with a simple concept, like a platformer or puzzle game.
2. Use a game engine like Unity or Unreal Engine to bring your idea to life.
3. Test your game extensively to ensure smooth gameplay.
4. Share your games with the gaming community for feedback.

Step 7: Build a Portfolio

A strong portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills and projects. Include:

• Completed game projects with descriptions of your role.
• Links to playable demos or videos of your games.
• Code samples for game programming roles.
• Artwork for artistic roles in game development studios.

Your portfolio demonstrates your expertise and passion for the video game industry.

Step 8: Network and Collaborate

Networking is vital for entering the game development industry. Build connections with gaming professionals through:

• Online forums: Join communities like Reddit’s r/gamedev and Unity forums.
• Social media: Follow game developers on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Discord.
• Conferences: Attend events like the Game Developers Conference (GDC) to meet industry professionals.

Collaboration with others helps you gain insights and build valuable relationships in the gaming industry.

Step 9: Pursue Formal Education (Optional)

While not mandatory, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, game design, or a related field can provide a strong foundation. Some universities offer specialised programs in video game design and development.

Step 10: Apply for Jobs or Start Freelancing

Once you have a portfolio and experience, start applying for jobs at game development studios or begin freelancing. Roles like game tester, junior programmer, or entry-level game designer are great starting points.

Job boards for the gaming industry:

• GameJobs.co
• Indeed (search for game developer roles)
• Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.

Find Your Focus in Game Development

The first step to breaking into game development is determining what type of games and platforms you’re most interested in. Are you drawn to mobile games, PC games, or console-based titles? Do you want to work on expansive RPGs, fast-paced shooters, or innovative indie games? The types of games you enjoy can guide your career path.

• Explore game genres: Think about the kinds of games you love to play. Your preferences will help shape your goals.
• Understand platform requirements: Different platforms require specific programming languages and technical expertise. For example, Unity often uses C#, while Unreal Engine is built on C++.

“Figure out what you want to build, not what you want to do with your life,” says Dylan Lavis, Senior Technical Recruiter at Nxt Level. Start by narrowing your focus, which will guide the skills you need to learn and the projects you should undertake.

Learn Programming Languages for Game Development

Every video game relies on code to bring its characters, actions, and environments to life. Mastering programming languages is a fundamental part of becoming a game developer. Here are the most common languages used in video game development:

• C++: Essential for game engines like Unreal Engine and high-performance games.
• C#: Widely used in Unity for both 2D and 3D games.
• JavaScript: Ideal for browser-based games.
• Python: Great for beginners and rapid prototyping.

Not sure where to start? Tools like coding quizzes and beginner-friendly courses can help you find the language that aligns with your goals.

Practice with Game Engines

Game engines provide pre-built libraries and frameworks that simplify the game development process. Learning to use a popular game engine is a key skill for aspiring game developers. Some of the most widely used game engines include:

• Unity: Known for its versatility and beginner-friendly interface.
• Unreal Engine: Preferred for AAA titles and stunning visuals.
• Godot: A rising star in the indie game space.
• Construct 3: Great for creating 2D games without extensive programming knowledge.

By experimenting with game engines, you can bring your ideas to life while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Build a Portfolio of Game Projects

A strong portfolio is crucial for breaking into the game development industry. Recruiters and hiring managers want to see tangible proof of your skills. Include:

• Small games you’ve created, even if they’re incomplete.
• Contributions to game jams or collaborative projects.
• Examples of clean, functional code (sharing your GitHub profile can be a plus).
• Descriptions of your role in each project and the challenges you solved.

“Any game you’ve created, even for fun, counts as relevant experience,” says Marc Mencher, a technical gaming recruiter who works with major companies like SEGA and Nintendo.

Develop Key Skills for Game Development

To succeed in game development, you need to build a diverse skill set. Some of the most important skills include:

1. Game design: Understanding mechanics, level design, and user experience.
2. Programming skills: Proficiency in writing clean, efficient code.
3. Art and animation: Creating characters, environments, and other visual elements.
4. Problem-solving: Debugging issues and optimizing performance.
5. Collaboration: Working effectively with other team members.

Taking online courses, participating in game jams, and joining forums can help you refine these skills and stay updated on industry trends.

Express Your Passion for Gaming

Your enthusiasm for video games can set you apart in the competitive job market. Here’s how to showcase your passion:

• Engage with the gaming community: Join Discord servers, forums, or Twitch streams to connect with other gaming enthusiasts.
• Highlight your favorite games: Mention titles you’re knowledgeable about on your resume or in interviews.
• Share your story: Talk about the games that inspired you to pursue game development and what drives your creativity.

“In the gaming industry, you’re a gamer at heart,” Dylan Lavis says. Showcasing your genuine interest in games can make a lasting impression on recruiters.

Refresh Your Resume

When applying for roles in game development, tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills:

• List the programming languages you know.
• Include projects or game jams you’ve participated in.
• Mention specific games or genres you’re familiar with from a player’s perspective.
• Link to your portfolio or GitHub profile for easy access to your work.

Adding details about your familiarity with game engines, game logic, or specific platforms can demonstrate your readiness to contribute to a team.

Network and Collaborate

Building relationships in the game development field can open doors to new opportunities. Attend events like the Game Developers Conference (GDC) or join online communities to meet professionals in the video game industry. Collaborating on projects or participating in game jams also helps you gain experience while expanding your network.

Start Your Journey in Game Development

Breaking into game development requires dedication, creativity, and a willingness to learn. By focusing on specific roles, mastering tools like Unreal Engine and Unity, and building a strong portfolio, you can turn your passion for video games into a rewarding career. Whether you dream of working for a game studio or creating your own games, the opportunities in the gaming industry are endless.

Take the first step by exploring online courses, experimenting with game engines, and connecting with the vibrant gaming community. With persistence and passion, you can achieve your dream of becoming a successful game developer.