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Technology is crucial in how people worldwide live, work and play. It is hard to contemplate navigating daily life without smartphones, high-speed internet connections and e-mail. The central part tech plays in modern life has led to many sectors flourishing, and this is undoubtedly true for gaming.
The global games market generated a substantial amount in revenue during 2023, including a rapidly growing mobile games market. The ongoing popularity of gaming has led to many people considering a career in the industry. While there are multiple exciting roles to target, game development is one of the most eye-catching.
But what does this role involve, and how do you become successful in the game development industry?
What does a game developer do?
Game developers are responsible for taking the ideas given to them by game designers and turning them into reality. This means developers are involved in everything needed to bring a new title to life, from visuals to gameplay features, the user interface and in-game AI. Developers also work with designers to ensure the product they create matches the original vision and with testers to ensure any bugs or flaws found in the game are corrected before its release.
How do you achieve success in the game development sector?
It can often be worth looking at others who have succeeded in game development to help you find inspiration for your journey. Martin van Blerk is an entrepreneur specializing in AI, development recruitment, and mobile game projects. Having studied game development at the University of Waikato and as a member of the University Game Developers Programme, he provides an example of how a thriving career in this niche can be achieved.
Education often plays a crucial role in becoming a successful game developer. Gaining the relevant qualifications that employers in the sector seek is a sensible first step. The most common qualifications asked for are bachelor’s degrees in a related field, such as game development or computer science.
Building core game development skills is key
Although studying an appropriate program equips you with the relevant academic credentials, there is more you need to thrive as a game developer. Developing the right skills is also crucial; here are some of the most important to pursue:
Software and technical knowledge
It goes without saying that software and technical knowledge are very important skills for success as a game developer. It is just not possible to find a job in this niche and then excel in it without advanced software or technical knowledge.
If you cannot use industry-standard game development software on the best laptop brands or high-tech PCs, you will not be able to turn game designer’s ideas into reality. If you only have limited technical knowledge, you will not understand all the information you are provided with when creating games and will have difficulty discussing progress with colleagues with any degree of technical expertise.
Entrepreneurial spirit
One core skill which is crucial for success as a game developer is having a strong entrepreneurial spirit. This involves having the drive to seek out the latest opportunities in the sector and the confidence to pursue them.
Finding ways to develop a strong entrepreneurial spirit can also help you look at alternative ways of getting into game development, such as setting up your own start-up game development company and producing games to launch yourself. This skill is valued by all employers in the sector and allows you to actively seek out new opportunities.
Teamwork
Succeeding as a game developer usually involves working as part of a team. Although the size of the team will differ based on the size of the company, it is crucial to be able to work with people to carve out a flourishing career in this niche. This involves having excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as good people skills. With these skills, you are able to interact with colleagues effectively and also clearly explain your thoughts to them.
Creativity and problem-solving
It should be no surprise that good game developers require excellent creative skills. High levels of creativity enable you to actively participate in the game development process and suggest new ideas to enhance the finished product.
Problem solving is another core skill needed to thrive in game development as it enables developers to find effective solutions for any problems they come across when developing a new title or fixing an in-game bug.
Successful game developers require the right qualifications
To really make it in the competitive world of game development, you need the right mixture of academic qualifications and personal skills. They prepare you to not only move into this exciting career but to also excel in the field.
