Do you enjoy playing video games? Have you ever considered starting a career in gaming? Many people have this notion that if you want to have a career in gaming, you need to become a programmer or learn some hard-core technical skills. But, the reality is quite different. Video gaming is today quite a serious career offering many opportunities. If you have got the skills, commitment and love for video games, this article presents eight gaming careers to consider.

1.  Games Designer/ Content Designer/ Level Designer

If you are a true video gamer, you must have been fascinated by the themes of 21st-century video games. The credit of such immersing themes goes to the designer of the game. A games designer works to build the theme of the game, developing storylines and characters. You will be working with a creative team of designers and developers for this role.

If you want to pursue this career, you must have a passion for video games, an eye for detail, and a deep understanding of how video games are created. You will also require a knowledge of tools like MS Excel and an XML editor. It will be great if you have a degree or certification in game design.

2.  Audio Engineer

What makes video games interesting? Yes, it is the design and storytelling but it is also the sound. From background music to voice-overs and sound effects, it is the role of the audio engineer to bring a video game to life. As an audio engineer, you might also have to run auditions of voice actors. You will have to conduct the voiceovers and then edit, mix and fine-tune the audio suitable for the video game.

If you want to pursue this career, you should have a degree in sound engineering or a related field. Even an entry-level position in this role requires a great portfolio so make sure you have something to show off to the recruiters.

3.  Video Game QA Tester/ Quality Assurance Tester/ Black Box Tester

Being a video game QA tester does not mean that you have to sit and play video games to test them. It is quite a hectic job as you have to ensure quality from stage one of video game production. This means even at times when the video game cannot even be played yet. You will have to look for defects in the game and create a report for the same.

Many people who want to start a career in gaming choose this field as it allows them to understand how video games are built fair and square. Once you gain some experience, you can switch to becoming a game producer, artist, designer, programmer etc.

4.  Video Game Developer/ Software Developer/ Programmer

This is a technical job involving snippets of code, algorithms, functions and programmes. Once a designer finalises the design of the game, it is the job of the video game developers to bring the game to life. They create code that converts the design into instructions and hence create the actual video game.

Game developers generally have a degree in computer science, programming or computer engineering. This will include subjects like C++, calculus, object-oriented design, game algorithms, computer graphics, and network fundamentals. The top programming languages used for game development are C#, C++, Java, JavaScript, HTML 5, SQL, Python, Rust, and UnrealScript.

5.  Video Game Animator/ Video Game Artist

Are you a super talented artist who holds proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya? If yes then you can try a career as a video game animator. You will be working as a bridge that combines art and technology and creates something fascinating. You will be creating an interactive environment for the video games and animated images.

A degree or certificate in computer graphics, art, animation or illustration can help to kick-start your career as a video game artist. However, you must have a great portfolio to showcase your skills. Video game animators can further be classified into environment artists, character modellers, character animators, concept artists and user interface artists.

6.  Professional Gamer

Yes, it is true. You can earn money by playing video games! But it requires a lot of hard work, practice and patience. Moreover, it also depends on the game you pick. With a variety of video games present these days, it might not be tough but you have to be super dedicated. Once you become a skilled gamer, you can participate in tournaments, start your gaming website, social media channel and earn money. There are many online gaming leagues such as MLG, ESL and ESEA in which you can participate.

7.  Video Game Producer

Would you like to be a producer of a video game? This means that you will be overseeing the whole video game development process. You will ensure that in every department whether it be your designers, programmers or audio engineers, everyone is working their best. You will be responsible for all the planning and management. It will be your responsibility to get the video game developed in time.

To become a video game producer, one must have a degree in business, game design, computer science, or digital media. Monica, who works as a programming assignment expert at GoAssignmentHelp says, “you must be well-versed with the development cycle of the video game industry. Also, you must be willing to solve the problems faced by the different departments.”

8.  Video Game Translator

For linguists, who have an interest in video games, becoming a video game translator can be a really rewarding experience. A video game translator has to convert a video game, its story, characters, and dialogue from one language to another. It is just like rewriting the game for a different audience.

To become a successful video game translator, one must have a strong command over the language (like vocabulary, grammar and semantics). Jonathan is a video translator who also offers assignment help in graphic designing. He says that the more creative and well-versed you are, the better your career as a translator. You must have a passion for video games and must keep yourself up to date with the latest developments in the video game industry.

Wrapping up

Careers in the video gaming industry are not only fascinating but also intriguing. However, they require special skills, technical knowledge and of course, an uncanny interest in playing video games. If you are just starting, make sure that your skills match up with the requirements of the job role that you are applying for.