Posted on July 27, 2020
What It Takes To Become A Game Developer
While many will continue to say that the golden age of video gaming has long past, many more are convinced that right now is the best era of gaming ever. Despite the many shady practices of companies like Konami and EA, there are countless thousands of games available, and the game development industry has never been easier to get into. Learning how to become a game developer is the dream of many video game lovers around the world, each with their own ideas and visions. Find out what it takes to become a modern game developer, and some tips for succeeding.
Choosing a Niche
Game development isn’t just sitting in front of a computer and tapping out code; it’s become a vibrant and widespread industry that encompasses a number of smaller niches. Graphic and art design, music production, team management, lore creation, and much more are all part of the game development process, meaning that there’s plenty of room for people that don’t know how to code. Of course, learning a programming language is a necessity for those that want to build a new game from the ground up, or who hope to learn how to tweak modern engines. Whatever the case, it’s important to remember that focussing on a specific niche can make the journey much easier, regardless of whether you want to make AAA blockbusters or at https://www.australianpokiesonline.net/real-money-pokies/.
Put The Hours In
Game development requires just as much effort and time as any other work; in fact, there have been plenty of controversies surrounding the high number of hours that developers put into their work due to pressure from their companies. Having a balanced work and personal life is extremely important, but it’s also important that the work side of life gets the adequate amount of effort. This might mean having to learn how to code, often from scratch, which can take a few years to fully perfect. For those that want to make video game art, spending a few years honing art skills can make a world of difference. Nothing worth having in this world comes easily, and that’s a well-known truth in an industry that is often associated with burnout.
Collaboration Is Key
Apart from the rare individuals that have the talent and the time to create entire projects on their own, becoming a game developer will usually mean working with other people as part of a team; and the teams themselves are often part of a large group, especially when working for a large gaming company. There’s nothing wrong with being an introvert, but it’s always important to remember that the work can only get done properly when everyone is collaborating together. This can mean always replying to messages promptly, making sure all the required paperwork is up to scratch, and providing solid feedback for colleagues and management.
It can be a hard market to break into at first, but it can also be rewarding, both personally and financially.