Home » Technology » Video Games » So you want to be in Video Games?

So you want to be in Video Games?

© Guy Lecky-Thompson

Almost everyone reading this wants to be in video games; if they aren't already there, of course. One way or another, the video game industry looks very attractive to most people who have more than a passing interest in computers, games or technology.

From the outside, that is.

Inside, it is hard work. Rewarding, but tough. There are some of the best minds in computing applying themselves, working crazy hours, with almost no social or family life whatsoever, just so the decadent few can get their kicks.

It's not all like that, but if you're just starting out, that is what you will likely have to put up with. Did we also mention the lousy pay? Until you are established, that is.

The silver lining to the cloud is seeing your creation take form, seeing the play-testers messing with it for the first time, and reading the first reviews as they come in. In the end, it really doesn't matter what the reviewers say, because the important thing is that you had a hand in it, and the product is there, real, and someone, somewhere, will be enjoying it.

There are many, many, ways to become involved in the industry. For myself, I write books about writing games, and offer guidance, advice and the benefit of my experience (read consulting) to individuals who use, or want to use, game technology.

I know people who got in through quality assurance, spending hours play-testing software, trying to find the bugs, reporting them and going home with a severe case of red-eye and an almost permanent headache.

Then there are those programmers who write the tools that the level designers use. For some reason, programmers hate to write tools. Personally, I find it very rewarding, but it is often seen as a good lead into a company if you become a tool programmer. All the other programmers want to make games.

Of course there is a downside - if you take a job that most people hate, you'll only leave it if the company can find someone who will also put up with it. Otherwise, you're stuck in that same position while other programmers are hired to do the actual game programming.

If you happen to be one of those individuals forever designing games, and have a portfolio on hand, then game design is also a good entry point. Creative game designers are almost always in demand.

A word on portfolios. Everyone in the industry has one, or should have one. It can be a passport to acceptance, if only because it proves that the individual is serious about their passion.