Top Gaming Career Options and Game Jobs: Are you passionate about the world of gaming 🎮? If you’ve ever wondered how to translate your gaming passion, enthusiasm into a thriving career outside your console, you have come to the right place. If you spend hours playing video games, analyzing mechanics, and dream to create your own designs? If this fuels your imagination, a career in the gaming industry might be the perfect fit for you. The rapidly expanding gaming industry presents numerous jobs and career opportunities for talented individuals to transform their passion into a successful profession.
In 1995, the number of gamers worldwide amounted to approximately 100 million — a considerable figure. Moving to the present, that number has skyrocketed to a staggering 2.6 billion gamers globally (and is on the go).
The video games and gaming industry has firmly established itself as one of the most rapidly evolving sector within the entertainment field, and also is on the way of establishing itself as a trustworthy and a great career option.
Gaming has broken all stereotypes that gaming is solely for children. According to recent reports, the average age of a U.S. gamer is 35, and there are more female gamers over 18 than male gamers under 18. The gaming industry growth is showing no sign of slowing down, and projections indicate that it will surpass the $350 billion mark by 2027.
Many students and professionals are still doubtful (especially their parents) about, “Is gaming a good career option?”. If we talk about the Game Jobs and Career options – In United States alone, the video game industry employs over 280,000 people. Choosing a career in gaming could be a wise decision, given the industry’s projected continuous expansion. These days, more and more people are turning to video games for entertainment and as a career option. Whether your interests lie in game development, design, marketing, or sales, the gaming world offers a plethora of career possibilities to explore.
In gaming industry, demand for professionals with diverse expertise, including artists, programmers, designers, and audio engineers has been on the rise. There are many exciting job roles beyond merely playing games. They give the rewarding process and experience of creating them. In this article, we will delve into some of the top gaming career options and game jobs available around the world, while also providing tips on how to embark on your journey in this dynamic industry.
Key Takeaways
- It is correct to say that video games, cloud gaming, online gaming, overall gaming industry is growing rapidly (as per us, exponentially). This growth makes makes it a great time to contemplate or consider a career in gaming.
- From past many years, there is a significant rise of gaming, cloud gaming jobs and career options. It includes games developer, game producer, game tester, game testing cloud, online video game tester, mobile game tester, video game tester, animator, game design, game marketing, game critic, cloud gaming jobs and many more.
- If you want to pursue a career in gaming, you need to gain experience, build your skills, network with industry professionals and other steps. Which helps you in making your career in game industry.
Why Choose a Gaming Career or Game Jobs?
Are you passionate about video games, cloud gaming, online gaming? Do you spend hours playing your favorite games, discussing them with your friends, and reading about the latest gaming news? Have you ever wondered or considered turning your hobby, your passion into a career? Which makes you happy and satiable. If you think so, than my dear friend you are not alone. The gaming industry is booming, and there are many exciting career opportunities available for those who are passionate about games and want to make it as a career.
Here are some reasons why you might want to consider a career in gaming:
1. You get to do what you love
Biggest advantages of a gaming career and working as a game enthusiast, is that you only do things which you love. You always stay connected with your passion and easily grow your career. If you are passionate about video games, working in the gaming industry will allow you to turn your hobby into a profession. You will get to work on projects that you are excited about, that really drives you. You would always be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your passion for gaming.
2. The industry is growing
The gaming industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. According to a report by Newzoo, the global gaming market is expected to reach $218 billion by 2023. And this is not it is saturation point, but a starting point. This means that there are and would be plenty of job opportunities available, and the industry is likely to continue growing for years to come.
3. There are many different career paths
The gaming industry is incredibly diverse, if you check the job market you would be amazed to witness many different career paths available. Whether you’re interested in game design, programming, game marketing, or esports, there is a job in the gaming industry that’s right for you. You can work for a large game development company, a small indie studio, or even start your own gaming business, gaming studio.
4. You can make a good living
While not all gaming careers are highly paid (as with all job sectors), many of them offer competitive salaries and benefits. If you are a skilled game developer, designer, or esports player, you could potentially earn a six-figure salary or more. Even entry-level positions in the gaming industry can offer a decent salary and opportunities for growth.
With the industry growing rapidly and many different career paths available, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career in gaming. Now, let’s checkout the Best and Top Game Jobs and Gaming Career Options available.
Top Game Jobs: Top Gaming Career Options
If you love playing video games and want to turn your passion into a career, there are plenty of jobs and career options available in the gaming industry. Here are some of the top gaming career options –
Game Producer, Product Manager:
A very important business role in the video game industry is the Product Manager or Game Producer. Their job profile includes monitoring the development process and make sure that projects are completed on time and within budget. They manage and coordinate the efforts of different teams, including developers, artists, designers, game testers and others. Depending on the organization requirement, product manager may be assigned to many games to ensure smooth execution and identify profit-earning opportunities.
Instead of serving as the intermediary between the game development team, as a project manager does, the role of a product manager revolves around communication with executives, stakeholders, and various parties to guarantee the project’s profitability for the company and its alignment with market demands.
Similar to video game producers, product managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree at the minimum, often complemented by a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Education Required: A degree in game development or a related subject such as business management, computer science, game design or another digital media design subject. Also you can consider a bachelor’s degree in game design, digital media, or business.
Average Salary:
- The average salary for a Game Producer or Game Product Manager in the United States is $105,620 per year.
- In some other job markets, the average game producer salary is between $66,979 and $81,873. But, some places have higher median salary of $90,270.
- It leads to a conclusion that, Game Producer or Game Product Manager possible average salary range is from $47,350 to $144,820.
Game Writer, Narrative Designer:
A story without context is similar to a map without coordinates. Collaborating closely with Game Designers, Narrative Designers enrich the story by providing essential context, delving into the backstory of the different characters, the reasons for their winning and defeat, and outlining the rewards for the player who defeats a villain. When a player completes a level or mission, what should be next? The Game Story writer or The Narrative Designer uses words as their artistic tools, crafting engaging dialogues for the characters and in-game text.
However, their true creative prowess shines when they skillfully depict circumstances through the characters’ actions and expressions, surpassing mere verbal communication. Their mission is to elevate the gameplay experience by shaping the player’s “story experience” throughout the game, thereby enriching the overall joy of playing.
Education Required: Every video game doesn’t have writer that has a college degree, some do some not. Most video game companies want writers with college training, and they tend to hire writers with bachelor’s degrees. Especially a person with a Bachelor’s in English Literature or Mass Communication along with certifications in Creative Writing/Script Writing. Some employers may also require a master’s degree in a related field.
Average Salary: The average salary for a Game Writer or Narrative Designer in the United States is $76,546 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the company, the location, and the individual’s experience.
Game Developer, Game programmer:
Game developers, coders or programmers are responsible for creating video games. Games developer carry a diverse array of specialties, ranging from design, define to art of programming. They should have strong technical expertise with blend of creativity, focused approach to detailing and strong practices in coding. If you harbor a keen interest in game development and love programming, you can start your journey to become a Games Developer. This job role requires proficiency in programming languages, latest technologies, game engines, and design tools. Furthermore, game developers often focus on specific gameplay devices, such as consoles or mobile platforms, which adds further dimensions to their expertise. Within the domain of game development, they tackle various aspects, encompassing gameplay mechanics, graphics, user interfaces, and beyond.
Depending on the organization and management choices plus current market demands, game developers work on C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python. It also depends on, what platform game will be featured or released either that is for desktop, laptop or mobile play store, apple app store or game will be on cloud? All these factors, contribute to the selection of technology used for the development of games. Also other factors contribute such as performance, optimization, efficiency, graphics etc. In the realm of game development, various types of programmers collaborate, each wielding proficiency in different languages and catering to distinct specializations and goals. Ultimately, their mission is to bring all these innovative concepts together, constructing the foundation that underpins the game’s immersive experience.
In smaller game development studios, developers might shoulder a diverse array of roles, while in larger companies, specialization tends to be more prevalent. Throughout the game production process, developers engage in continuous refinement, iteratively enhancing the game until it reaches its final form, ready for production. A degree in computer science or game design can also be helpful.
Education Required: A Bachelor’s in Game Programming, Game Development is a good option. But a B.Tech/B.E. in Computer Science, BCA, MCA, M.Tech is another possible route to be a Game Programmer or a Game Developer. From all these options B.Tech, B.E. in Computer Science is the most popular option around the world, candidates choose to make their career in the field of Development, Programming or Coding.
Average Salary: The average salary for a Game Developer or Game Programmer in the United States is $115,155 per year. Here is a breakdown of the average salary for Game Developers and Game Programmers in some other countries with evolving game jobs market:
| Country | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $115,155 |
| Canada | $105,000 |
| United Kingdom | £50,000 |
| Germany | €55,000 |
| Japan | ¥6,000,000 |
The highest salaries for Game Developers and Game Programmers are typically found in the United States, Canada, and Europe. However, there are also many opportunities for high-paying jobs in other countries, such as Japan.
The salary for a Games Developer or Game Programmer can also vary depending on the type of game that they are working on. For example, salaries for developers working on AAA games are typically higher than salaries for developers working on indie games.
Game Designer:
Games Designer play a pivotal role in igniting the imagination required to conceive the fantastical realms and narratives that grace video games. In collaboration with small to medium-sized teams, they embark on a joint effort to craft engaging plots, compelling characters, and captivating gameplay. Their close collaboration with developers ensures a delicate balance between pushing the boundaries of innovation and design while maintaining practicality to produce tangible results. These outcomes may take the form of storyboards, character development, level design, game balance, mockups, or prototypes.
To bring their vision to life and provide user with real life experience, games designer uses powerful game engines such as Unity, art software such as Adobe Illustrator, and scripting languages like Python & C#. It is important to note that the game designers focus on concept development “How to shape up things together”, while game developers prioritize coding and focus on technical implementation of concepts. Both contribute their unique expertise to the creation of a video game overall structure and gameplay mechanics.
Education Required: Bachelor in Game Design, BE, B.Tech in Computer Engineering or Computer Science.
Average Salary: The average salary for a Game Designer in the United States is $149,794 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the company, the location, and the individual’s experience. Here is a breakdown of the average salary for Game Designers in different countries:
| Country | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $149,794 |
| Canada | $135,000 |
| United Kingdom | £75,000 |
| Germany | €85,000 |
| Japan | ¥7,000,000 |
The salary for a Game Designer can also vary depending on the type of game that they are working on. For example, salaries for designers working on AAA games are typically higher than salaries for designers working on indie games.
Game Animator, UI, UX Developer:
User Interface Developer or Artist, Visual Artists and Animators give physical structure to the characters, objects, environment and sceneries in the game. They design all the graphic elements that inform or interact with the player. This includes format, layout, text format, button styles, menus, icons, home screen, exit screen and so on. Just as a skilled chef carefully balances flavors in a gourmet dish. An animator provide details to the skin textures of each characters, they depict how a character’s facial expressions convey emotions. From the subtle furrowing of brows to the radiant glimmer in their eyes, the visual artist masterfully portrays a character’s feelings, infusing the artwork with depth and relatability.
Some animators possess drawing skills, while others may not; similarly, some are adept at coding, while others are not. The variance lies in the tools employed by the studio and the animator’s individual comfort levels.
Nonetheless, having a foundational knowledge of drawing or coding can significantly simplify an animator’s life. Familiarity with commonly used languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, along with popular tools such as 3ds Max and After Effects, proves advantageous. Within the art department, diverse job roles exist, including Concept Artists, 3D Modelers, and 2D/Texture Artists, each encompassing distinct responsibilities and techniques.
Education Required: You can start your career by earning a Bachelor of Arts in animation, graphic design or a related field. Or Bachelor in Computer Graphics, Art, Animation, Illustration. Some common educational requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, game design, or a related field.
- Experience with animation software, such as Maya or Blender. This is essential for Game Animators.
- Experience with UI/UX design software, such as Figma or Sketch. This is essential for UI/UX Developers.
- A strong portfolio of your work.
Average Salary: here is a table of the average salary for a Game Animator, UI, or UX Developer in different countries across the globe:
| Country | Game Animator | UI/UX Developer |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $95,375 | $149,794 |
| Canada | $90,000 | $135,000 |
| United Kingdom | £50,000 | £75,000 |
| Germany | €55,000 | €85,000 |
| Japan | ¥6,000,000 | ¥7,000,000 |
| France | €45,000 | €65,000 |
| Australia | AUD$70,000 | AUD$100,000 |
| Singapore | SGD$80,000 | SGD$120,000 |
Video Game Artist, Sketch Artist:
While designers play a pivotal role in crafting gameplay, it is the video game artists who breathe life into it. Their task involves developing diverse art styles that permeate the entire game and marketing approach. Decisions about whether to impart a creepy undead vibe to the characters or imbue them with vibrant, cheerful colors are crucial in establishing a captivating and memorable gaming experience, drawing players into the game’s immersive world.
Video game sketch artists exhibit a range of preferences in their artistic methods. Some favor traditional approaches like sketching or freehand drawing, while others opt for modern techniques such as 3D modeling and motion-capture technology. Regardless of the tools they employ, their artistic prowess significantly contributes to the visual allure and impact of the video game.
Education Required: Some common educational requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree in fine arts, computer science, or a related field.
- Experience with sketching software, such as Photoshop or Illustrator – This is essential for Video Game Sketch Artists.
- A strong portfolio of your work – This is a must-have for any job or career in the video game industry.
Average Salary: Here is a table of the average salary for a Video Game Sketch Artist in different countries:
| Country | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $64,000 |
| Canada | $60,000 |
| United Kingdom | £35,000 |
| Germany | €38,000 |
| Japan | ¥5,000,000 |
| France | €30,000 |
| Australia | AUD$50,000 |
| Singapore | SGD$60,000 |
Game Sound Designer, Game Audio Engineer:
Remember the screechy siren noise of the police van in GTA Vice City and other sound effects in video games that make your adrenaline run?
Sound designers and audio engineers are the masterminds behind all these sound effects and auditory elements. They play a crucial role in infusing realism into the in-game world through meticulously crafted soundtracks and sound effects like gunshots or the revving of a car engine, as well as atmospheric music and sounds like people talking, any construction happening, vehicles and birds chirping.
In the world of gaming, each game has its own unique plot, genre and concept. Audio engineers skillfully tailor and build audio content to harmonize with the game’s essence. They artfully encapsulate the game’s spirit within their audio productions, blending dynamic sound effects, ambient sounds, and background music to breathe life into the game’s virtual world. The collaborative efforts of game sound designers and audio engineers culminate in the creation of immersive sound effects, captivating music, and compelling voice overs that elevate the overall gaming experience and make user feel like they are experiencing either a real or may be virtual world.
Education Required: Some common educational requirements include:
- A bachelor degree in audio engineering, music, or a related field.
- Bachelor’s in Sound Engineering.
- Bachelor in Audiography.
- Experience with audio software, such as ProTools or Logic Pro. This is essential for Game Sound Designers and Audio Engineers.
- A strong portfolio of your work.
Average Salary: Let’s checkout the average salary for a Game Sound Designer or Audio Engineer in different countries:
| Country | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $71,949 |
| Canada | $65,000 |
| United Kingdom | £40,000 |
| Germany | €43,000 |
| Japan | ¥5,500,000 |
| France | €35,000 |
| Australia | AUD$70,000 |
| Singapore | SGD$90,000 |
Game Tester, Game QA:
For any avid or pro gamer, the idea of playing games all day for a living would be a dream job, and Game Tester, cloud game tester, online video game tester, mobile game tester, video game tester indeed have a thrilling role in the gaming industry. However, their job goes beyond casual gameplay and relaxation. Game Testers engage in systematic play testing, meticulously analyzing the game’s performance, detecting bugs, and offering valuable suggestions for programmers to improve the game’s quality and playability before its public release.
Even after numerous rounds of review, there is always a chance of overlooking certain aspects or missed some issues, bugs. This is where Game Testers serve as a fresh set of eyes, conducting the final check before the game hits the market. The testing process involves repeatedly playing the same level to ensure the absence of any bugs or glitches. This demanding work requires long hours of gaming, with a primary focus on preserving players’ gaming experience from any potential flaws.
Game Testers diligently scrutinize the game for errors, inconsistencies, glitches, or bugs, and their findings culminate in a comprehensive final report that contributes to refining the game. Though it might seem like they spend their days playing video games for a living, Game Testers fulfill a vital role in ensuring the game’s success upon its initial release.
Education Required: A Bachelor (B.Tech, BE) degree in computer science, game design, or a related field. Acquire the “ISTQB Certified Tester” certification to increase your chances of landing a job. However, many game testers have no formal education and have learned their skills through on-the-job training or personal projects. Some common educational qualification include:
Average Salary: Below is a table of the average salary for a Game Tester in different countries:
| Country | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $53,117 |
| Canada | $45,000 |
| United Kingdom | £25,000 |
| Germany | €27,000 |
| Japan | ¥3,500,000 |
| France | €20,000 |
| Australia | AUD$50,000 |
| Singapore | SGD$60,000 |
Game Data Analyst, Game Data Engineer
Game Data Analyst or Game Data Engineer job profile is quickly picking up pace in Gaming industry like every other industry. Data Analyst collect, prepare and analyze gameplay data and extract insights to understand player behavior, identify trends, and improve the game performance, quality and user experience. They use programming, analytical skills, various tools and methods to measure and improve the performance, quality and user experience of games. They also provide insights and recommendations to game developers, designers, marketers and other stakeholders based on data-driven evidence.
Some of the tasks that a Game Data Analyst may perform are:
- Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for games, such as retention, engagement, monetization, etc.
- Conduct experiments and tests to evaluate the impact of new features, content, campaigns, etc. on game metrics and user behavior.
- Identify and segment user groups based on their characteristics, preferences, behaviors, etc. and create user profiles and personas.
- Analyze user feedback, reviews, ratings, surveys, etc. and identify areas of improvement or opportunities for enhancement.
- Create dashboards, reports and presentations to communicate data findings and recommendations to internal and external audiences.
- Collaborate with other teams and departments to support data-driven decision making and problem solving.
Education Qualification Required:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, economics, etc.
- Experience in working with data analysis tools and languages, such as SQL, Python, R, SAS, Excel, Tableau, etc.
- Knowledge of game design principles, mechanics, genres, platforms, etc. and familiarity with popular games and trends in the industry.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Good communication and presentation skills.
- A passion for games and a curiosity for data.
Average Salary: Here is a table of the average salary, median salary for a Game Data Analyst and Game Data Engineer in different countries:
| Country | Game Data Analyst | Game Data Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $95,000 | $120,000 |
| Canada | $85,000 | $105,000 |
| United Kingdom | £50,000 | £60,000 |
| Germany | €55,000 | €70,000 |
| Japan | ¥6,000,000 | ¥7,000,000 |
| France | €45,000 | €55,000 |
| Australia | AUD$70,000 | AUD$80,000 |
| Singapore | SGD$80,000 | SGD$90,000 |
Game Marketing, Community Manager, Marketing Analyst:
Game marketing professionals and Marketing Analysts collaborate to promote and market video games effectively to the intended audience. Meanwhile, Community Managers take charge of engaging with players, managing social media platforms, and curating feedback from the gaming community.
The scope of their responsibilities encompasses market research, data analysis, and comprehensive reporting. These professionals provide invaluable insights into game demographics, enabling game companies to devise optimal strategies to connect with and captivate their target audiences. Additionally, they adeptly identify emerging trends, establish revenue projections, and analyze market dynamics. A significant aspect of their role involves developing prediction models to assess the game’s potential sales performance, thereby facilitating well-planned releases and anticipated success for the game.
Education Qualification Required:
- Education required for a Game Marketing Analyst is generally a bachelor degree (BBA, B.Com etc.) or master degree (MBA, M.Com etc.) in a field such as statistics, math or computer science. It would be beneficial to acquire qualifications in statistics, research methods and marketing.
- For a Community Manager, you would require a bachelor degree in a related field, such as English, marketing, reporting, journalism or mass communications.
- Prospective community managers may benefit from taking short term courses in IT, HTML and coding.
Average Salary: Below is a table of the average salary for a Game Marketing Analyst and Community Manager, Job Profiles in different countries:
| Country | Game Marketing Analyst | Community Manager |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $85,000 | $65,000 |
| Canada | $75,000 | $55,000 |
| United Kingdom | £40,000 | £30,000 |
| Germany | €42,000 | €35,000 |
| Japan | ¥5,000,000 | ¥4,000,000 |
| France | €35,000 | €25,000 |
| Australia | AUD$70,000 | AUD$50,000 |
| Singapore | SGD$85,000 | SGD$65,000 |
Game DevOps Engineer:
As the gaming landscape increasingly shifts towards online platforms, the demand for DevOps Engineers for Gaming has surged. Their tasks include establishing and up-keeping networks and servers. In the context of online multiplayer games, players individually engage with the game locally while interacting with web services in the background. The role of the DevOps Engineer entails ensuring the seamless operation and security of the server, facilitating the smooth connection of players.
Essentially, this role bridges the gap between the development and operations teams, necessitating a DevOps Engineer to possess both coding skills and proficiency in handling network infrastructure operations.
Education Required:
- An undergraduate degree in Science or any other related field.
- A Master in Science or any other related field is preferred.
- Educational qualification in statistics and research.
- A professional qualification in computer science or a related field (B.Tech/ B.E in Computer Science Engineering).
- Choose the course and degrees that specialize in software development.
- Enhance your skills and knowledge by enrolling in a post-graduate program or certification course.
Average Salary: Game DevOps Engineer
| Country | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $123,000 |
| Canada | $110,000 |
| United Kingdom | £75,000 |
| Germany | €85,000 |
| Japan | ¥9,000,000 |
| France | €70,000 |
| Australia | AUD$130,000 |
| Singapore | SGD$150,000 |
Professional Gamer
Contrary to popular belief (especially with parents 😱), that playing video games is not a viable career option. Now, gaming can indeed pave the way to professional and financial success. While attaining the status of a video game pro is similar to achieving professional sports stardom – an elusive goal for most – some individuals have managed to realize this dream. These remarkable men and women dedicate themselves to full-time gaming and actively participate in competitions. Triumph in these contests can yield substantial rewards, including lucrative prizes and sponsorships.
If you possess remarkable gaming skills, you have the potential to forge a sustainable livelihood by engaging in gaming tournaments and competitions professionally. Professional gamers not only earn income from playing games but also secure significant financial gains through sponsorships, endorsements, and cash prizes. However, it is crucial to recognize that reaching the echelons of professional gaming demands unwavering commitment, relentless practice, and unwavering dedication. Mastery in a specific game and the ability to outperform other players at a high level are prerequisites for entering the competitive world of professional gaming.
Education required: A formal education isn’t required to become a Professional Gamer. To become one, you should have passion for gaming, good hand eye coordination, good reflexes and in-depth knowledge, whereabouts of the game. Generally saying is that a professional gamer spends around 10-12 hours of his, her day improving and practicing skills.
Average Salary: According to a recent survey by Glassdoor, the average salary for a Professional Gamer in the United States is $40,000 per year. Some of the countries that are good for professional gamers and pay the highest salaries are:
- United States (USA)
- South Korea
- China
Game Journalist, Game Critic:
Game Journalists and Game Critics play a pivotal role in the success of any entertainment industry, including the gaming world. Their expertise lies in furnishing invaluable reviews and critiques whenever a new game hits the market. Recognizing that one cannot merely judge a book by its cover, these critics take on the task of delving into the game’s intricacies, thoroughly examining it, and presenting a review that equips potential buyers with the necessary insights to evaluate its entertainment value.
Functioning as a unique amalgamation of a gamer and a writer, these professionals immerse themselves in gameplay, comprehending the dynamics of the game, and adeptly conveying their understanding to their audience in easily accessible language. By bridging the gap between technical aspects and audience comprehension, journalists and critics facilitate informed decision-making for gamers and enthusiasts alike.
Education Required:
- The education required for a Game Journalist is generally a degree in journalism, mass communication or a related subject, such as English.
- Build your portfolio and pitch yourself to editors, showcasing your best work and your unique perspective.
- Attend events and build a network related to video games, and learn about the latest trends and news.
- For a Game Critic, there are no required or formal qualifications. However, there are some skills and credentials that can benefit you in your pursuit of becoming a game critic.
- A good analytical skill is a bonus.
- Captivating and persuasive writing abilities.
- Keep up-to-date with the latest gaming news.
- Make connections in the gaming industry.
- Look for opportunities to write about video games.
- Develop a critical eye for reviewing games.
Average Salary: Around $50,000 per year. Some of the countries that are good for game journalists and game critics jobs and pay the highest salaries are:
- United States of America (USA)
- Canada
- United Kingdom (UK)
eSports Coach
eSports coaches are very popular in today’s gaming world. They are responsible for training and coaching professional gamers. They help players improve their skills, develop strategies, and prepare for competitions. eSports coaching requires a lot of knowledge about the game, as well as strong communication and leadership skills.
Qualification required: If you’re interested in eSports coaching, you can start by gaining experience as a player or a coach in local tournaments. A degree in sports management or coaching can also be helpful.
Average Salary: Around $60,000 per year. Some of the countries that are good for eSports Coaches and pay the highest salaries are:
- United States (USA)
- South Korea
- China
Game Customer Support:
Similar to any other sector, the video game industry relies on customer support professionals who directly engage with customers and solve their issues or problems. These dedicated individuals promptly address customer inquiries through various communication channels, including phone, email, and online chat.
Customer support professionals may specialize in assisting customers with specific concerns, such as technical support or purchase-related queries. On the other hand, some professionals take on more general customer support roles, catering to a broader range of customer needs and inquiries. Their role is vital in ensuring customers receive the necessary assistance and a positive experience with the video game products and services.
Education Required:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- But some employers and companies may require a traditional college degree.
- You should have excellent customer service skills. Understand customer issue and provide solution effectively in an easy way
Average Salary: According to a recent survey by PayScale, the average salary for a Game Customer Support Specialist in the United States is $45,000 per year. Some of the countries that are good for Customer Support job roles and pay the highest salaries are:
- United States (USA)
- Canada
- Germany
Other useful Game Jobs and Gaming Career Opportunities
Game Publisher, Video Game Publisher: Game publishers fund and distribute video games to the market. They handle marketing, distribution, and sometimes even assist in the development process.
Game Localization Specialist: Game localization specialists translate and adapt video games for different regions and languages to ensure that the game’s content is culturally appropriate and accessible to a global audience.
Game Virtual Reality (VR) Developer: Game VR developers specialize in creating games and experiences for virtual reality platforms, making use of immersive technologies to enhance the gaming experience.
Game Jobs rise graph: Last 10 years
Below is the table and graph for the number of jobs with their job profiles in gaming for the last 10 years –
| Year | Number of Jobs | Job Profile |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 100,000 | Game developers, artists, designers, producers, testers, marketers, and business development professionals |
| 2014 | 125,000 | Same as 2013, with an increase in demand for cloud gaming and augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) developers |
| 2015 | 150,000 | Same as 2014, with an increase in demand for eSports professionals |
| 2016 | 175,000 | Same as 2015, with an increase in demand for mobile gaming developers |
| 2017 | 200,000 | Same as 2016, with an increase in demand for live streaming and esports professionals |
| 2018 | 225,000 | Same as 2017, with an increase in demand for blockchain gaming developers |
| 2019 | 250,000 | Same as 2018, with an increase in demand for cloud gaming and AR/VR developers |
| 2020 | 275,000 | Same as 2019, with an increase in demand for remote work opportunities |
| 2021 | 300,000 | Same as 2020, with an increase in demand for female and minority gamers |
| 2022 | 325,000 | Game developers, artists, designers, producers, testers, marketers, and business development professionals, as well as cloud gaming, AR/VR, and blockchain gaming developers |
| 2023 | 350,000 | Same as 2022, with an increase in demand for metaverse developers |
As you can see from the above table and graph, the number of jobs in the gaming industry has been growing steadily over the past 10 years. The number of jobs in the gaming industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This growth is being driven by the increasing popularity of gaming, as well as the development of new technologies, such as cloud gaming, AR/VR, and the metaverse.
Conclusion
The gaming industry offers a vast array of exciting career options and game jobs for individuals passionate about the world of gaming. In this article, we have discussed some of the top gaming career options and game jobs, including game developer, game designer, game tester, cloud game testing, online game tester, mobile game tester, video game tester, game marketer, game community manager, game sound designer, game data analyst, game DevOps engineer, professional gamer, online gaming jobs, cloud gaming jobs and game customer support specialist.
If you are interested in a career in the video game industry or gaming industry, there are a number of things you can do to prepare. Start with acquiring relevant skills, staying ahead of industry trends, embrace a collaborative and adaptable mindset, these will prove instrumental in unlocking a promising and fulfilling gaming career. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for gaming careers are boundless, promising an exciting journey for those who are dedicated to pursuing their passion in this dynamic and ever-evolving realm.
FAQ: Game Jobs
- What are the jobs in the gaming sector?
Some of the top gaming career options and game jobs are – games developer, game designer, game tester, game marketer, game community manager, game sound designer, game data analyst, game DevOps engineer, professional gamer, and game customer support specialist.
There are tons of career options are available in the ever evolving video game industry that you can choose for yourself and be part of to quality game releases and production. From developing concepts to overseeing the production of triple-A (AAA) titles, there are a number of gaming industry jobs that may be right for you.
- How do I get a job in gaming?
There are many ways by which you can get a job in the gaming industry. Most of the ways and career paths are discussed in this article. Let’s look at few steps again by which you can increase your chances of getting a job in the gaming industry:
- Identify your skills and interests
- Get an education – Earn required qualification whether it is college degree, course or spending time to become a professional gamer, game critic, game animator etc.
- Gain experience – Take internship roles or entry level jobs in the gaming industry.
- Join a gaming studio
- Network
- Apply for jobs: Once you have identified your skills and interests, gained an education and experience, and networked with others in the industry, it’s time to start applying for jobs. Look for job postings on company websites, job boards, jobs websites and social media.
- Is there career in gaming?
Off course – No doubt – Absolutely, Yes.
The video games, cloud gaming industry is growing rapidly, so are the job opportunities in them. Gaming offers a wide range of career opportunities for people with different skills and interests. There are many entry level jobs as well as expert, experienced level jobs available in the Gaming industry. Some of the jobs available in the gaming industry include games developer, game tester jobs, game design, programming, art, professional gamers, game journalists, game critic, marketing, customer support and more. So, get ready and trust yourself in turning your passion for games into your career 👍.
