Video Game Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Different types of video game jobs include technical positions, such as hardware engineers, software developers, artistic and design jobs, writing jobs, and marketing positions. Your specific duties depend on the type of work you do. For example, as a hardware engineer, your role is to create a new console or system platform or improve existing ones. You work with software developers as well to ensure that games are compatible with the hardware. As a writer, you are responsible for developing the storyline and the dialogue. You work with the artists and animators to bring your story to life. On the marketing side, you advertise the game and try to boost sales.

The qualifications to get a job in the video game industry differ depending on the field and the responsibilities of the job. Animators, for example, need an associate or bachelor’s degree in computer animation or a closely related degree. Programmers need a computer science background, while hardware designers should have relevant training in electrical engineering. Writers can get a formal education, such as a creative writing degree, or transition from TV or film writing. Working in the video game industry requires strong interpersonal communication skills and creativity. It can be a difficult industry to break into, so you should look for an internship program while in school to gain hands-on experience in the gaming industry and build up your portfolio.