Careers in Gaming

The Gaming industry is growing exponentially with each passing year. Previously valued at USD 198.40 billion in 2021, it is projected to reach a value of USD 339.95 billion by 2027. In India, the growth is also on a similar trajectory as early calculations predict a ₹30 billion increase from this year’s ₹120 billion valuations by 2025.

Clearly, not only is business booming, it is set to keep booming for the foreseeable future. For all you gaming enthusiasts it means that gaming is on its way to becoming one of the most lucrative and profitable industries in the world.

It’s no longer a joke when student gamers tell their parents that they want to pursue a career in gaming. And no, a career in gaming does not mean that you sit in your room all by yourself in front of a screen all day. Well, in some cases it does but that’s not the point.

With more than 420 million active online gamers and a 500-million-strong digitally native population aged between 15–35, India is becoming one of the fastest-growing markets globally. Naturally, there is a rising demand for professionals in this field, from artists to programmers to designers to audio engineers. After all, it’s not just about playing games but about creating them as well.

Careers in gaming can be tricky, complex and a lot more difficult to navigate through than you or your parents would anticipate. With changing landscapes and fresh opportunities always on the horizon, it can be a challenge to keep track of everything. Worry not, because that’s where we come in.

What Are The Different Careers in Gaming?

For the most part, the different career paths in gaming are interlinked and function as part of an overall process. Now, let’s take a look at some of the most prestigious and sought-after roles that you can land, working in the gaming industry.

Obviously, you must note that there are also certain prerequisites and qualifications for these jobs. However, a quick rundown of these roles should make it easier to help you make your decision.

1. Game Designer

Becoming a game designer is the most popular choice as their concepts and ideas are developed into the actual video game. Designers work on developing the characters and storylines, effectively utilizing the available resources and technology. Their role requires them to communicate effectively with artists, programmers, and audio engineers to make the stuff of dreams come to life on our screens. Job titles like lead designer or level designer also fall under the category of a game designer.

When it comes to qualifications, a Bachelor’s in Game Design will help you get in but having an Undergraduate Degree in Computer Engineering/Computer Science is a valuable bonus.

2. Sound Designer/ Audio Engineer

Audio engineers have one of the most vital roles in the development of any game. They are responsible for creating and recording a game’s music, and its sound effects, and putting together the voice-overs. Although this may have been a fairly simple task back in the days of the original 2-D games, video games now include fully orchestrated soundtracks, interaction noises, skin sounds and not to forget, an entire cast of A-list celebrity character roles, making it one of the most challenging tasks.

In order to create the perfect ambiance throughout a gaming experience and live up to all the demands of the job, you will require a Bachelor’s in Sound Engineering/ Audiography.

3. Game Animator/ Visual Artist

An artist’s responsibility lies in his mission to bring the designer’s characters to life with their sketch works. Thus, it requires them to have the know-how of the specialized software needed to create the series of pictures. Creating unique, distinguishable characters, weapons, and magic items and bringing out their personality is no easy feat.

In order to determine how the game looks, what theme it follows and how the various components interact with each other, you will need a Bachelor’s in Computer Graphics/Art/Animation/Illustration.

4. Game Developer/ Programmer

Developers and programmers are the ones who create the backbone of the game. They are responsible for creating technical codes that make the game concept function. Their work requires them to liaise with game artists, game designers, game producers, and sound technicians, in order to ensure the technical coding is in sync with the game design and that it stays true to its creative vision.

Game development is an excessively complex process and it requires large teams of programmers to create a game. For this, a Bachelor’s in Game Programming/Game Development is a good option. However, an Undergraduate Degree in Computer Science or BCA is another possible route to be a Programmer.

5. Game Testers

Yep, this is the job where you make your living by playing unreleased video games. Although it sounds very tempting, there are certain things you need to keep an eye out for when you’re playing. As such, testers must find the bugs and explore all the levels in the game. Their work requires constant and repetitive experimentation within the game from the perspective of the audience and then documenting the collected data for the concerned team.

Although there are no hard and fast requirements, having a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science is recommended. Moreover, an “ISTQB Certified Tester” certification from the Indian Testing Board (ITB) will help increase your chances of landing a job.

Careers in Esports

Now, if you’re still not sure about which job you’re suited for, maybe these next career choices could help change your mind. Unlike the roles mentioned above, you don’t really need any prerequisites for these roles, simply your joyful personality, attitude, and gaming skills will do!

1. Streamer/ Content Creator

One of the most popular occupations when it comes to gaming definitely has to be that of a streamer and content creator. Although it is a long road to success and recognition, the benefits of garnering a substantial and supportive audience can help you go a long way in the influencer game. As a streamer, you have numerous avenues of income ranging from super chats, ads, subscriptions, sponsorships from brands, games, and so on.

Just look at some of the biggest streamers like Ninja and Shroud and the colossal revenue they bring in through partnerships with certain games and esports organizations. Additionally, streamers still very new to the scene can opt for Affiliate Marketing, which allows them to earn commissions every time people make a purchase via their affiliate links.

2. Professional Gamer/ Coach

Arguably the most difficult yet one of the most desirable, almost every single student gamer yearns to live out their dreams of becoming a professional esports player. However, to become one, you have to put in hours and hours of hard work and dedication to grind out and fully understand your desired title and become the absolute best player (or coach) on the scene. Not only that but maintaining a level of consistency in your craft is equally important as it will help you solidify your legacy as the best.

Over the years we have seen some legends come up through the ranks in various games and etch their names in history, entire arenas screaming their names as they lift the most prestigious trophies and take home a king’s ransom. Who knows? Maybe it could be you one day, just saying.

Conclusion

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are many more lucrative career options in the gaming and esports industry. With Web 3 and Virtual Reality revolutionizing the way we game, there is no shortage of opportunities. We at GoodGame Nation will help you gain an understanding of the gaming industry and present a multitude of opportunities and activities to kickstart your journey.

Do you want to work in the gaming industry? What role do you feel would suit you best? Leave us your thoughts below and follow us for regular blogs on gaming, web3, and more! Give us a shout on our socials: linktr.ee/weareggnation