The video game industry is booming, and positions in the field are becoming more competitive. Several schools now offer certificates in game development. There is also a multitude of game design and game development bootcamps available for anyone that wants to learn how to create video games.
Many of these programs are excellent stepping stones to entry-level game developer jobs. In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know to find beginner work in game development. Read below to learn how to find entry-level jobs in game development and how to earn the skills you need to succeed.
What Is Game Development and Why Is It Important?
Game development is the technical process of creating video games. It involves combining a good story, striking visual design, solid programming, and fitting audio elements into an interactive product. It is not easy to learn, but it is also not difficult to understand once you get started.
Game developers create games using programming languages and game engines. As a first step, you should gain familiarity with game engines like Unity and Unreal, two popular tools that are used to create most video games today.
What Is the Job Outlook for Game Developers?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for developers is at 22 percent between 2020 and 2030. This is almost twice the average growth rate, which means there will be many more jobs in game development in the future.
Top Reasons to Pursue a Career in Game Development
- Profitable industry. Games have never been more popular, and developers are in high demand, so it should not be hard to find a job that pays well. In fact, game development is considered one of the highest-paying coding jobs.
- Creative work. Game development is a technical field, but coming up with original and fun game ideas requires creativity. This career path lets you uniquely unleash your creativity.
- No degree requirement. You can learn game development by attending coding bootcamps and other kinds of training programs, such as game design apprenticeships. Not many gaming companies require their developers to have a college degree. It’s more important to have demonstrable technical skills.
- Career diversity. As a game developer, you have access to a wide range of career paths. If you prefer to be your own boss and work with a smaller team of carefully selected people, becoming an indie game developer is the right choice for you.
- Rewarding jobs. Creating video games can be challenging, but the rewards are incredible. In addition to creating a fun and immersive game, you will also work with like-minded individuals who share your goals.
What Does an Entry-Level Game Developer Do?
An entry-level game developer might focus on game physics, software testing, graphics, or audio elements. Games are made for a wide range of platforms, and they need to operate seamlessly on each different device. A game developer’s job can require many different skills and duties.
Types of Entry-Level Game Developer Roles
The job of a game developer consists of many different duties and responsibilities. Our list below highlights some of the most popular types of entry-level game development roles.
Software Developer
Developers and programmers provide the backbone of any video game. Even though the end user sees animations, physics, and artwork, it is the work of developers and programmers that makes up the crucial foundation of a game.
Audio Engineer
Sound engineers are in charge of making sure that the audio in the game is synchronized and working properly. Game audio engineers immerse players in the gaming experience.
Video Game Tester
A lot of games are tested before release for bugs and technical glitches. Video game studios rely on testers to make sure every game is released at its highest possible quality.
Common Responsibilities of Entry-Level Game Developer Jobs
- Utilizing and editing scripting language
- Researching projects
- Designing the layout of the game
- Creating code
- Incorporating artwork into the game
How Much Do Entry-Level Game Development Jobs Pay?
According to PayScale, the average salary for an entry-level game developer is $57,391. This annual salary depends on your location, experience, and education. Job seekers should research average salaries with these items in mind.
Entry-Level Game Development Jobs That Pay the Most: Overview
| Job | Average Salary | Min. Education/ Training | Associated Mid and Senior Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior UI Designer | $80,258 | Bachelor’s Degree | Senior Graphic Designer |
| Junior Game Developer | $79,611 | Bachelor’s Degree | Senior Game Developer |
| Junior Game Designer | $75,837 | Bachelor’s Degree | Head Game Designer |
| QA Tester | $74,570 | Bachelor’s Degree | Lead Tester |
| Entry-Level Unity Developer | $69,904 | Bachelor’s Degree | Senior Unity Developer |
| Entry-Level Unreal Technical Artist | $62,266 | Bachelor’s Degree | Head Technology Designer |
| Entry-Level Game Engineer | $58,569 | Bachelor’s Degree | Senior Game Engineer |
| Entry-Level Software Developer | $57,646 | Bachelor’s Degree | Senior Software Developer |
| Junior-Level Designer | $57,062 | Bachelor’s Degree | Senior Level Designer |
| Entry-Level Game Programmer | $53,858 | Bachelor’s Degree | Senior Level Game Programmer |
Best Entry-Level Game Developer Jobs: A Closer Look
Junior UI Designer
Entry-level UI designers are tasked with visualizing concepts within a prototype framework, identifying design problems, and devising elegant solutions. These game artists are a vital part of the design process.
Junior UI Designer Responsibilities
- Creating user-centric designs
- Creating user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and mockups
Junior Game Developer
A junior game developer is often tasked with testing games while working under senior developers. Junior game developers need to verify gameplay works as intended.
Junior Game Developer Responsibilities
- Writing code
- Testing and debugging games
- Planning game projects with a team
Junior Game Designer
As a game designer, you’ll conceive of ideas, build prototypes, create interactive narration, and develop a game’s mechanics. You need to have a wide well-rounded skillset to succeed in this position.
Junior Game Designer Responsibilities
- Programming the front end of games
- Working with a team
- Creating visually stunning games
QA Tester
Testers identify and fix bugs, glitches, and other user experience issues in new and existing programs. They work with the game team to solve issues before the game is released to the video game development world.
QA Tester Responsibilities
- Executing and evaluating test cases
- Monitoring, logging, and reporting program bugs and glitches
Entry-Level Unity Developer
These developers primarily use Unity to build games and have an in-depth understanding of the ins and outs of the game engine. If you have a passion for games, Unity is one of the first skills you should learn.
Entry-Level Unity Developer Responsibilities
- Setting up technical resources in collaboration with game designers and developers
- Developing game-supporting software and platforms
Entry-Level Unreal Technical Artist
Game developers rely on the Unreal artist to craft and optimize assets within the Unreal Engine platform. With Unreal Engine skills, this job is easy to get when you’re just starting in the industry.
Entry-Level Unreal Technical Artist Responsibilities
- Creating three-dimensional models, animations, and visual effects
- Developing and updating the game engine
Entry-Level Game Engineer
Video game engineers are software developers who produce video games for major brands like Roblox, Epic, Minecraft, and EA. As a game engineer, your responsibilities may fall into any phase of the development process. Most game engineers work within a team.
Entry-Level Game Engineer Responsibilities
- Designing software programs for computer games
- Creating game mechanics
- Coordinating game mechanics and story
Entry-Level Software Developer
Developers build software systems for companies from the ground up. They work with senior video game developers to create actual games. To get this job, you need to have excellent programming skills and analytical skills.
Entry-Level Software Developer Responsibilities
- Debugging and documenting code routinely
- Improving general programming skills and becoming familiar with the codebase
- Developing new software with more experienced engineers
Junior-Level Designer
Junior-level designers apply game rules and mechanics to the games. Together with the creative director and lead level designer, you will be responsible for shaping the game and player experiences throughout its levels.
Junior Level Designer Responsibilities
- Understanding the concepts and requirements of the project
- Creating drafts, prototypes, and models using various techniques
- Pitching creative ideas
Entry-Level Game Programmer
Programmers code games, design graphics, develop a game for a specific gaming console or computer operating system. They should have strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of programming languages like C# and C++.
Entry-Level Game Programmer Responsibilities
- Developing the game’s supporting software and platforms
- Optimizing the performance of the game
What Types of Companies Hire Entry-Level Game Developers?
Companies like Blizzard and Ubisoft require their entry-level workers to be proficient in game development. Like with any other industry, gaming companies require entry-level candidates to possess several key game development skills as well as some relevant experience and education.
Career Progression: Mid- and Senior-Level Game Developer Roles
Mid-Level Game Developer Jobs
Gameplay Network Engineer
- Average salary: $98,007
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level game developer
- Responsibilities: Work on a team, build gaming network systems
Gameplay Programmer
- Average salary: $91,999
- Related entry-level roles: Game engineer
- Responsibilities: Work with level designers, write code, review and fix bugs
Online Engineer
- Average salary: $77,357
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level game programmer
- Responsibilities: Troubleshoot gaming issues, offer support to users, staff, clients, customers, and suppliers
Mid-Level Programmer
- Average salary: $67,291
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level game developer
- Responsibilities: Write code for custom software, work on a team of programmer
3D Digital Artist
- Average salary: $52,001
- Related entry-level roles: Game designer
- Responsibilities: Creates still and moving images using computers, makes 3D models of products, manages projects
Senior Game Developer Jobs
Senior Java Developer
- Average salary: $123,249
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level game programmer
- Responsibilities: Gathers system and user requirements, builds Java modules, tests features before release
Senior Software Engineer
- Average salary: $119,651
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level software developer
- Responsibilities: Design, develop, and install software solutions, support the software team
Senior Game Developer
- Average salary: $113,296
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level game developer
- Responsibilities: Designs game systems, interfaces, and controls, leads a team of junior designers
Senior Engine Programmer
- Average salary: $100,004
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level game developer
- Responsibilities: Build creative solutions to technical problems, provide insights on performance, memory, scalability, robustness, and testability
Senior Technical Designer
- Average salary: $87,848
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level technical designer
- Responsibilities: Lead technical and design teams, report to senior management, handle a range of admin duties
How to Get a Job in Game Development
While it may seem difficult, you can get into game development with the right mindset. All you need is a solid strategy and a way to show your skills to potential employers. You’ll need to be able to work with like-minded individuals and possess some soft skills.
If you’re able to present yourself effectively, you’ll get an entry-level game developer job at a gaming studio in no time. Below, we’ve provided some top skills and certifications that will help you land a junior position in the gaming industry. You don’t need an advanced degree or other education requirements if you have the right skills.
Required Skills for an Entry-Level Game Developer Job
- Creativity: Game developers are usually creative people. A dev team’s creativity is what allows them to create an original game.
- Passion for video games: Most entry-level game developer job interviews will involve questions about how you feel about video games. Game developers need to be passionate about video games to be successful at their jobs.
- Wide-ranging knowledge of gaming trends: Knowing the ins and outs of the video game industry is essential for any successful game development professional. Modern games must satisfy gaming community demands by being aware of gaming trends.
- Ability to work as part of a team: As an entry-level game developer, you’re going to be working within a team setting. Communicating and working with a team effectively is crucial to your success.
- Proficiency in programming languages, such as C# and C++: Programming languages and code form the building blocks of any game.
Top Certifications for Entry-Level Game Developers
- Unity Certified Associate Game Developer: Since many jobs in video games require Unity knowledge, this is the first certification you should get. You can show off your basic Unity skills and impress future employers.
- Microsoft Exam 70-483: Programming in C#: Programming in C# is a vital skill for any game developer job application. This is one of the most common languages used at game studios.
- International JavaScript Institute JavaScript Certification: JavaScript is another coding language that developers use to create game apps and casual games.
- CompTIA Server+: This certification is important if you want to work with servers. Game companies look for employees who know how to work with server technology.
Can You Get an Entry-Level Game Developer Job with a Coding Bootcamp?
Yes, you can get a job in the games industry with a coding bootcamp. A coding bootcamp normally specializes in technical disciplines such as web development, software engineering, cyber security, data science, or user experience design. You can learn coding skills, communication skills, and more to help you find a job in the game industry.
The demand for software developers is high, and it’s even higher for applications software developers and game developers. Whether you want to create basic gaming apps or cutting-edge applications, a bootcamp is the best place to start.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Top Game Developer Bootcamps
Best Resources for Game Developers
Udemy
If you want to take a game development course, check out some classes at Udemy. Almost every month, it has a $15 sale on some of the most popular courses so you can quickly learn how to create a game in Unity, HTML5, and more for a relatively low cost.
OpenGameArt
This is the best place to find visual assets for games. If you’re a programmer but you don’t have design skills, OpenGameArt is a great resource. You should contact the creator if you have any questions about using it in a commercial game.
Stock Music
If you need music for your game, Stock Music is a website that can help you. It has free and paid songs that you can use in your game. Whether you need battle music or calming background noise, Stock Music will have it for you.
Is a Career in Game Development for You?
Yes, a career in game development is a great choice for you if you’re creative, you enjoy video games, and you want to work at a gaming company. Game development is a constantly growing industry that allows you to explore your artistic side in a variety of ways. Through game development, you can tell intricate stories and design experiences that are like no other.
Entry-Level Game Developer Jobs FAQ
Yes, even if you have no prior experience or knowledge of game design, a bootcamp still teaches you everything you need to have a career in the field.
To start your game development journey, you should create a portfolio of games, graphic art, and coding projects to show your strengths as a developer.
Yes, it’s easy to get a job as a game developer, but only if you already have the skills. It will be difficult to learn the basics when you’re on the job.
Game development bootcamps are much less expensive than degrees and other programs. However, they can still be expensive, so try to get an income share agreement or an installment plan to help you.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
