The video gaming industry has yet to reach its peak, and the number of well-trained technical personnel graduating from digital arts programs, marketing degree programs, graphic design schools can't keep pace. If the E3 (the Electronic Entertainment Expo) goes the way of other recent conventions, video game professionals will bemoan the lack of qualified job applicants. This gathering of Creatives and Suits from top companies prompts so much public interest--roughly 60,000 gamers attended the gathering in 2006--that the pros have limited this year's meeting to industry insiders only, spinning off a second public event to be held later in the year. So, if it's a gaming insider's pass you crave, read on to find out how to get one.
Learning to Compete in the Video Game Career Arena
For graphics designers, game programmers, and video game marketing pros, the real war is not between the denizens of the mythic kingdoms of Archadia and Rozarria, but between the companies that release new titles for millions of Play Stations, Wiis, Game Cubes, and X Boxes. And the next real hero will have a common name, like Ed or Nichol--not a mythic one like Dracor or Diggerling.
Nichol Bradford, Global Director of Strategic Growth for Vivendi Games, told the conference attendees that while computer-related careers now exceed sports and entertainment roles among most young people's dream careers, too few people graduate from digital media and animation schools, or with programming degrees to fill the needs of game companies. That's one reason so many projects are outsourced overseas. So if you want to be the next game design hero--go to school!
Or take hero number 2, Ed Bartlett. He's a game designer for the London-based Bitmap Brothers and laughs when he reports that would-be designers moan, "I want to be a game designer, why on earth do I need to know anything about programming?"
To be a success in the field, whether it's in marketing, design, or programming, today's game professional needs a strong, well-rounded, and continuing education in all aspects of the business. If you want to become a video game programmer, consider taking some digital design classes that include graphic design, animation, and story-telling.
You'll also need razor-sharp skills in creating and delivering presentations--whether you're getting a degree in marketing, graphic design, animation, or digital arts media. "It's all very well having a groundbreaking game idea in your head, but if you can't effectively communicate with the artists, programmers, producers, and marketing staff, then at best your game will be a blurred facsimile of the original concept or at worst it won't even get the green light," Bartlett says.
Finding the Best Jobs in Video Game Business
Perhaps the finest job in the game industry is the one you already have, says game-industry recruiter Kirsty Lee. She embraces the theory that successful animators, programmers, designers, and game marketing professionals bloom where they're planted. While it's tempting to leap-frog up the career ladder, Lee says that there may be much more room for you to spread your skills laterally within an organization, taking on new challenges, redefining and broadening your skills while you work. So complete a college degree in at least one gaming specialty and jump on the train. Use your first job to expand your skills and increase your value in the workplace.
Most professionals will need a top-notch graphics or digital media education in the recent releases in design software, in the latest and greatest programming languages, and viral marketing tactics to include Web, broadcast, and print channels that blast new products to consumers. While brutally competitive, the market remains huge. Last year, video game sales skyrocketed past $7 billion. And, according to The Entertainment Software Association, some 70 percent of all heads of households in the country are passionate game players.
Interested? Here are three hot gaming careers:
- Video Game Programming & Software Development
According to a salary survey by The Animation Arena, lead programmers with six or more years of experience earned an average of $93,067 a year. The report noted a shortage of experienced game console engineers which has driven up their wages even further. To gain entry into this lucrative career, shoot for a degree in software development and programming. - Video Game Design
>Game designers with six years on the job drew down an annual average of $67,840 a year, according to the survey. Designers also have the opportunity to advance their careers into creative lead/creative director roles. Top salaries for these game professionals may climb into the high six figures. A formal education from a top digital design art school will arm you with the skills you need to become a premier video game designer. - Video Game Marketing
Game marketing experts that analyze trends and slot new products into fresh sales and audience sectors are in top demand. A survey last year by Game Developer magazine reported that marketing specialists with three years' experience earned an average of $76,667--and that increases further with additional career development and expertise. To get your foot in the door, you'll need a degree in marketing.
Feeling heroic? Perhaps it's time to inquire at your local college about ongoing video game design, animation, marketing, or other digital design degree programs.