How to Make a Career in the Gaming Industry: Full Guide From InspHire

by Chen Peer, Founder & CEO at InspHire

It is not surprising that more and more people are dreaming of working in the gaming industry. This industry is rapidly growing and there are many exciting and rewarding career opportunities available.

According to PwC’s Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2022-26, the expansion is expected to make the global gaming industry worth $321 billion by 2026. In Israel in 2021 the gaming industry generated over $176 billion. There are hundreds of companies based in Israel that offer gaming services all over the globe.

With the industry’s rapid growth, we can also see a boost in gaming employment. Last year in Israel 14,000 people were employed in the gaming industry within 190 companies, compared to only 4,000 employees in 2017. That’s an increase of 250% in the number of employees, at an average increase of 38% per year.

Why To Work In Gaming

Pursuing a career in the gaming industry is becoming more attractive, not only because it is highly innovative, but also because it can provide exciting and challenging opportunities and benefits for professionals.

Creative Freedom: Working in the gaming industry offers you the freedom to be creative and to explore new ideas and concepts. You can create stories, characters, and worlds that are completely unique.
High Pay: Salaries for gaming professionals are often very high, especially for those with experience and expertise.
Job Security: The gaming industry is one of the most secure industries in the world. It is not going anywhere anytime soon, so jobs in the industry are relatively safe.
Variety: Working in gaming offers a wide range of opportunities, from game design to programming to marketing. There’s something for everyone in the gaming industry.
Collaboration: Working in the gaming industry is often a team effort. You get to collaborate with other professionals and creatives to create something amazing.
Flexibility: Many companies in the gaming industry offer flexible work arrangements, such as the option to work remotely or have flexible schedules.

Career in Gaming: Positions

The gaming industry needs a wide range of skills, ranging from art to programming. There’s also a demand for those with skills in marketing, project management, sales, and finance.

There are many different professionals who work in a gaming company:

Executive Team: CEO, COO, CFO, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Product Officer
Development: Game Designers, Software Developers, Animators, Artists, Writers, Quality Assurance, Producers
Marketing & Public Relations: User Acquisition, Brand Managers, Social Media Managers, Content Creators, Community Managers
Business & Operations: Business Analysts, Data Analysts, Financial Controllers, Business Development Executives
Human Resources: Recruiters, HR Managers, Learning & Development Managers
Customer Support: Customer Care Agents, Technical Support Specialists, Moderators
Legal: Corporate Attorneys, Compliance Officers

Besides there are many junior positions in the gaming industry. It is possible to start a career in gaming without prior experience. Many companies offer internships, entry-level positions, and internal academies to individuals who are interested in the industry. There are also many resources available to help those interested in getting started in the gaming industry.

Not everyone who wants to work in gaming needs to be a gamer. Depending on the type of job, some gaming positions may require a knowledge of gaming or gaming-related technologies, but there are many positions in the gaming industry that do not require the applicant to be a gamer.

Of course, the gaming industry is extremely interested in people who have a passion for games since they can bring their own points of view as actual users. But the industry is also open to people who are not gamers and there are many positions available that do not require gaming experience.

Career in Gaming: Skills

It is possible to get a job in the gaming industry with experience in other fields (like SaaS, Fintech, FMCG and others), but to get a job in the gaming industry, it is important to show that you understand the industry and have an interest in it. You should be able to explain why you are interested in the gaming industry, and how your experience in other areas can benefit the company.

Skills that can be beneficial for a career in the gaming industry include:

Strong programming skills

Many jobs in the gaming industry, such as game developers and engineers, require strong programming skills in languages such as C++, C#, Node.js and Java.

Artistic skills

If you want to work in game design or art, you will need strong skills in areas such as 3D modeling, character design, and animation.

Writing and storytelling

If you want to work in game writing or storytelling, you will need strong writing skills and the ability to create compelling narratives.

Design skills

Game designers are responsible for creating the gameplay mechanics and overall structure of a game. They need to be able to conceptualize ideas and communicate them effectively to the rest of the development team.

Communication skills

The gaming industry is a collaborative industry, and it’s important to be able to work well with others. Strong communication skills are essential for effectively working with team members, clients, and stakeholders.

Time management and organization

The gaming industry can be fast-paced and deadline-driven, so it’s important to be able to manage your time effectively and stay organized.

Passion and enthusiasm

A career in the gaming industry can be challenging and demanding, so it’s important to have a genuine passion for games and the gaming industry.

Teamwork

Working as part of a team to produce a game is necessary.

How to Start Your Career In The Gaming Industry: 5 Steps

There are several steps you can take to get a job in the gaming industry:

Gain the necessary skills: Depending on the specific role you’re interested in, you may need to gain certain skills or knowledge. This could involve completing a degree program in a related field such as computer science or game design, or learning programming languages and design software through online courses or self-study.

Develop a portfolio. Whether you want to work as a game designer, engineer, or marketer, you will need to demonstrate your skills and capabilities. Developing a portfolio of your work is a great way to showcase your talents and experience.

Network. Making connections in the gaming industry is essential for anyone looking to get a job. Attend gaming events and conventions and network with industry professionals. This is a great way to make yourself known and learn more about the industry.

Take on freelance or contract work. Freelance or contract work in the gaming industry is a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience.

Consider internships. Internships are a great way to gain experience and make connections in the gaming industry.

Overall, the key to working in the gaming industry is to be proactive and persistent in gaining the necessary skills and experience, and networking to find job opportunities.