The world of video games has exploded in terms of complexity, reach, popularity, and potential as a legitimate career path. There are various opportunities available; you can be a game developer, game designer, game tester, or even make a career as a professional eSport athlete or a video game content creator/streamer.

But what does it take to get there? What are your potential earnings? And what roles actually exist? This article aims to help you navigate the wide ocean of opportunity in the field of video game careers.

Game Developer and Designer

These professionals are responsible for designing and creating video games. Developers usually specialise in one area, such as programming, scripting, or even graphic design. Much of the creativity lies within the realm of a game designer. They design everything that makes a game – its gameplay, environment, storyline, characters, and more. Although the two roles work tightly alongside each other, they require different skill sets. Developers require knowledge of programming languages, while designers often have a strong artistic orientation and a knack for story-telling.

Game Tester

Game Testers are a critical part of the development process. They play through different parts of each game, looking for bugs and creative ways to break the game before it’s released to the public. It helps to have a keen eye for detail, a good understanding of game development, and a lot of patience.

Professional eSport Athlete

With the rise of eSports, this route has become increasingly popular, albeit fiercely competitive. It requires an enormous amount of time, skill, and dedication to the chosen game. The life of a professional gamer often involves regular training, competing in international tournaments, and even building an online presence.

Video Game Content Creator/Streamer

The ever-growing influence of platforms like Twitch and YouTube has made a career in content creation or streaming possible. Much like eSports athletes, this career also requires dedication, charisma, a unique approach, and probably more than just a little luck. The most successful streamers and video content creators often have their unique way of engaging with their audience and presenting their content.

Video Game Industry Education

Given the robust and continually evolving nature of the video game industry, education plays a crucial role in preparing future gaming professionals. For instance, JMC Academy Site offers courses in Game Design and Programming, aimed at aspiring game designers and developers. It provides hands-on experience using industry-standard programs with expert guidance from professionals in the field.

Earnings Potential

While starting salaries in the game development industry can vary, experienced developers can earn upwards of six figures. According to the salary comparison site PayScale.com, the average salary of a video game developer is around $64,000. Alternatively, successful eSports athletes can make millions from tournament prizes, sponsorships, and streaming. While earnings differ significantly in content creation, top-tier YouTubers and Twitch streamers can make six figures and beyond.

Conclusion

The field of video game careers is wide and varied. The traditional roles of game development and design coexist with the lucrative and competitive world of professional gaming and content creation. Furthermore, with educators like those found on the JMC Academy Site, the journey into video game careers now comes with professional guidance and firsthand experience. As the industry continues to grow at an explosive rate, the opportunities for careers in it continue to expand.