How Much Experience Do You Need to Start Your Career in Game Design?

If you’re looking for entry level game design jobs, experience and qualifications are key. But if you’re fresh out of university, you may not have the necessary experience. And if you already have some experience, you may not have the right qualifications. It’s a bit of a catch-22 situation, in what is already a very competitive market.

Here at OPMjobs we’re specialists in the field of games industry recruitment. We know what job seekers are looking for, and we know what employers expect from candidates. It’s our role to put the right people in front of the right companies to find the perfect match. Read on to discover more about entry level game design jobs.

Straight from university

At one time, a lot of people entered the game design industry after doing it as a hobby. Following the development of a number of games-specific degree courses, this has become a less common route. In truth, you don’t need a degree to be a video game designer, but it does give you a significant advantage.

Even if you don’t have a degree in computer game design, other subjects could be of interest to an employer. Degrees in engineering, science or technology can be useful, particularly if your game knowledge is already good. The thing to remember is that a degree is not a guarantee of a job. That’s why it’s important to gain as much knowledge and experience as you can to back up your qualifications.

The importance of experience

There are a number ways to gain experience, both during and after your degree. These could range from designing your own game to applying for a placement or internship with a company. The advantage of an internship is that it can take place whilst you’re studying for your degree. That could speed up your route to entry level game design jobs.

Previous experience in design is also useful to have on your CV, even if it’s not games-specific. Games are now used in a variety of industries, from advertising and broadcasting to trade and retail. This could provide another way of gaining valuable experience from outside the games industry.

Highly competitive

Game design is a highly competitive arena, and employers are looking for a range of qualities in candidates. A good knowledge of and passion for gaming is essential, as well as the ability to find solutions for problems. You’ll also need a willingness to learn, and communication skills that allow you to convey your ideas to others.

Career progression

There are plenty of opportunities for career progression in game design, but hard work is key. You’ll need to keep your finger on the gaming pulse and keep your technical skills honed. How fast you progress will depend largely on how quickly you can learn new skills. Once you’re employed in the industry, experience is everything.

OPMjobs work with gaming companies all around the world. Contact us today for help with finding your first entry level role.