Beyond Coding: Diverse Skills Needed in the Gaming Industry

The Gaming Industry's Unexpected Boom and Expanding Job Market

The COVID-19 pandemic brought widespread disruption to businesses globally; however, the gaming sector, valued at $118 billion, demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth. A significant 55% of American consumers embraced gaming as a source of entertainment, stress reduction, relaxation, and social connection during periods of lockdown.

Industry Growth and Job Creation

This surge in demand resulted in a 20% increase in global gaming sales and the creation of approximately 20,000 jobs in 2020 alone. Industry forecasts, as indicated by IBISWorld research, predict continued expansion in 2021, building upon the consistent year-over-year growth observed over the past five years.

This positive trend presents excellent opportunities for individuals seeking employment within the gaming industry, particularly those aiming to contribute to the development of the next popular title. Currently, the unemployment rate for professionals possessing gaming development and design expertise is exceptionally low, signifying an unprecedented chance to enter the field.

Diverse Roles Available

Gamesmith, a dedicated online community for the gaming industry, currently lists over 5,750 open positions. Roles in design, engineering, and animation are particularly prominent. This expanding job market welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, suggesting that existing skill sets may be readily applicable.

Specific Career Paths

For artists proficient in digital tools such as Autodesk Maya and Adobe Photoshop, a career in animation offers substantial potential. Animators contribute to various aspects of game development, including creating environments, character modeling, and user interface design. The animation industry is experiencing growth, with most sectors expanding by 2% to 3% annually.

Individuals with strong writing abilities and a talent for crafting compelling dialogue can pursue roles as game writers. These professionals are responsible for developing in-game narratives, from character interactions to expansive storylines. Highlighting relevant writing experience, even outside of traditional game development, is crucial.

Demand for Developers and Designers

The development and design of gaming experiences represent a vital and rapidly expanding segment of the industry. The New England Institute of Technology projects a 9.3% growth in job opportunities within this area between 2016 and 2026. Positions range from level designers to lead developers.

Gamesmith data reveals that these roles constitute 16% of available openings, despite attracting only 5% of all applications. A computer science degree and a foundational understanding of programming are typically required, but the potential financial rewards are significant. The average salary for a 28-year-old male engineer is estimated to exceed $100,000.

Beyond Core Development

Opportunities extend beyond core development roles. Effective marketing and promotion are essential for game success, requiring skilled professionals to reach consumers. Furthermore, strong customer service representatives are always needed to address player inquiries and resolve issues.

The Push for Diversity

Gaming companies are increasingly focused on diversifying their workforce, moving away from a historically homogenous demographic. Current statistics indicate that 74% of the industry’s workforce is male and 64% is white, according to Gamesmith research.

Investing in Inclusive Practices

A growing number of studios are investing in diversity initiatives. Of those that did so in 2020, 96% reported positive results and improvements in company culture. This reflects a growing recognition that a more diverse workforce is crucial for innovation and creating games that resonate with a wider audience.

The Importance of Representation

Jo Twist, CEO of Ukie, the U.K.-based gaming trade association, emphasizes that “Diversity isn’t a nicety; it’s a necessity if the industry is going to grow, thrive and truly reflect the tens of millions of people who play games every day.” A diverse team fosters creativity and inclusivity, leading to more engaging and representative games.

Seizing the Opportunity

With a commitment to diversification and a wealth of new opportunities, the gaming industry offers a broad spectrum of potential careers. Even if your skills don't seem directly applicable, they likely translate to a role within a gaming company. Persistence and skill development are key to achieving your career aspirations in this dynamic field.