If you want a successful career in the gaming industry, it’s helpful to know what types of skills employers are looking for. You can look at job descriptions for similar roles in the industry to get an idea of skills to cultivate. We’ve also rounded up some of the top skills we’re seeing in a variety of positions related to gaming.
Gaming Software Engineers & Programmers
Gaming software engineers and programmers design gaming programs and applications. In related roles, gaming software testers and quality assurance analysts test the programs and applications for usability and report defects.
In addition to typically needing at least a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field, some of the most in-demand skills for gaming software engineers include:
- Computer programming skills, which may include coding knowledge in languages such as C/ C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Lua
- Game Engine Experience, most studios are looking for experience in Unreal Engine or Unity
- Analytical skills, to evaluate what users want from a game and design games that meet those needs
- Creativity, which helps gaming software engineers develop programs that can attract consumers
- Communication skills, since gaming software engineers may work in highly collaborative environments that require seamless communication with various team members
- Problem-solving skills, which help software engineers address problems that may come up during the development process
Gaming Artists, Designers & Animators
Gaming artists, designers and animators are the professionals who create the images and visual effects that make games so engaging. While formal education such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree can help better position these creatives in a candidate pool, sometimes raw talent and tool-specific knowledge can also help candidates qualify.
When hiring gaming artists, designers and animators, studios look for skills such as:
- Technical skills, particularly in the tools the gaming studio works with, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, AfterEffects, Maya, 3Ds Max, Figma
- Game Engine Experience in Unreal Engine or Unity
- Artistic skills, including drawing, understanding of texture and light, computer graphics and animation
- Communication skills, as artists, designers and animators must be able to take feedback and make edits appropriately
- Creativity, since artists create and share a vision that’s intended to engage a target audience of potential consumers
Gaming Project Managers
Project managers in gaming are responsible for creating and meeting deadlines for a variety of projects a gaming firm is running. They help coordinate teams, keep workers accountable for their task projects, identify and resolve roadblocks, and help teams use previously successful methods based on other projects.
The ideal gaming project managers are more than project management experts. They have a passion for the fast-moving gaming industry and are comfortable working with gaming professionals.
Project managers in gaming typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field like project management or business, although some gaming project managers move into the role based on their experience in the gaming industry in other roles. Project management certification from an organization like the Project Management Institute can also help, as well as knowledge of project management tools like Workfront.
Other in-demand skills for gaming project managers include:
- Organization and time management skills, since gaming project managers are typically juggling multiple projects, teams and employees at once
- Communication skills, as project managers in gaming must communicate with individual employees and may lead team meetings for project progress
- Interpersonal skills, as project managers must build a rapport with team members to facilitate project success
- Problem-solving skills, since project managers must regularly deal with project obstacles and roadblocks and help team members find solutions to them
Gaming Data Analysts
The analytics-focused gaming industry is constantly pumping out data for companies to use to improve their game production and better serve customers. As the gaming industry is projected to grow from $214.2 billion in 2021 to $321.1 billion by 2026, according to PwC research, there’s a lot of growth potential for companies that strategically use data and analytics.
When hiring for gaming data analysts, companies typically look for at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics or a related field. Other in-demand skills for gaming data experts include:
- Math skills, since gaming data analysts use mathematics and statistical methods to gather and analyze data
- Technical computer skills, which may include knowledge of specific analytics programs or similar tools to collect, extract and analyze data
- Logic skills, which help gaming data analysts to create the optimal statistical models and interpret findings
- Communication skills, as data analysts may need to present their findings to a variety of stakeholders and make impactful business recommendations
Want a Job in the Gaming Industry?
If you’re interested in working in the gaming industry, ggLocators can help. We recruit candidates for various levels for the top gaming companies in the world.
Look at some open gaming positions available now. If you’d like to connect with a gaming recruiter, contact ggLocators.
