Getting Started in
the Games Industry
Introduction Sector Overview
The Games Industry is a large multi-billion pound industry
with an international market. It is a hugely popular sector
that continues to develop and grow. There are many roles
involved in the making, marketing and distribution of
games. As with all tech industries, it moves at a very fast
pace and in recent years the types of games produced
have diversified greatly. This is due in part to the
increased presence of mobile and app based games. A
development that reflects the increased potential for
games designers to generate their own material. This shift
has led to less roles in certain parts of the sector, such as
distribution and publishing.
However, in spite of these changes in the employment
demographic, the industry is thriving. In 2013 Michael D.
Gallagher, the president and CEO of the Entertainment
Software Association in the USA, stated, No other sector
has experienced the same explosive growth as the
computer and video game industry. While this is the case
for the industry overall, fast-paced change has meant that
games consumption has altered. To this end there has
also been a rise in kick-starting and crowd funding games
where members of the public are invited to contribute to
the overall cost of the game. Traditional console and PC
based gaming does remain popular, but now also has to
contend with newer formats.
Change in Platform
The rise in smart phones and tablets
The rise of games on social media e.g, Farmville
and Candy Crush Saga
The recurrent release of new consoles
The rise in Virtual Reality technologies
The Games Industry is made up of a diverse range of
companies. There are large international corporations
such as EA games, Nintendo and Sony, who work mostly
Goldsmiths Careers Service: Getting Started inthe Games Industry, June 2017, TB
020 7919 7137 www.gold.ac.uk/careers careers@gold.ac.uk
on so-called AAA games. The AAA refers to the rating
system in place for Video Games quality. AAA games are
the games expected to make the most money and are
therefore marketed the most heavily. At the other end of
the spectrum, there are much smaller independent (indie)
enterprises with only a few employees.
Medium and Large Companies:
These Companies will provide good experience and a
more secure role. There is also scope for progression
within the infrastructure of that organisation. Bigger
companies often have good opportunities and schemes
for further training and personal development. They
provide the opportunity to work on high profile games
which can be great on a CV. However working for these
companies can mean that there is less scope for to
diversify your role, as people are expected to work on a
very specific part of a single game. There is also far less
creative freedom. Competition to secure roles at the larger
companies is high so you will need to really impress to
land a job. Larger companies can require large amounts
of overtime from their workers, particularly in the run up to
the release of a major game. This is an industry trend
known as crunch time. This can mean that the work life
balance is uneven at times. An ability to get along well as
part of a team becomes a crucial factor when working to
tight deadlines.
Smaller and Independent Companies:
Working for a smaller company can mean that you get a
chance to experience a much wider cross section of the
processes that go into game making. As teams are
generally much smaller, you may have the opportunity to
branch out into other parts of the process, for example
contributing to marketing or distribution. There is also
more potential to see a game come to fruition that is closer
to the initial vision, when a project is overseen by a smaller
team. The scope for greater oversight is larger. Ont the
downside you may be expected to work longer hours and
Page 1 of 7
there is often reduced job security, as smaller games Media
developers are frequently underfunded. The chart below indicates the percentage of roles
available in different fields of Games production. Source:
The UK Market: [Creative Skillset Employment Census of the Creative
Media Industries (2012)]
According to a report released by Nesta and Ukie in
September 2014, the games industry in the United
Kingdom has around 1,902 businesses. This figure takes
account of many small companies and start-ups, some of
which have very few employees. 95% of the overall figure
are listed as micro or small companies. The report
suggests that the UK Games Industry could be worth as
much as 1.72 billion. The area with the largest
concentration of Games companies is the South of
England (54.6%), followed by the Midlands (20.1%), the
North West (17%) and the rest of the UK (8.1%). Source:
[A Map of the UK Games Industry, Juan Mateos-Garcia,
Hasan Bakhshi and Mark Lenel September 2014]. In spite
of the large number of companies, games development is
a very competitive sector which can be difficult to break
into. However, with the right approach there are
opportunities available.
How to get experience
Types of Jobs
Making your own Games
If you havent got any previous experience then a great
There are many different roles that contribute to the place to start is creating your own games. Employers will
development of a game from initial concept to finished want to see that you are passionate about the industry and
product. These range from roles involving coding such as will expect you to have put in work, during your own time,
games developers, level editors and QA (Quality to develop your skills. This means that, even if you have
Assurance) testers, to publishing, distribution, marketing, been on a relevant course, demonstrating engagement
artistic and audio technician positions. Generally there is with the industry in some capacity outside of your
more demand for games developers, testers and assignments will set you in good stead. With this in mind
managers. There are less audio and animation roles in the it is often a good idea to include projects that you have
industry and consequently this is a more competitive field worked on outside of your academic modules in your
to break into. portfolio. It will demonstrate your enthusiasm, as you have
made the effort to produce work without the framework of
Overview of the different roles available in the Games deadlines.
Industry. Producing your own games will allow you to gain practical
insight into the challenges you will face in the working
environment. It can also be a good way to develop your
Developer community:
own style and experiment with various languages and
Developers: who make the games game types. Whether you want to make a classic platform
Publishers: who commission games game, a beat em up or an RPG (role player game), having
as varied a grounding as possible will be beneficial. There
are a number of websites where you can get started
Ecosystem: making your own games.
Service providers (audio, motion-capture,
middleware, QA, localisation)
For the serious:
Distributors (sales, marketing, physical
Unity. Most recommended. $1500 with monthly
distribution)
subscriptions available at $125. There is also a
Retailer (both physical and digital) Personal Edition available which is free.
Recruiters unity3d.com
Goldsmiths Careers Service: Getting Started inthe Games Industry, June 2017, TB
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 Game Maker. Free, Professional $150 and Master
Collection $799. and Master Collection $799
www.yoyogames.com/studio
For dabblers and beginners:
Twine. Open source and no coding skills necessary.
twinery.org
For those who prefer the creative side with less
programming:
RPG Maker. Price ranges from free to $70.
www.rpgmakerweb.com
Game Jams
Game Jams can be used to develop a portfolio and are a
popular way of meeting other developers, finding
collaborators and networking. These are events where
game designers come together, often over a weekend,
and develop games around a common theme. They range
in size from gatherings of a few people to large scale
events with hundreds of participants. They can be a great
place to learn new skills and encounter the technical
difficulties of games design outside of a professional
context. They also allow you to experience some of the
realities of games design as part of a group, therefore
letting you know if that is the career choice for you. Some
sites offering them are
One Game a Month www.onegameamonth.com
Tigsource www.tigsource.com
Compo Hub compohub.net
Itch.io itch.io
Indie Game Jams www.indiegamejams.com
Global Game Jam globalgamejam.org
Nordic Game Jam https://itmeets.guru/events/nordic-
game-jam-2017/
Programming Languages
The types of programming language that you are
proficient in can be instrumental in the way your career
progresses. It is important to have a grounding in
commonly used languages. However knowledge of more
obscure languages can be positive, as they allow you to
stand out from other candidates. If you are looking to work
as a programmer it is important to be flexible and willing
to learn new languages. Many companies have a
particular language and means of working, therefore it is
important to be receptive to new working methods.
Goldsmiths Careers Service: Getting Started inthe Games Industry, June 2017, TB
020 7919 7137 www.gold.ac.uk/careers careers@gold.ac.uk
C++ is still the most common language. The website A
Digital Dreamer refers to C++ as the de-facto standard for
games programming. If you dont know [C++] yet, first
become comfortable in an object-oriented language such
as C# or Java, then move onto C++. Unity for example
can be used with C# and JavaScript. For iOS the most
commonly used language is Objective C, while for
Android it is Java. Swift is also used for iOS and uses most
elements of Objective C.
Being willing to use a range of approaches is applicable
to all levels of the Games Industry. If you are an artist it is
worth becoming proficient in multiple styles. It is fine to
have a preferred medium but just because you favour 2D
cartoon style graphics, for example, this doesnt mean you
should work solely in this fashion. It is good to show skill
in a particular field but not the exclusion of others.
Routes In
To get experience in the Games Industry it is essential to
show a demonstrable interest in gaming and to start
building up a portfolio of previous projects. It is a good
idea to try and get as much experience with relevant
companies as possible even if the initial role is unrelated,
such as admin. Having any experience at a games
company will look good on a CV and make you more
attractive to employers.
A common route into getting your first role at a Games
company is to work as a games tester or in quality
assurance roles. This involves going through games
meticulously and trying to find any bugs or glitches. As a
tester you are the first audience for a game, providing
feedback on the interface and playability of the game. It is
your job to ensure that the game is fit for purpose before
it is released on the market. As well as being a way into
the industry, such roles help you to get a better awareness
of the practicalities of games design, and also the
potential pitfalls.
How to Find a Job
Networking
Networking is essential and having an active presence on
Social Media will help to boost your chances of securing
a role. Many Indie Games companies will actually find
collaborators over Twitter or on sites such as Reddit.
However there are also a large number of games forums
where people interested in the industry can develop
games together, showcase their work and build contacts
with potential future employers.
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Games Forums
International Game Developers Association
www.igda.org
Indie Gamer forums.indiegamer.com
Java Gaming www.javagaming.org
It is important to remember that people who are looking at
your online presence will also be monitoring how you are
able to react to feedback and criticism. If you can show
that you respond well, this will be an important selling
point for employers, who can see you are receptive to
constructive criticism. Your online presence may well be
scrutinised by employers, so make sure there is nothing
that you wouldnt want them to see, especially if you are a
member of any games forums.
Portfolios
Due to the nature of the industry it is essential to have a
strong portfolio that showcases your best work.
Employers will want to see that you have a genuine
passion and it is vital that you can demonstrate you
interest and knowledge of the sector. Setting up and
maintaining an online presence that displays your work in
an easily accessible format is important. You need to be
able to present your work to potential employers and
contacts in a professional and efficient manner. Be sure
to include only your best work and to display a range of
skills. It is better to have fewer pieces that are all of the
same high standard than a lot of variable quality. With
such a competitive industry, even one substandard piece,
can mean the difference between being invited for an
interview or not.
It is also a good idea to give some context to the pieces
that you have chosen to present. Demonstrating the
process can show your working method, thus allowing
employers to see how your work has progressed and how
you approach a piece. Often employers are as interested
in your working methods as the end result. If you can
display a logical, well thought through and methodical
approach in your work, it suggests you will apply the same
attitude to any work you may do for the company.
There are a number of websites where you can upload
your portfolio. Be sure to update your profile regularly and
ensure that the interface is easy to handle. The pieces
displayed may be fantastic, but if the interface is clunky
you will severely damage your chances.
Portfolio Hosting sites
Goldsmiths Careers Service: Getting Started inthe Games Industry, June 2017, TB
020 7919 7137 www.gold.ac.uk/careers careers@gold.ac.uk
Behance www.behance.net
Krop www.krop.com
GitHub github.com
Code Pen codepen.io
For those more interested in producing games
artwork
Deviant Art www.deviantart.com
Blender Art blenderart.org
Carbon Made carbonmade.com
Creative CVs
The creative nature of the industry means that you have
more freedom in how you choose to present your work
and CV than some sectors. Therefore your CV or portfolio
can be presented in a non-traditional format. For example
some candidates create simple games that the employer
plays to find out their past experience. This is a novel way
to present your credentials. When an employer has to look
through such high volumes of applicant CVs something
out of the ordinary can get you noticed.
However it is important not to try and be too creative at
the expense of making your information accessible and
easy to navigate. If your CV is in a novelty format, but fails
to convey the necessary information effectively, it could
run the risk of discounting you from the selection process.
For example, if you did decide to turn your CV into a
game, it is probably best to stick to a basic platform model.
You still want the information to be easily accessible.
Speculative Approach
If you do want to approach a company or apply for a
specific role it is worth making sure that you have a good
awareness of their in-house style. You want to be able to
show that you can fit into both their working methods and
their ethos. Choose pieces of work that you think
represent why you would be a good fit for that company.
Always tailor all aspects of your application to that specific
role, and research who you are applying for.
It is worth approaching games studios even if they arent
currently advertising a vacancy. Some will be willing to
give you a tour of the premises. This can be useful to get
a better idea of the working environment and culture.
Always get in contact first though, most studios will not be
responsive to people just turning up on their doorstep.
Page 4 of 7
However if you do make contact, even if they dont have Specialist recruitment agency for games industry
anything currently, when an opportunity arises the
company will be more inclined to consider your application
as you have already showed initiative and enthusiasm. Gamasutra www.gamasutra.com
The speculative approach may not work every time but it Games industry directory, news, events and global job
can help to build contacts within the industry, even if it vacancies
doesnt directly result in a job.
MCV UK www.mcvuk.com
News, events and job vacancies
Tips from Employers
A Digital Dreamer www.adigitaldreamer.com
Ruben Penalva, Senior Graphics Engineer and
Articles and career profiles on the Games industry
Yvonne Dawes, Hr Manager. Frontier: The growth of
app-based games and online games, as opposed to
console-based games, means that developers now Game Industry Career Guide
need to have an understanding of marketing and e- www.gameindustrycareerguide.com
commerce, as apps and online games are much more Database of articles and information about getting
responsive to external factors. Source [Games started in the games industry
Industry Overview, Creative Skillset, 2014]

Games-Career www.games-career.com
Alex Shepherd, Recruitment Manager, Gamesys:
The programming language that a graduate chooses Portal for Games Job Vacancies
to work with can be pivotal to their future career.
Gamesys develops a lot of games using Lua, which is Women in Games Jobs
fairly niche but this can be an advantage to a www.womeningamesjobs.com
graduates future career; they will have a rare and A notfor-profit dedicated to the promotion of Women
sought after skill. Source [As Above] in the Games industry

Scarlet Daingerfield, HR and Talent acquisition Prospects www.prospects.ac.uk

director, Xaivant: If you want to step it up a bit and
really impress the company, try making a video cover
letter. This is a great way to sell yourself in person, and
differentiate yourself from written submissions. You
can find some amazing examples and tutorials on
Youtube. Source: [game career guide August 2014]
Useful Links
Games Industry.biz www.gamesindustry.biz
News, events and job vacancies
Datascope www.datascope.co.uk
Specialist recruitment agency for careers in games
OPM Jobs opmjobs.com
Specialist recruitment consultancy for the global
games and interactive entertainment industries.
A large academic and careers database with
information about the games industry
Creative Skillset creativeskillset.org
Job Vacancies, career profiles and advice for the
Creative sector including the games industry
Games Studios
If there is a particular Games Studio whose titles you
enjoy playing, it can be worth checking their website. As
well as job vacancies, they can give you an idea of the
culture and methods of the studio. Below is an
introductory list of studios.
5thcell www.5thcell.com

Amiqus www.amiqus.com
Atomhawk www.atomhawk.com
Goldsmiths Careers Service: Getting Started inthe Games Industry, June 2017, TB
020 7919 7137 www.gold.ac.uk/careers careers@gold.ac.uk Page 5 of 7
 2K Games www.2k.com
Creative Assembly www.creative-assembly.com
Blizzard Entertainment blizzard.com
Naughty Dog www.naughtydog.com
Konami www.konami.com
Gearbox Software www.gearboxsoftware.com
Insomniac Games www.insomniacgames.com
IO Interactive www.ioi.dk
Jagex www.jagex.com
King king.com
Media Molecule www.mediamolecule.com
Mind Candy mindcandy.com
NetherRealm Studios www.netherrealm.com
Obsidian Entertainment www.obsidian.net
Celtic Heroes celtic-heroes.com
Outplay outplay.com
Codemasters www.codemasters.com
Codeplay www.codeplay.com
Crytek www.crytek.com
Quantic Dream www.quanticdream.com
Respawn Entertainment www.respawn.com
Riot Games www.riotgames.com
Goldsmiths Careers Service: Getting Started inthe Games Industry, June 2017, TB
020 7919 7137 www.gold.ac.uk/careers
Rockstar www.rockstargames.com
Relic www.relic.com
Schell Games www.schellgames.com
Rovio www.rovio.com
Storm8 www.storm8.com
Tequila Works www.tequilaworks.com
Thatgamecompany thatgamecompany.com
Ubisoft www.ubisoft.com
Valve www.valvesoftware.com
YoYo Games www.yoyogames.com
Sources: Creative Skillset Employment Census of the
Creative Media Industries (2012),
www.adigitaldreamer.com, Game Developers -
Game_Career_Guide_August 2014,
A Map of the UK Games Industry Juan MateosGarcia,
Hasan Bakhshi and Mark Lenel September 2014,
Games Industry Overview, Creative Skillset (2014)
careers@gold.ac.uk Page 6 of 7
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