Wondering if you can turn your video game passion into a career? Good news: Jobs in the video game industry are booming, and there are opportunities for everyone, from artists and developers to influencers and marketers. Whether you're looking for entry-level gaming jobs or high-paying roles, there’s a path for you.
To help you get started, we've compiled a list of nine video game jobs worth considering, each offering unique opportunities to turn your passion into a rewarding profession.
The explosive growth of video game jobs
The video game industry has seen unprecedented growth in recent years and is expected to keep expanding. The video game industry's global value for 2023 was $184 billion, and a PwC report estimates it will be worth $321 billion by 2026.
“As an insider, I can say there is tremendous growth in the gaming industry, especially with technological advancements, the rise of mobile gaming, and the ever-increasing popularity of esports,” says Lucas Wyland, CEO and founder of Steambase.
This rapid expansion has created a growing demand for talent in the careers in the gaming industry, from game developers and designers to streamers and esports athletes. With over three billion gamers worldwide, opportunities in gaming roles are emerging for people passionate about gaming to turn their hobby into a rewarding career.
Pros and cons of working in gaming jobs
Like any career field, jobs in the video game industry have pros and cons. Understanding these can help you decide if this is the right path for you.
Gaming industry jobs: The pros
- Creative outlet: Whether you’re designing worlds or producing marketing campaigns, gaming jobs are a creative outlet that often comes with creative freedom.
- Passion-fueled work: If you're a gaming enthusiast, gaming careers allow you to turn your passion into a full-time job.
- Diverse opportunities: From technical roles like programming to creative positions in design and writing, there’s a wide variety of video game positions.
- Growing field: With gaming becoming more mainstream and esports on the rise, demand for talent in gaming-related jobs is increasing rapidly.
Gaming industry careers: The cons
- Crunch time: One of the biggest downsides to some gaming roles, particularly in game development, is the industry’s notorious “crunch” periods, where employees are expected to work long hours to meet tight deadlines.
- High competition: Gaming industry jobs are highly competitive, especially for popular roles like game designer or streaming influencer. Standing out can be challenging.
- Evolving skill sets: As technology rapidly advances, professionals in gaming-related jobs, especially in technical roles, need to continually update their skills to stay relevant.
Is gaming a hobby or a career for you?
Reflecting on your relationship with gaming is necessary before diving into gaming industry careers. “You must understand that creating a game is different from playing it,” Wyland says. “Prepare yourself to put in long hours and meet tight deadlines.”
If you're passionate about gaming as a hobby, consider whether that passion extends to the creative and technical challenges of careers involving video games. “If you love problem-solving and creating interactive experiences, you’ll find it fruitful to pursue a career in this industry,” he says.
Tips for landing jobs in the video game industry
If you want to land your dream video games career, here are a few key tips to help you get started.
Build your portfolio
For most video game positions, especially in development, art, or design, employers will want to see what you can do. Start by building a portfolio of your work, whether that means coding your own small games, creating concept art, or contributing to mods or open-source projects.
“Hands-on experience is vital for game development,” Wyland says. “I advise creating your own games and contributing to open-source projects to gain experience, which can help you advance in this industry.”
Network with industry professionals
The gaming industry thrives on networking with professionals who work in video game-related jobs. Attending conferences like the Game Developers Conference (GDC) or participating in game jams can help you meet other professionals and get your name out there. LinkedIn, Twitch, and X/Twitter are also great platforms to connect with people in the gaming world.
Start with an entry-level position
Not every job will be glamorous at first, but gaining industry experience is crucial. Entry-level gaming roles like QA tester, junior developer, or community manager can provide a stepping stone to more advanced positions.
Stay current with industry trends
Gaming evolves quickly, with new platforms, tools, and trends emerging regularly. Whether it’s learning the latest in AI for gaming, staying on top of popular streaming trends, or mastering the newest engines like Unreal or Unity, keeping your skills up to date is essential to landing gaming industry jobs.
Pursue specialized education or certification
While you can teach yourself many gaming-related skills, formal education in areas like computer science, graphic design, or business can make you more competitive. Certifications in specific game engines, animation tools, or programming languages are also highly regarded and often mandatory by employers in video game-related jobs.
Top video game jobs to consider
Whether you're looking to get your start in the gaming world or are aiming for a high-paying role, here are some of the best careers in video games right now. These jobs were selected based on salary potential, ease of entry, and demand in the current market.
1. Game developer (software engineer)
Average annual salary: $78,000 - $142,000
Estimate ease of entry: Moderate to difficult
Game developers are the coders responsible for the functionality of a game. They write the code that brings a game to life and solve complex problems to ensure the game runs smoothly across platforms. If you have a background in computer science or programming, specializing in languages like C++, Python, or Unity, you can find plenty of opportunities in jobs within the gaming industry.
2. Game designer
Average annual salary: $82,000 - $135,000
Estimate ease of entry: Moderate
Game designers are the creative masterminds who design the core gameplay, rules, and user experience. They work closely with artists, developers, and writers to bring ideas from concept to reality. A strong understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, and player psychology is essential to succeeding in this role.
3. Video game tester (quality assurance)
Average annual salary: $52,000 - $97,000
Estimate ease of entry: Easy
Video game testers, also known as QA (quality assurance) testers, play through games to find bugs and issues before release. This is one of the most accessible entry-level gaming jobs, making it a popular first step for those looking to get into the industry.
4. Game artist and animator
Average annual salary: $61,000 - $113,000
Estimate ease of entry: Moderate
Artists and animators create the visual aspects of a game, from character designs to immersive environments. Experience with tools like Blender, Maya, or Adobe Creative Suite is necessary for these roles. Jobs within the gaming industry for artists are plentiful, particularly as games become more visually complex.
5. Streaming influencer (Twitch and YouTube)
Average annual salary: Varies (Small influencers may earn nothing, top influencers can earn millions)
Estimate ease of entry: Easy to Moderate
Platforms like Twitch and YouTube offer gamers a chance to make a living through live streaming and content creation. While anyone can start a channel, building an audience takes time and skill. Top streamers earn substantial income through advertising, sponsorships, and viewer donations.
6. E-sports athlete
Average annual salary: Varies depending on leagues and tournaments. It can range from $20,000 - $300,000+
Estimate ease of entry: Difficult
As esports continues to grow, so does the demand for professional players. Top players in games like League of Legends, Fortnite, and Call of Duty compete in tournaments for prize money. However, only a small percentage make it to the top, and the competition is fierce, making it one of the most difficult jobs in the video game industry.
7. In-house roles at video game companies
Average salary: Varies by position
Estimate ease of entry: Moderate
Video game companies don’t just need developers; they also require marketing professionals, HR managers, and customer support staff. These gaming-related jobs offer a chance to work in the industry without needing technical skills. For example, marketing professionals promote games, while community managers handle interactions with fans.
8. Gaming equipment designer (keyboards, controllers, etc.)
Average annual salary: $82,000 - $153,000
Ease of entry: Moderate
With the gaming hardware market expanding, opportunities are available for those interested in designing controllers, keyboards, and other peripherals. These jobs within the gaming industry require a blend of engineering, design, and user experience knowledge.
9. Video game marketing
Average annual salary: $76,000 - $141,000
Estimate ease of entry: Moderate
Behind every game launch is a team of marketers who work to generate excitement. A background in marketing, business, or communications is typically required. Many companies offer video game positions in marketing, from indie studios to major corporations.
Bottom line: Finding the right video games career for you
Start by identifying your skills and interests, building your portfolio, and networking with industry professionals. With dedication and persistence, these careers in the video game industry can be as rewarding as it is fun.