How Do I Become a Video Game Developer?

Video games have come a long way since the days of Pong, one of the first of such games, in which players took turns moving a paddle to bounce a ball towards their opponent's side of the screen. Those who enjoy video games can find that making them is a rewarding profession. If you want to become a video game developer you usually need to learn how to program, on your own or in a degree program, get professional experience in application development, and keep abreast of trends in the video game market.

The field of digital entertainment is very broad, but, in general, professionals need some computer programming experience in order to become a video game developer. Video game development can involve creative professionals to help develop story lines, graphic artists to create the in-game imagery, and programmers to create the underlying nuts and bolts of the video game. Individuals from these different backgrounds frequently combine their different skills to create the game's individual components. Everyone working in the field need not be a computer scientist, but a general knowledge of how programming works can help workers better collaborate.

If you want to become a video game developer, you can learn programming by taking computer science courses. Classes that teach the basics of application development can start as early as secondary school, but colleges and universities offer in-depth degree programs for students that are serious about learning how to program. These may be general degrees in computer science or more specific courses that focus on the elements of video game design and development. It is possible to teach yourself how to program through a combination of books, online tutorials, and independent projects. Being a student in an actual academic program, however, has the benefit of providing a structured path towards learning how to program.

Degree programs in computer science can also help you become a video game developer by providing the opportunities for internships in the field. Many digital entertainment companies offer internships to students, and some schools have partnerships to help students get these positions. Internships can provide hand-on experience in making video games, and give you professional experience to put on a resume when you begin looking for video game development jobs. An internships can also help you to establish professional connections in the industry.

Simply knowing how to program is not always enough to become a video game developer. Many companies want workers who will be able to actively contribute to the ideas behind the game, instead of simply turning another's ideas into code. Actually playing video games can help you demonstrate your passion for the field, develop a sense for what does and does not work in particular game genres, and give you ideas to contribute to your prospective employer's projects.