How to Become a Game Developer?

Are you thinking of becoming a Game Developer or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Game Developer, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Game Developer job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.

Steps to Become a Game Developer

If you're considering starting your Game Developer career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Game Developer and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Game Developer career.
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1

Earn a Degree

To begin your Game Developer career path, a Bachelor's Degree in computer science or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Game Developer internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.
2

Choose a Specialty in Your Field

As an Game Developer, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Game Developer field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Game Developer specialty.
3

Get an Entry-Level Position as a Game Developer

Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in computer science or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Game Developer. In general, you can become a Game Developer after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Game Developer role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified itil v3.
4

Advance in Your Game Developer Career

Following entry-level, there are several Game Developer career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Game Developer to progress to the next seniority level position. Each advanced Game Developer position requires approximately 2 years of experience at each level to advance in your Game Developer career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Game Developer career path.
5

Continued Education for Your Game Developer Career Path

Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Game Developer career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Graduate Degree in computer science can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Graduate Degree typically make $123,992 compared to $40,994 for those without that type of degree.

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Related Careers in the Engineering Industry

Interested in other Engineering careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Game Developer skills. Discover some of the most common Game Developer career transitions, along with skills overlap.

Software Engineer
0% skills overlap
18% transitioned to Software Engineer