Game Design

The video game industry can be appealing for some, especially those who enjoy playing video games as a hobby. Whether you’re passionate about video games or interested in working in this industry, you can find a job for yourself in the field! It might sound unbelievable that you can break into the video game industry without years of formal training or experience but it’s totally possible!

To break into a skilled industry like game design, you have to start somewhere. But how do you prove yourself when you haven’t yet earned experience on paper? Here are some ways you can find an entry-level game art/game design role:

Start with Internships, Volunteer Experiences, or Early Career Development Programs

• Many companies offer internships or early career development programs specifically designed for gaming students and recent graduates. These opportunities provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to work on real-world projects.
  • Check out the posted Early Career and University Programs posted in the Career Resources section.
• Internships can be a valuable stepping stone to securing a full-time entry-level position within the company or gaining industry experience to enhance your resume.
• Check out the “Gain Experiences” section on this page to browse real-world volunteer projects with real organizations!

Research and Explore Entry-Level Jobs

• If you hope to gain work in this field, learning how to find entry-level jobs could help you start your career!
• You can start by researching the most popular entry-level jobs and see which align closest with your unique career goals and skills!
• SNHU has partnered with several employers on Handshake where these gaming industry employers post jobs and internships targeting SNHU students:
  • Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Belfrost Studios, ZeniMax Online Studios, Girls Make Games, Rainbow Unicorn Games, & Veterans Gaming Mental Health Mission

Utilize Your Network

• Networking is another powerful tool for landing your first game art/game design job. Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances who work in your field of interest.
• Also don’t overlook making a simple LinkedIn post stating that you’re open to work and asking for help from your connections.
• Lastly, attend job fairs and other events related to the gaming industry. These events are a great opportunity to meet people who can provide valuable insights and help you connect with potential employers!

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter For Each Application

• Take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter to the job or internship you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, even if it’s not directly related to the job.
• Consider using a functional resume format that focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work experience.
• In addition, remember to always use keywords mentioned in the job description on your resume because many companies use software to match your resume with keywords found in job descriptions.

Build A Strong Online Presence

• Establishing a professional online presence can help employers discover you.
• Maintain and update your LinkedIn profile, and participate in relevant online communities, and showcase your projects or contributions on platforms like GitHub.
• This visibility can increase your chances of being noticed by potential employers and industry professionals.

If you’re a game art/game design student or graduate, chances are good you’ll want to know some of the best mid-level gaming industry jobs out there and where to start looking. Employers are eager to find game art/game design students and graduates, especially those who have mastered skills such as character design, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), and 3D modeling/sculpting. Some experienced professionals find they are looking to make a new career move. Knowing how switching to a gaming career can be beneficial can help you plan the next part of your professional life!

Switching Careers – Advice for Career Changers

• As a career switcher, you have a distinct advantage over graduates and early-career job seekers: Your career to date. Through your career you’ll have accumulated lots of skills and knowledge which may be transferred into a new career and are sought-after by employers!
• In many cases, making a successful switch is a matter of refining specific skills, and highlighting transferable skills from your past experience.
• Spend time researching the skills your ideal game art or game design job requires, and spend time updating your resume and applications to be sure you have noted all your current/newly acquired skills, relevant certifications, and transferable skills from your past experience.
• Create a portfolio that demonstrates your skills! You should include samples of your work, such as games, prototypes, designs, scripts, or art.

Popular Game Design Jobs To Explore

• As you begin considering career options, you might want to spend some time researching the various game art & design career paths out there and which aligns closest with your passions and skillsets.
• While researching specific roles, you will want to consider researching some of the top companies looking to hire gaming students and graduates!
• SNHU has partnered with several employers on Handshake where these gaming industry employers post jobs and internships targeting SNHU students:
  • Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax Online Studios, Girls Make Games, Rainbow Unicorn Games, Veterans Gaming Mental Health Mission.

Popular Gaming Industry Job Boards To Explore

• You are probably asking, where can you find jobs with great companies? Well, job boards are one place you can start!
• We put together this list of the best game industry job boards so you can quickly and easily find jobs to apply to!

As a seasoned professional in the gaming industry field, employers may be expecting that you have not only the experience in the field, but the technical knowledge and certifications to prove your expertise! Career paths for more senior game artists or designers are diverse and wide ranging!

Skills & Knowledge for Game Design Majors

• When creating a resume for a game art or game design career, it’s important to highlight the relevant skills that demonstrate your expertise and qualifications in the field.
• Here are some key skills:
  • Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects)
  • Creativity
  • Project Management
  • Visual Scripting Languages
  • Digital Drawing/Illustration
  • 3D Modeling/Sculpting
  • Lighting, Shading
  • Texturing
  • Rigging
  • Character Animation
  • Creature Design

Game Design Certifications To Explore

• Game art and game design certifications can quickly and affordably improve your skills and job prospects in the gaming industry.
• Its import you take the time to first explore certification types and find options to find the best fit for your unique career goals!
• Common certifications include:
  • Certified Game Designer (CGD) from the International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
  • IGDA Certified Professional Program
  • Unity Certified Developer Program
  • Unreal Engine 4 Certification Program
  • Adobe Certified Associate in Digital Media: Game Design