By Tara Patwardhan sheher “ 31 Aug 2021
For many teenagers, #gaming is life. If your teen is obsessed with video games, why not help them turn
their passion into a career?
The #video #game #industry is growing and has a projected value of $200 billion by 2023. Plus, #software
developers – including video game #developers – have a median annual salary of $110,140. Overall,
there’s a lot of potential in the field.
If you want to help your high schooler prepare for an #exciting #career in video game development,
#SkoolMentor shares what you need to know.
The Skills Video Game Developers Need
Video game development is incredibly #technical, requiring a broad range of hard skills that ensure a
professional can handle their responsibilities. Exactly which skills your high school student needs to
acquire can vary depending on the role or the #employer. However, certain skills are broadly beneficial,
making them solid starting points.
Here is a list of some of the most in-demand hard skills for video game developers:
● Programming Languages (C#, C++, Python, GML, PHP, etc.)
● Game Engines (Unreal Engine, CryEngine, etc.)
● Software Development Methodologies (Agile, DevOps, Waterfall, etc.)
● Mobile Languages (Swift, Objective-C, Java, etc.)
● Animation Software (Unity, Maya, etc.)
● Web Languages (JavaScript, HTML, CSS, etc.)
● Testing / QA
● SQL
● GUI
How to Acquire Must-Have Video Game Developer Skills
Now that you understand what skills your teenager needs, it’s wise to explore how they can get those
capabilities. There are a few viable paths, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
The classic approach is with a college degree. Many video game developers have a Bachelor’s or
Master’s in video game development, #computer science, digital #animation, software engineering, or
similar majors. Those options give them the right #foundational skills, allowing them to work in the video
game industry or a related sector.
Another option is a #bootcamp. Bootcamps are short, highly focused #educational programs that use a
hands-on approach and real-world scenarios. They concentrate on practical skill-building related to a
specific technical role, such as software development or coding, making them a reasonable alternative
to a #college degree.
Getting Their Foot in the Door
In many cases, simply having a relevant degree or bootcamp certificate isn’t enough to hop straight into
a video game developer role. The field can be competitive, so many professionals start their careers in
different #entry-level opportunities.
One excellent option is an internship either during college or after completing an educational program.
Skoolmentor also offers high schoolers the opportunity to work with a mentor for hands-on training in
new technologies. Learning is the main focus here. Your teen will acquire new skills in an actual work
environment. Plus, they’ll build #relationships with other #professionals, opening doors that were closed
before.
Getting a job as a video game tester is another viable approach. It’s a great way to learn about QA
processes and other critical aspects of the industry. Plus, part-time opportunities may be available,
allowing your #teenager to start in the field while working on their degree.
Fast-Tracking Their Video Game #Career
If you want to help your teen fast-track their video game career, encouraging them to pursue an
advanced degree online is an excellent option. Since most #online degree programs are very flexible, they
can work in an entry-level role while furthering their education.
For this option to work, it’s best to get a #Master’s degree in the right niche. There are online schools that
offer Master’s degrees in game design and #development, game programming, computer animation, and
similar fields. Plus, Master’s degrees in information technology #management, data analytics, or
cybersecurity are widely available and could all be great choices, too.
Written By: Micah Norris