Jobs in the Gaming Industry

Video games are quickly becoming one of the most popular media formats in the world. Video games have the unique ability to make narrative interactive and participatory. Whether you enjoy the technical aspects of computer programming or the artistic side of creating storyboards, jobs in the gaming industry have something for every skill set. Learn more about jobs in the gaming industry, the industry outlook, and common educational requirements. 

Earning an online degree in Gaming and Interactive Media Design can make this degree possible for anyone, whether you are looking to go back to school as an adult or you are a recent high school graduate. Studying online allows you to earn this important qualification while balancing other commitments such as work and family.

PBA’s Online Gaming and Interactive Media Design degree can take your career to new heights. Continue reading to learn more about the career options for graduates from this cutting-edge program.

The video game industry is one of the fastest-growing areas of the economy. Gaming is currently a 242.39 billion global industry and this number is projected to hit 583.69 billion by 2030. The gaming industry meets the demands of a growing global community of 3.22 billion gamers. Far from being a niche pastime, the gaming industry provides some of the most exciting career prospects for current students. Jobs in the gaming industry have nearly unlimited potential due to the continual advance of technology and growing global demand. 

There are dozens of exciting jobs in the gaming industry. Learning more about the career paths can help you select a role that fits your skills, interests, and motivations. 

Career Options in Gaming and Media Design

Here are some of the most exciting jobs in the gaming industry.

Lead designer

Lead designers are responsible for overseeing the process of creating a game. The lead game designer coordinates with all members of the team to make sure that the overall feel of the game is a good fit for the target demographic.

Game mechanic designer

Game mechanic designers use their understanding of software and graphics to develop the rules and systems that create a game’s user experience. 

Level designer

Level designers work on levels of a game to weave together a coherent narrative and an appropriate level of challenge. 

System designer

While gamers control some aspects of gameplay, there are many other aspects that run autonomously in the background. System designers make sure a game’s background features flow together smoothly.

World designer

Video games are a great medium for creatives who like to think big. World designers can situate a video game’s narrative in a unique world with its own rules and history.

Technical designer

Technical designers use their expert computer programming skills to connect game design with practical implementation. Technical designers may also fix bugs and make sure the game’s underlying code is in good condition.

Writer

Video games are one of the fastest-growing narrative formats. Students who are passionate about story and narrative may enjoy writing video games and developing captivating worlds and characters. 

UI designer

UI, or user interface is one of the most important aspects of a game’s success. Skilled UI designers make sure that players have enough information and guidance to interact with the game’s features. 

QA tester

Being a quality assurance (QA) tester is a dream job for many gamers. QA testers have the important role of checking for bugs and glitches and making sure a game plays well. 

Producer

Much like a movie producer, a game producer oversees the entire production process of a video game. Producers will need to have a creative vision and strong management skills. 

Software engineer

Video games are fundamentally software, so software engineers have a large role in the creation of a video game. Software engineers may assist with multiple stages of the video game design process. 

Unity developer

Unity is a popular game development software program. Developers with a high level of expertise are in high demand across the gaming industry. 

AR/VR developer

Augmented and virtual reality are at the cutting edge of the video game industry. AR/VR developers use their knowledge of both hardware and software to create excellent user experiences in these contexts. 

Gaming coach

High-level gamers compete for global titles and rankings. The level of competition in gaming is creating a need for innovative coaches who can help gamers perform at their best. 

eSports coach

One of the most exciting developments in the video gaming industry is the rise of eSports. ESports teams are in need of skilled coaches who understand both gaming and coaching.

eSports community manager

ESports community managers help promote and foster the community that develops around a game. 

Game reviewer

A career as a game reviewer is a great option for students who have a good eye for user experience and strong communication skills. 

How much do Jobs in the Gaming Industry Pay? 

Like most industries, jobs in gaming vary widely with experience and job title. The average base salary for a game designer in the United States is $73,895. Professionals in the gaming industry will typically experience increases in compensation as they gain experience and take on more senior and management roles. 

What Degree Do I Need to Get a Job in the Gaming Industry? 

To be considered a strong candidate for many roles in the gaming industry applicants will typically need to complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. A degree like PBA’s B.A. in Gaming and Interactive Media Design will give students a great qualification to start a career in the gaming industry. Degrees in computer science, software engineering, web design, and graphic design can also be relevant to the gaming industry. 

Learn More about PBA’s Gaming and Interactive Media Design Program

Reach out to PBA to learn more about our Online Gaming and Interactive Media Design degree.