Breaking into the Gaming Industry Beyond Game Development

The gaming industry is a vast and multifaceted field, offering a wide range of career opportunities beyond direct game development. With the UK gaming industry valued at £7.05 billion in 2022, there are numerous roles that contribute to its success, from providing funding for game companies to managing communities and promoting games through PR and marketing. For those interested in pursuing a career in the gaming industry without necessarily working on game development, there are various paths to explore. A panel discussion at EGX 2023 brought together professionals from different areas of the industry, highlighting the diverse range of roles available. These include funding games, marketing and PR, and community management, all of which play crucial roles in the gaming ecosystem. Funding is a critical aspect of game development, as it enables companies to bring their projects to life. Organizations like the British Film Institute's UK Global Screen Fund provide financial support for game development, film, and television production. Chris Filip, an international business development fund manager, emphasizes the importance of understanding the industry and identifying opportunities when reviewing funding applications. Similarly, Nicole Stewart Rushworth, marketing director at Digital Catapult, works with companies to secure funding for projects, including those involving VR and AR technologies. Her role involves showcasing innovative technologies to potential investors and facilitating collaboration between companies and investors. Games PR is another vital aspect of the gaming industry, as it helps to build and maintain a community of enthusiastic players. Ella Hagi, campaign director at Yrs Truly, works on designing and implementing creative campaigns to promote games and engage with content creators and influencers. Her day-to-day tasks vary, but she always starts by organizing her inbox and prioritizing her tasks. Community management is also essential in the gaming industry, as it helps to foster a sense of belonging among players and developers. Tanya Kapur, founder and CEO of Hub175, created a community network for students and alumni to connect and explore career opportunities in the gaming industry. Leela Collins, program producer at The Pixel Mill, supports a community of indie developers by organizing workshops and providing funding assistance. While the roles in the gaming industry may vary, certain skills are essential for success. These include communication, interpersonal, and time management skills, as well as the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines. Being organized and able to manage multiple tasks and clients is also crucial. Communication is key in the gaming industry, as it enables professionals to build relationships, negotiate, and collaborate effectively. Leela Collins emphasizes the importance of communication in her role, stating that it helps her build trust and credibility with indie studios and investors. Ella Hagi adds that soft skills, such as communication and interpersonal skills, are essential for facilitating the game development process and ensuring its success. In addition to soft skills, certain technical skills are also necessary for roles in the gaming industry. For example, understanding business and financial fundamentals, as well as being able to read Excel spreadsheets, can be beneficial when reviewing funding applications. Chris Filip highlights the importance of being able to communicate ideas effectively using tools like Excel or PowerPoint. For those interested in pursuing a career in the gaming industry, learning about game development through game jams can be a valuable experience. Game jams provide an opportunity to learn about the game development process, work with others, and develop essential skills like teamwork and project management. Tanya Kapur recommends participating in game jams to learn about the industry and develop soft skills. Networking is also essential for finding opportunities in the gaming industry. Leela Collins has grown in their role by attending events, reaching out to others, and building relationships. Ella Hagi advises people to approach others in the industry with purpose, knowing what they want to achieve and what they can offer in return. In conclusion, the gaming industry offers a wide range of career opportunities beyond game development. By exploring different roles, developing essential skills, and building relationships, individuals can break into the industry and contribute to its success.