9 ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS IN THE VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY

In the gaming industry, everything is possible. Creativity knows no bounds. Your ideas and imagination can shape entire universes.

Picture the adrenaline rush as you conquer challenges, the thrill of crafting your own characters and worlds, and the satisfaction of seeing players enjoying the experiences you've helped create. If you want to become a part of something extraordinary, the gaming industry is just the right place for you.

As for now, the gaming industry employs roughly 270,000 people in the US only. The market size is predicted to grow from $56.8 billion in 2021 to $80.9 billion by 2025. It means that there will be even more workplaces. Demand for entry-level specialists is also increasing while the industry is growing. And there are plenty of opportunities for young professionals.

In this article, we'll explore exciting entry-level jobs in the gaming world. You'll see how your passion for gaming can become the first step on your way to a fun and rewarding career.

1. Game Content Moderator (38,785/yr)

Not every gamer is polite and friendly, which can make others uncomfortable and ruin their gaming experience. A game content moderator is always here to protect players by creating a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment. This professional reviews and monitors the content players create. A game content moderator makes sure that the players follow the rules and guidelines set by the game developers.

A perfect employee for this job would be someone responsible, with a strong understanding of the game's community guidelines and excellent communication skills. They should have a fair and objective approach to content evaluation and be able to handle potentially sensitive situations with tact. Attention to detail is crucial, as they need to identify problematic content as quickly as possible.

Empathy and a good understanding of gaming culture are also important traits. A successful game content moderator should be able to relate to players, understand their concerns, and foster a positive gaming environment.

2. Production Assistant (39,869/yr)

They handle all the behind-the-scenes tasks to keep everything running smoothly. From scheduling meetings to taking notes during discussions and keeping files organized, they've got it covered.

Are you organized, detail-oriented, and a fantastic multitasker? Patience and adaptability are key, as the gaming industry can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring the ability to handle changing priorities and tight deadlines. A production assistant should have excellent communication skills, as they'll often be the go-between for different teams and need to convey information clearly.

3. Game Tester (55,971/yr)

Game testers play games before they are released to the public. But hold on; it's not all fun and games! They play like detectives, searching for bugs, glitches, and anything that might spoil the gaming experience. Game testers play the same parts of the game over and over, trying different actions and scenarios.

A perfect employee for this role has a keen eye for detail, patience, and persistence. They need to be thorough and methodical to identify issues. Problem-solving skills are essential, as testers often need to figure out how to trigger a bug and then report it to the development team.

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4. Customer Support Representative (44,500/yr)

Their main job is to help players when they encounter issues, questions, or even need cheering up. Whether through email, chat, or social media, they're always there to lend a helping hand and ensure players have the best possible gaming experience. From solving technical glitches to answering game-related queries, they've got the answers!

Patience is necessary if you want to work in customer support, especially in gaming. Problem-solving skills are also vital, as support representatives often need to troubleshoot technical issues or guide players through challenges.

5. Game Localization Specialist
(42,333/yr)

Game localization specialists adapt the original game to different languages and cultures, ensuring that players in different regions can fully enjoy the game. It's not just about translating words; they also make sure the game feels culturally appropriate and resonates with players from various backgrounds. From dialogues to menus and everything in between, they use their skills to make games accessible and delightful to players all over the globe.

Of course, you must be fluent in two or more languages to ensure the translated content feels natural and coherent. Cultural sensitivity is also vital, as game localization specialists need to ensure that references, jokes, and context are appropriate to players from different cultures.

6. Community Manager (79,308/yr)

A community manager’s main role is to engage with players, listen to their feedback, and be the voice of the gaming community to the development team. Whether it's on forums, social media, or in-game chats, they are always there, ready to spark conversations, answer questions, and share exciting news and updates. They organize fun events, competitions, and giveaways that unite the community and create a sense of belonging.

Adaptability is crucial, as the gaming landscape can change rapidly. Community managers need to stay updated with game news, understand player trends, and be ready to adjust their strategies accordingly. They should be diplomatic in handling conflicts and be able to diffuse tense situations while maintaining a positive atmosphere.

7. Game Writer (61,713/yr)

Game writers are the imaginative architects of the gaming world. They craft compelling narratives that transport players to thrilling adventures and captivating stories. Their main mission is to create unforgettable characters and breathe life into the game through engaging dialogues and rich storytelling.

Working closely with the development team, game writers ensure that the narrative aligns seamlessly with the game vision. They collaborate, embrace feedback, and make revisions to deliver a polished and immersive experience.

A strong passion for storytelling and gaming is essential to become a successful game writer. Excellent writing skills are essential, as game writers use words to paint vivid pictures and evoke emotions. Don’t forget that game writers are not as independent as book writers or scriptwriters. They should also be open to feedback and willing to revise their work to fit the game's evolving needs.

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8. Junior Game Artist/Animator
(56,840/yr)

Their main mission is to design and craft characters, environments, and objects players will encounter on their gaming journey. Collaborating with the game development team, game artists and animators ensure that their creations align with the game's narrative. They embrace feedback and make adjustments to integrate art and gameplay.

Attention to detail is important, as game artists ensure that every pixel and brushstroke contributes to the overall aesthetic. Animators, on the other hand, bring these visuals to life using movement, timing, and emotion. They also need to be team players to successfully collaborate with designers, developers, and other professionals involved.

9. Marketing and Social Media Assistant (42,333/yr)

Marketing and social media assistants are the friendly navigators of the gaming world. They work closely with the marketing and social media teams to help promote and amplify the game's presence across various platforms. Their main mission is to engage with players, spark excitement, and spread the word about the game's unique features and updates. From teasers to announcements and gameplay highlights, they ensure that every piece of content showcases the game in the best light.

You need to possess creative and analytical skills at the same time to excel in this career path. Marketing and social media assistants interact with the gaming community, responding to comments or answering questions while building a positive connection with players. These professionals also analyze data, track performance, and provide insights to improve marketing strategies.

As we wrap up this exploration of opportunities in the video game industry, remember one thing: You have the power to shape your path. Gaming isn't just for fun – it's a world of creativity and endless options. Whether you love coding, art, or connecting with players, there's a role for you.

Every step you take and every skill you learn can contribute to the gaming universe. You're not just joining the industry – you're becoming a new asset in an ecosystem where you have endless possibilities to create and revolutionize digital worlds.