Getting into games: Tips from the experts

Considering studying for a career in games but don’t know where to start? Unsure what kind of course to take or what other extra curricular activities you could be doing?

Then fear not! Last week we asked experienced professionals in the game industry to offer their advice for those looking to study for a career in games, and we have published their tips below.

Already in the industry and got any tips you’d like to share for aspiring professionals? Tweet us or offer your advice in the comments below.

Don’t forget you can also check out our regular series of Get That Job articles offering more bite-size tips on how to get into game development.

Be sure to sign up to our weekly Jobs Newsletter for more recruitment stories and job openings in the sector.

https://twitter.com/HazelMcKendrick/status/581430979048407040

@developonline I would say branching out as you further develop your primary skills to understand how others tie in is a good idea.

— Robert Koganov (@TH3xR34P3R) March 27, 2015

https://twitter.com/Pepsi_Punk/status/581429157348950016

@developonline learning theory is good but practical hands on experience of playing many games you can draw dos & don'ts from is invaluable.

— Tim Browne (@N1tch) March 27, 2015

@developonline My advice is to just go and makes games. They'll be terrible to begin with but listen to criticism and adapt for the future!

— Andy Touch (@andytouch) March 27, 2015

@developonline Coding is not the only option! We need more people who play games but also understand business, marketing, data etc.

— Wayne Emanuel (@wayne_emanuel) March 27, 2015

https://twitter.com/IsntitRich/status/581436821252517888

@developonline if going into programming then learn a language inside out… easier to interchange with others if you've learnt one properly

— Matt Stuttard Parker (@MSFX) March 27, 2015

@iainlobb @developonline ensure good English, Maths, Physics, GCSEs and A-Levels if possible. Study Art. Make stuff. Skillset Uni course.

— Mark Hardisty (@hardistymark) March 27, 2015

https://twitter.com/Lazyindie/status/581430404697231361

.@developonline Go to game jams & get comfortable being a team player. Excellent communication & problem solving skills in groups are key 🙂

— Dawn Rivers Taylor (@DawnRivers) March 27, 2015

.@developonline Also, Find your local @igda chapter, @globalgamejam organizer, or developer meetup to learn from your city's dev community.

— Dawn Rivers Taylor (@DawnRivers) March 27, 2015

@developonline If you want to work in a small studio being a generalist is good, if you want to work in AAA specialization is preferred

— Alexander Birke (@AlexanderBirke) March 27, 2015

@developonline Also being able to work well with people from other disciplines is just as important as being good at your own

— Alexander Birke (@AlexanderBirke) March 27, 2015

@developonline step 1. join a community of other learners. step 2. make something. step 3. repeat step 2 forever.

— Will Goldstone (@willgoldstone) March 27, 2015

@developonline If you want to design, start practicing now. You _may_ need to go indirect (e.g. via QA) but don't forget the ultimate goal.

— Matthew Holland (@QuixoticEvil) March 27, 2015

@developonline Start creating right now. Don't stop. Immerse yourself in the dev community and sponge, sponge, sponge that knowledge!

— Team17 (@Team17) March 27, 2015

@developonline @willgoldstone Don't let people tell you you shouldn't go into games is an important one!

— Woulfe (@MarkWoulfe) March 27, 2015

@developonline Don't just rely on study! There's enough tools out there so you can design & develop. Experience counts for so much.

— Phil Bradley (@wolvesbradders) March 27, 2015

@developonline It's a great opportunity to experiment, make mistakes and learn from them. This experience will be invaluable in your career.

— Tall Studios (@tallstudios) March 27, 2015

@developonline Build practical experience, write a game, break it debug it, understand how it works under the hood. Keep it simple. Enjoy it

— Dave Tetlow (@dave_tetlow) March 27, 2015

https://twitter.com/TLMultimedia/status/581427018010595328https://twitter.com/TLMultimedia/status/581427266946785280

Got any more tips for aspiring game industry professionals? Tweet us or offer your advice in the comments below.