So, You Wanna Break into the Video Game Industry…

Have you ever played a game and thought to yourself, “I could totally do better than this! If they can get their crap made, why can’t I?” Well, why not you? Have you ever loved a game or a studio so much that you’d do anything to get in on that action? Here are some of those ways to turn your favorite hobby into the career of your dreams.

Back in the day, the way you’d break into just about any entertainment business was to submit your work to a studio and pray that they either hire you or at least buy your ideas. However, we now live in an age where intellectual property is a sensitive subject and people are quick to sue over anything. What may innocently start as an enthusiastic fan asking only for credit turns into them calling for cash once the creation turns a profit.

The truth is that if you send in an idea to a company for a hot new game or character design, you’re not only guaranteeing that it won’t be used, but also that it will never even be seen. If someone were to send an idea to a developer and that same developer releases a product with a similar idea as part of it, the person who sent theirs in might sue over theft. So companies have adopted the policy of never looking at submissions in order to save themselves from liability.

David Sirlin: Street Fighter champion turned Street Fighter developer

In fact, you’re likely to receive a response like this one that I got during my research from the fine people at Capcom:

Hello Sean,

-CAPCOM Customer Support

The reality is that most video game companies will only accept work from within. So to become part of the fun, your goal must now be to get hired to work on one of their existing properties.

You don't need to have the #1 webcomic for 10 years running to have a video game made your way...but it helps.

The best method of breaking into the gaming industry is simple, though it’s not what most people want to hear: Work hard to become the best at what you do. Hone your craft. Raise your stock by building on your own individual success so that video game studios will seek you out to employ your talents. If you like to write, start a blog and write every day. If you love to draw, start a deviantArt account and maybe sell prints of your work. Set up booths at conventions so you can interact directly with your audience. If you have sweet coding skills, program some fun game demos and distribute them online. Talk with other professionals to learn from their experience. If you can draw a strong fanbase to yourself, you’ll not only be in demand by developers, but also have your own independent success to support you.

Keep in mind, though, that talent isn’t everything. You also need to understand the industry beyond just dominating the leaderboards. Gaming , like any other business, is a business first. Ironically, in order to be part of your favorite form of escapism, you have to hit the books pretty hard to get a proper education. Read up as much as you can on industry news and participate in related online communities. As you develop your expertise, learn how to apply yourself professionally. You can either take commissions, freelance, or even intern.

Most of all, take heart! No matter how many rejections you may face, don’t let it discourage you. Video game companies are almost always hiring and often list their job openings on their websites. Good luck; the industry needs some fresh blood!