1. Quality Assurance (QA) Tester / Video Game Testers

QA Testers, also known as video game testers, are in charge of testing gameplay from a technical standpoint. They are also one of the most popular entry-level jobs in the video game industry! Before developers can release a new game, the QA team is required to play through the entire game multiple times and submit detailed bug reports. QA Testing is a great entry-level job that provides flexible career paths within the video game industry, opening doors to game development, graphic design, or further advancement in the QA engineering route.

2. Video Game Programmer

In a nutshell, a game programmer writes the code and software that makes the video game playable. They work closely with departments including game design, art, and production to translate ideas and concepts into a fully functioning game. If you’re interested in becoming an entry-level game programmer, a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field is highly preferable, but certification courses and professional training may go a long way as well.

3. Game Artist

Jobs in the video game industry for artists range from character to environment specialties and they work with other departments to deliver artwork in the agreed project style. While a degree in art is not essential, many junior artists in the industry possess a relevant degree or certification in subjects including game art, interactive media, or game modeling. Having a strong portfolio will definitely help to boost your chances of getting an interview.

4. Animator

Animators are responsible for researching, designing, and developing animations for video games using the images created by artists. They focus on making realistic, life-like characters and settings to create an immersive experience for players. While entry-level animator jobs in the video game industry may not require a degree, it is helpful for applicants to be skilled with various types of animation software (e.g., Autodesk Maya) and by having a strong storytelling and narrative sense. Check out our job opening for an entry-level animator here.

5. Producer

As the unsung heroes of the industry, producers act as the project manager of a video game project, working alongside all the departments throughout the entire production process. They are responsible for managing tasks, schedules, budgets, and deadlines. To explore a career in video game production, new entrants can consider starting out as a production assistant or associate producer. To boost your portfolio, project management certifications such as Scrum and Jira can be very helpful.

6. Software Engineer

A software engineer working with video games create, design, maintain, develop and test software products and networks, and are focused on the functionality and performance of the game’s software and network as a whole. While an entry-level software engineering job in the video game industry does not require prior working experience, applicants with relevant degrees in computer science and engineering are usually preferred. Read about how our software engineer at Black Shamrock – A Virtuos Studio made a career switch from academia to game development here.

7. Sound Designer

Sometimes called audio engineers, sound designers in game development are responsible for creating, editing and compiling high-quality audio assets including sound effects, background score and voice-overs. As an entry-level position in the video game industry, most employers are looking out for applicants with a degree in audio engineering or a related field. Personal projects are a great way for individuals to showcase their expertise and stand out as an applicant.

8. Video Game Designer

Video game designers are involved in the creation of the concept, story, characters and rules of a video game, and possess technical and creative skills to build engaging, entertaining, functional and unique experiences. While prior industry experience is usually preferred, some employers may also consider entry-level candidates who are able to showcase creativity, problem-solving skills, time management skills, and a technological background. Learn more about our junior game designer positions here.

9. Sales Representative

Sales representatives in game development help the company bring in business by identifying and contacting prospective clients, answering inquiries and pitching contracts. Video game sales representatives should possess strong knowledge of the video game industry. Entry-level sales jobs generally do not require prior working experience, although internship experience and a relevant degree in sales, marketing or communication with interest in the industry usually helps.

10. Game Writer

Video game writers develop a game’s story, script, character descriptions, tutorials, and the player’s actions in the gameplay. Game writers are involved in every aspect of video game production, from storyboarding in the conception stage to editing in post-production. While some companies may prefer to hire video game writers with degrees related to creative writing or scriptwriting, applicants with strong portfolios in literary journals or digital publications could also be considered.

11. Community Manager

Community managers act as a bridge between the game’s developers and their player base and are responsible for attending events, writing announcements and newsletters, organizing and managing projects, and analyzing public feedback. While some employers may look for applicants with a degree in communications and marketing, it is important for the candidate to be familiar with the company’s games and prove their ability to manage a community of people well.

12. Management Trainee

Management trainee roles in most companies are targeted at fresh graduates that have little to zero work experience. At Virtuos, our management trainees undergo a carefully-curated graduate program where they’ll experience working in a variety of roles ranging from production, marketing, to finance over two to three years to better understand how our company operates.