How to become a Game Developer: The Story of 3 Gaming Industry Professionals 

We’ve all felt that rush from playing a video game—whether it’s the thrill of beating a tough boss, solving a tricky puzzle, or exploring a brand-new world. But what if your love for gaming could be more than just a hobby? What if you could take your passion and turn it into a career? For many, the leap from player to developer isn’t just a dream—it’s a real, achievable path. 

In this article, we’ll dive into how some industry pros have made the jump, and share their tips for anyone else who wants to follow in their footsteps. We’ll hear from Jordan Runyan, Senior Production Engineer at Bungie; Andrew Sabri, Studio Engineering Director at Frost Giant Studios; and Matt Makuch, Senior Technical Game Designer at Sony Bend, to give you the inside scoop on how to become a game developer.

From Gamer to Developer: Where It All Begins

For most game developers, it all starts with a deep love of video games. These professionals didn’t just play casually; they were immersed in gaming from a young age. Jordan Runyan remembers spending hours on his Super Nintendo, playing classics like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Andrew Sabri’s passion kicked off with the Nintendo Entertainment System, and he was obsessed with games like Warcraft 2, even setting up network play before home networking was a thing. Matt Makuch, on the other hand, was hooked on Tetris as a kid. For all of them, gaming wasn’t just a way to pass time; it sparked creativity and problem-solving, which became the foundation for their video game developer career path.

The Turning Point: When Passion Becomes a Career

For these developers, there was a moment when they realized they could make a career out of their passion. Jordan naturally transitioned from gaming into computers, eventually pursuing a degree in computer science. For Andrew, the lightbulb moment came during his internships, where non-game programming just didn’t excite him. It wasn’t until he worked in a research lab and got Quake running on a high-res display that he knew game development was the way to go. Matt realized pretty early on that making games could be a real career—he was still in elementary school when it clicked for him. Each of these turning points was a shift that helped these pros move from players to creators.

What It Takes to Succeed

So, what’s the secret sauce to succeeding in a video game related career? Here are a few key ingredients:

• Education: While you don’t necessarily need a degree to work in game development, having a strong foundation helps. Jordan studied electrical engineering before switching to computer science, and Andrew and Matt both pursued degrees related to their career paths. Learning how to "think like an engineer" is key when it comes to problem-solving in game development.
• Networking: It’s not just about what you know; it’s also about who you know. Andrew landed a job at EA after chatting with someone from the company at a university talk. Jordan echoes the importance of connections, saying networking helped him get his start at Blizzard. Building relationships in the industry can open up job opportunities that might not come through traditional applications.
• Portfolios: Your portfolio is your chance to show off your skills. Matt recommends creating a diverse portfolio that highlights your creativity and technical abilities. Don’t be afraid to recreate elements from existing games to learn how different systems work. In fact, Matt’s portfolio, which included recreating some Overwatch characters in Unity, helped him land his job at Sony Bend. See some examples of beginner Unity projects you can build to practice and showcase your skills. 

• Soft Skills: Technical skills are important, but developing soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving is just as crucial. Jordan emphasizes that soft skills are harder to teach than technical ones. Being able to collaborate, take feedback, and work well in a team can make a huge difference in your career success.
• Passion and Persistence: Game development isn’t an easy field to break into, but those who are passionate and willing to put in the effort tend to stand out. Whether it’s solving tough problems or adapting to new challenges, the ability to stay motivated and keep learning is essential in this ever-evolving industry.

Tips for Aspiring Game Developers

If you’re looking to start your video game career, here are some practical tips straight from the pros:

• Start Learning to Code: Begin with a simple programming language like Python. The key is to develop problem-solving skills early on, which will serve you well later in your career.
• Build Projects: Don’t wait for a perfect idea—just start making things. Participate in game jams, build small personal projects, or contribute to open-source projects. As Andrew suggests, try getting a game up on Steam to learn the end-to-end process of game development.
• Network: Go to industry events, connect with other developers, and build relationships in the gaming community. Networking can open doors you didn’t know existed.
• Create a Solid Portfolio: Whether you’re interested in programming, design, or art, your portfolio is your ticket to getting noticed. Make sure it showcases a range of skills and creativity. If you’re going for a design or art role, your portfolio will likely be the most important part of your job application.
• Work on Teams: Game development is a team sport. Participate in collaborative projects to practice working with others, which is a crucial part of the job.
• Keep It Simple: Start with small projects and build your way up. It’s tempting to dream big, but focusing on completing smaller, polished games is a great way to build momentum and skills.
• Stay Flexible: Game development is complex, and you’ll need to wear many hats. Be open to learning new skills and adapting to what the project needs.

A Day in the Life of a Game Developer

The daily work of a game developer varies depending on the role. For example, Jordan, as a production engineer at Bungie, helps other developers solve problems and ensures the team has what they need to keep moving forward. Andrew, as a studio engineering director at Frost Giant, handles technical leadership and project management, making sure the engineering team stays on track. Matt, as a technical designer at Sony Bend, works on scripting and coding, helping designers implement the tools they need for gameplay. No matter the role, working in the game industry is dynamic and full of challenges—but also incredibly rewarding.

Why Schools Should Support Gaming Careers

Gaming is a huge part of today’s culture and economy, and schools should recognize the video game developer career path as a legitimate and exciting opportunity for students. Encouraging gaming clubs, esports teams, and computer science courses can help students develop the skills they’ll need in the game industry, from coding to teamwork. The US Academic Esports League supports students to pursue their passion of video gaming while teaching valuable technical and soft skills through a wide array of esports curriculum. As the team behind the USAEL's engaging curriculum, Mastery Coding provides a Game Design and Development Pathway that is a perfect fit for schools looking to bring in computer science and software engineering as CTE pathways. 

Final Thoughts

The journey from a passionate gamer to a game developer is a real and attainable goal. Whether you’re interested in coding, design, or production, there’s a place for you in the industry. By following the tips and advice from experienced developers like Jordan, Andrew, and Matt, you can start forging your own path toward a video gaming career. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of making the games you love to play, now’s the time to get started!