How to Become a Game Developer?

Gaming is one of the most popular career choices among the youth nowadays. Many people are now aspiring to become game developers and showcase their skills in coding visual elements and creating virtual reality. 

If you are also one of those aspiring game developers and want to pursue a professional career in this field you can earn a B.Tech Degree in Computer Science with a focus on game development. By gaining practical knowledge and hands-on experience with the top new technologies you can successfully become what you are aspiring to be. 

This blog will provide you with a detailed road map on how to become a game developer in India. Grab a snack and keep on reading. 

What is Game Development? 

Game development refers to the process of creating video games, which involves designing, programming, producing, and testing games. It is the art and science of creating interactive experiences that engage players through storytelling, graphics, sound effects, and gameplay mechanics. Game development can be done by individuals, small teams, or large studios, and involves a wide range of skills and disciplines such as game design, programming, art, music, sound design, and quality assurance. The end goal of game development is to create a fun and engaging experience for players to enjoy.

Who Can Become a Game Developer?

Anyone with a passion for games and a willingness to learn can become a game developer. While having a background in computer science or a related field can be helpful, it is not always necessary. Many successful game developers have started out as hobbyists or self-taught developers.

There are a variety of roles within game development, including game designers, programmers, artists, animators, writers, and quality assurance testers. Each of these roles requires a different set of skills, and there are many paths to acquire those skills, including self-learning, formal education, and on-the-job training.

Some common traits that can be helpful for aspiring game developers include creativity, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a passion for gaming. Additionally, being able to work well in a team environment and communicate effectively can be important, as game development often involves collaboration with others.

Quick Facts About Becoming a Game Developer

Industry	Game Development, Studios, Software Companies
Course Name	B.Tech in Computer Science
Eligibility Criteria	10+2 with C++ as a subject from a recognised board with a minimum of 60% marks.
Average Course Fee	8-10 Lakhs
Average Salary	4-5 Lakhs Per Annum
Highest Salary	12 Lakhs Per Annum
Top Recruiters	Hyperlink InfoSystem, Infosys, Hashbyte Studios, HCL Technologies, GSN Games, Accenture.

Steps to Become a Game Developer 

While there is not a strict roadmap for becoming a game developer, there are certain steps that must be taken if you want to professionally pursue this as a career. Consider the following steps for your reference- 

• Identify your true passion

To start a career in game development one must realise their true potential and interests in the field. It is recommended to play and analyse different types of video games to understand what components are required to design video game features. It is also important to pay close attention to the framework, game design and how it is developing with time. 

• Earn a Degree

A B.Tech degree in computer science can help you gain an edge over your competition. It is a four-year program that focuses on software development, programming languages, algorithms and game development also. It is observed that recruiters generally prefer candidates who have completed their three-year or four-year degree program. It shows that they have a deep understanding of the subject and solid foundational knowledge which is essential for game development. 

• Practice Computing Languages- 

To develop a perfectly working video game you have to execute a perfect code. For that, you should have mastery of computer programming languages like C++, C, Java, Python etc. It can also be beneficial to have knowledge about various Database management systems for the implementation and maintenance of user data. 

• Develop essential skills 

Consider the following skills required to become a successful game developer- 

• Strong Technical knowledge of programming, video graphics and hardware. 
• Problem-solving skills for resolving technical issues
• Time management skills 
• Should have a spark of creativity
• Good communication skills for team collaboration

• Learn Concept building 

Many gaming companies require individuals who can build interesting concepts and develop original stories or new versions of trending movies, novels and web series. You should be able to code for interesting storylines that can come to a conclusion. 

• Build a Game Developer Portfolio

A good portfolio and relevant experience can help you gain a place in the game development industry. That is why it is important for you to engage in a variety of capstone projects that can attract gaming studios towards you. Do not forget to give credit to anyone who you have collaborated with to design or develop a game, as it can increase your credibility and trust factor. 

• Look for Potential Recruiters 

Many gaming companies timely post vacancies and look for potential developers with a good set of skills and practical experience. You can gain this experience by doing entry-level jobs and internships. Later on, you can apply for jobs in the top gaming studios. 

Types of Game Developers

There are different types of game developers in the gaming industry who have a different set of skills, roles and responsibilities. Here are some of the profiles of game developers that are in high demand- 

Types of game developers	Role
Lead Programmer	These are professionals who are technically in charge and provide mentorship and guidance to other game developers.
Game Designer	Game designers focus on the functionality of the gameplay and ensure that the games are fun, playable and engaging.
Level Designer	Level designers take care of the designing of various levels inside the game. They specialise in correcting errors and making game prototypes.
Game programmer	Game programmers specialise in writing codes for games and making them come alive.
AI Programmer	Artificial Intelligence Programmers are responsible for setting the behaviour of the characters to create a natural gaming experience.
Game Play Engineers	They are code writers who create custom software for better functioning of the games.
Game Artist	Game artists animate the entire game, and they are also known as 3D modellers who create 2D and 3D game art.
Character Artist	Character artists create 3D models and characters for video games and films. They work closely with the visual quality of the game.

Benefits of Becoming a Game Developer

Check out the following benefits of becoming a game developer- 

• In the gaming industry, you get the chance to learn about new trends throughout your career.
• While pursuing their graduation, students can work part-time jobs. 
• It will enhance your creative skills, and provide an enthusiastic environment to work in. 
• Game Developers can earn a competitive salary. 
• Some game developers can even start their freelancing careers and work independently.

Trends and Salary of a Game Developer

Game development is a rapidly growing industry in India, and game developers are in high demand. According to industry reports, the Indian gaming industry is expected to reach a value of USD 1.3 billion by 2025, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25%.

In terms of salary, the average salary of a game developer in India varies depending on factors such as experience, skillset, location, and company size. According to PayScale, the average salary for a game developer in India is INR 509,676 per year. However, senior game developers with several years of experience can earn upwards of INR 1,500,000 per year.

Trends in game development in India include the rise of mobile gaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) gaming. Mobile gaming has become increasingly popular due to the widespread adoption of smartphones, and many Indian game developers are creating games for this platform. Additionally, VR and AR gaming are also gaining traction in India, and many game development companies are exploring these technologies to create immersive gaming experiences.

Another trend in game development in India is the growth of indie game development. Many independent game developers are creating unique and innovative games that cater to niche audiences. This has led to the creation of a vibrant indie game development scene in India, with many successful indie games being developed in recent years.

Overall, game development is a promising career in India with ample opportunities for growth and innovation. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, game developers in India can expect to see increasing demand for their skills and expertise.

How Sunstone can help you become a successful game developer? 

At Sunstone, you can- 

• Get 70+ career sessions from recruiters and industry experts.
• Engage in capstone projects every semester.
• Build a professional portfolio to get noticed by recruiters.
• Learn from expert faculty (ex-IIMs, IITs)
• Get lifetime access to a pan-India student community and many more benefits. 

FAQ- How to become a game developer 

How long does it take to become a game developer?

Depending on the path taken, it could take 4-5 years to become a skilled and experienced game developer.

Is it hard to become a game developer?

Becoming a game developer requires a strong passion for the field and a lot of hard work and dedication. It can be challenging and competitive, but also rewarding for those who are passionate about game development.