Computer and Video Game Designers

Employers

Software publishers (such as Electronic Arts and Activision Blizzard) are found throughout the country, though most are located in California, Texas, Washington, New York, and Massachusetts. Electronic Arts is one of the largest independent publishers of interactive entertainment, including several development studios; the company is known worldwide. Big media companies also have interactive entertainment departments. Jobs may be available at these companies as well as with online services and interactive networks, which are growing rapidly.

Some companies are involved in producing games only for play on computers; others make games for various platforms.

Starting Out

There are a couple of ways to begin earning money as a game designer: independently or as an employee of a company. It is more realistic to get any creative job you can in the industry (for example, as an artist, a play tester, a programmer, or a writer) and learn as you go, developing your design skills as you work your way up to the level of designer.

In addition to a professional resume, it is a good idea to have your own Web site, where you can showcase your demos. Make sure you have designed at least one demo or have an impressive portfolio of design ideas and documents.

Other ways to find a job in the industry include going to job fairs (such as the Computer Game Developers Conference, http://www.gdconf.com), where you find recruiters looking for creative people to work at their companies, and checking in with online user groups, which often post jobs on the Internet.

Also consider looking for an internship to prepare for this career. Many software and entertainment companies hire interns for short-term assignments.