How to Become a Game Developer?
Let's be honest. If you're into gaming, you've probably dreamt of creating your own video game. Well, what if you actually could?
Yes!
You could design your own battle royale.
Build an open-world RPG with insane graphics.
Why? You could even work on the next big hit for a gaming giant like Nintendo.
Sounds exciting, right? It's not just a dream. It's a real career path. This guide will show you how to become a game developer after 12th and break into the $3.1 Billion+ gaming industry in India.
What is Game Development?
Game development is the process of designing, programming, and developing video games for platforms like PC, PlayStation, Xbox, mobile, and even VR/AR systems. It's where technology meets creativity, blending coding, storytelling, and art to create immersive experiences.
Understanding these components will help you decide where you fit best in the gaming industry
Now to become a game developer, especially if you are in your final years or about to complete your schooling, ensure that you put your time and energy into the following.
How to Become a Game Developer?
If you're passionate about gaming and have just completed 12th (or are about to), now is the perfect time to turn that passion into a career.
Understand Video Games Inside Out
If you want to make great games, you first need to analyze them. It could come handy if you're an avid gamer.
Every successful game follows a pattern, which includes game mechanics, level design, engaging narratives, and immersive sound design. Start noticing these details while playing. Deconstruct games by thinking in terms of how each of them could be done.
Learn the Fundamentals of Game Development
Gaming isn't just fun. It's a fusion of coding, art, and storytelling. Here's what you need to master:
- Game Engines: Learn Unity and Unreal Engine, the powerhouses behind most AAA and indie games.
- Programming Languages: C++, C#, and Python are the core of game development.
- 3D Art & Animation: Tools like Maya, Blender, ZBrush help bring your characters and worlds to life.
- Game Physics & AI: Master how objects interact, how characters move, and how enemies behave.
- Sound Design & Storytelling: A killer soundtrack and engaging narrative can make or break a game.
Now, how to do all these?
You can learn some aspects online through free YouTube tutorials or enroll in an online course. But, will they work? Not enough to launch you into the gaming industry for the following reasons.
- No Structured Learning
- No Hands-On Project Work
- No Expert Guidance
- No Portfolio & Industry Exposure
Get a Proper Full-Time Education in Game Development
If you seriously want to become a game developer, a full-time degree in game development after 12th is the best path forward.
While a full-time education provides all the above, which hugely lacks in short-term and online resources, you can also find appropriate employment through placements.
At ICAT Design & Media College, you get everything you need to become a game developer.
The bachelor's degree program in Game Design and Development prepares students to independently work through the entire pipeline of game development, starting from conceiving concepts to programming it.
If you are also particular about getting into specific aspects of game development, like game art or game programming, ICAT College also has bachelor's degree programmes in Game Art and Design as well as Game Programming.
