From Passion to professionalism: Get hired in the gaming industry

As gaming continues to captivate the hearts and minds of people worldwide, the growth of the online gaming and esports industry has opened up a world of new career opportunities. With the market value projected to reach $343.6 billion by 2028, the gaming sector is one of the fastest-growing industries with a 12.9% annual growth in job prospects.

In the MENA region, the potential for growth and job opportunities in the gaming industry is immense. Whether you’re a gamer, creative individual or innovative person, there’s always a place for you in this booming industry.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the diverse job opportunities available in the gaming sector, exploring the skills and qualifications that would help you score a job, and providing an inside look into the work environment. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking a career shift, this guide is your ticket to score a career in the gaming world.

Jobs in the gaming sector

With nearly 2.8 billion gamers worldwide, the gaming industry offers a vast array of job opportunities for both tech and non-tech profiles, the growth of esports in the MENA region has led to increased demand for Pro players, coaches, commentators, and event organizers.

The growth of the gaming sector created a new market for fans to mix passion with professionalism. From a hobby to a full-time job, career options have changed in recent years. Pursuing a career in game development will test not only your creativity, but also your analytical skills. Due to technological advancements in multimedia production, many people think video games rely heavily on animations and visuals. But in reality, it requires expertise in many different areas, such as programming, user experience, and game theory.

Let’s explore some of the exciting career opportunities available in the gaming industry:

Game dev 🎮

The foundation of the gaming industry lies in the hands of game developers who bring life to our imagination, creating worlds and experiences that gamers enjoy. Those game developers are the backbone of this sector. Some common roles include game programmers, technical artist, physics programmer..etc

Artistic jobs 🎨

Gaming art plays a critical role in bringing the virtual world to life. From character design to animation, the demand for talented artists in the gaming industry continues to grow. Roles such as concept artists, 2D/3D animators, and environment artists are just a few examples of the artistic positions that are in high demand. These professionals bring imagination and realism to the gaming experience, making it an exciting and immersive world for players to explore.

Diverse Opportunities 👨 💻

The gaming industry offers a variety of positions beyond artistic roles. Quality Assurance Testers ensure the smooth operation of the game, while Sound Designers craft the audio experience. Business Development Managers drive growth and partnerships, and Community Managers foster a loyal following among players. These jobs play a crucial role in the overall success of a game and its development studio.

From gaming gurus like Shigeru Miyamoto (creator of Mario) to esports superstars like Danil “Dendi’ Ishutin”, the possibilities are endless. so if you’ve got the dedication, skill, and drive to immerse yourself in the world of gaming you definitely can create your own place in this industry.

The required skills & qualifications

The MENA gaming market is poised for tremendous growth, with the total number of gamers in the region projected to reach 65.32 million in 2021 and rise to 85.76 million by 2025. With nearly half of the MENA population under 25 years old and 60% of the population in Arab countries being under 25, the gaming industry is an ideal career option for a young, educated, and motivated talent pool.

Despite high enrolment in secondary education, 25% of these young people are unemployed, making a career in gaming and emerging tech even more appealing. To succeed in this field, one should consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in video game development or game art and design, which can help develop an advanced skill set and gain valuable connections. Entry-level roles and internships, working in a gaming studio, and updating your resume to showcase your skills and projects can also help you advance in the gaming industry.

Breaking into the industry

The gaming industry in the MENA region is thriving, and there are numerous opportunities for individuals to join and make a name for themselves in this exciting field. A number of organizations are actively supporting the growth of the region’s games industry, providing resources, support, and training for aspiring game developers.

This year, the Raptor PR client Sandsoft Games launched their Riyadh studio and established a paid internship program called Press Start, which will provide local talent with the opportunity to develop their own games with guidance from experienced industry veterans. The Game Changers program, backed by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, offers apprenticeships and support to those seeking employment in the industry.

Arabic Games, set up by Epic Games Technical Evangelist Joseph Azzam, is planning an online university in Arabic dedicated to game development, set to launch next year. The newly formed Africa Game Developers Association already has members from over 18 countries, and the IGDA opened its Riyadh chapter this year. All of these initiatives and programs are working together to create a vibrant and dynamic gaming industry in the MENA region, offering incredible opportunities for those passionate about gaming to join and make a difference.

In conclusion, the gaming industry in the MENA region is experiencing rapid growth and is creating a multitude of new career opportunities for individuals with diverse skill sets and interests. Whether you’re a gamer, an artist, or a business development professional, there is a place for you in this booming industry. With the demand for skilled professionals in the gaming sector projected to rise in the coming years, now is the time to explore this exciting career path and take advantage of the many resources and programs available to help you break into the industry.