Transitioning Into a Career in Game Development in India

Last updated on May 7, 2023

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Are you looking to launch a career in game development in India? Are you curious about the challenges, opportunities, and salary expectations in the field? If yes, then you need to read on! In this post, we’ll look at the state of the game development job market in India, what opportunities are out there, and how you can make the transition into this field.

What Opportunities Are Out There?

Game development has seen steady growth in India over the past few years. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that mobile gaming is the current craze, replacing traditional console and PC games. With the rise of mobile gaming, the demand for game development professionals has seen a sharp increase in India.

A game development career typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or similar fields. However, there are a number of job roles in game development which can be carried out without any formal education, such as audio and video editing, game concept art, game QA testing, and more.

What Should You Expect in Terms of Salary?

The salary offered for game development jobs in India varies greatly depending on the job profile and level of experience. For entry-level jobs, the average salary offered is usually around Rs. 2. 5 lakhs to Rs. 6 lakhs per annum. For mid-level jobs, the average salary is around Rs. 8 lakhs to Rs. 15 lakhs per annum, and for senior-level jobs, the salary can range from Rs. 25 lakhs to Rs. 50 lakhs per annum.

Real-Life Inspiration

Let’s dive into some case studies of real-life individuals who have successfully transitioned into game development jobs in India.

Dhruv Khanal is one such example. He was a software engineer working in a large tech company in Mumbai when he decided to make the switch to game development. After dedicating his spare time to teaching himself video game programming and design, he decided to launch a career in game development. Dhruv found a job as a game developer for a well-known gaming startup in Gurgaon, and currently earns a salary of Rs. 8 lakhs per annum.

Another individual is Srikant Mehta. He was an independent contractor who worked on many projects related to Android app development, web development, and more. After building some basic games in his free time, he decided to make the switch to game development full-time. He found a job as a game developer with a gaming studio in Bangalore and currently earns a salary of Rs. 10 lakhs per annum.

These are just two of the many examples that show how easy it is to make the switch to game development in India.

Overcoming the Challenges

Making the switch to game development in India is no easy feat. Here are some of the challenges you might face, and how to overcome them:

• Finding the right kind of job: It can be difficult to find the right kind of job without experience in this field. However, do not despair! Many startups are on the lookout for individuals with the right skills, so keep an eye out for opportunities and take up freelance gigs whenever possible.
• Sharpening your skills: Most game development jobs require certain technical skills which might need to be sharpened before you apply. Look for online courses from reputed educational institutions and make use of them.
• Persistence is the key: Don’t give up! Even if you don’t find a job right away, keep looking and eventually you will find one.

Steps to Take for a Smooth Transition

Once you’ve decided to make the transition to game development in India, there are a few key steps you need to take before you start looking for prospective jobs.

• Learn the ropes: Depending on your educational background, you might need to learn how to code in particular languages, or learn the basics of game design. Spend time learning the different tools and processes of game development.
• Start building on your own: Start building game projects on your own and add them to your portfolio. This will give prospective employers an insight into your skills, creativity, and knowledge.
• Gain knowledge of current trends: Before applying for any job, analyze the current gaming trends in India, as this will give you a better understanding of the country’s gaming industry and the type of jobs available.
• Research and apply: Keep an eye out for job opportunities and don’t be afraid to apply. Apply to as many jobs as you can, as this will increase your chances of finding the one job that’s the best fit for you.

Conclusion

Transitioning into a career in game development in India is no easy task, but it can be done. With the right mindset, educational background, and commitment, you can make the transition and launch a successful career in game development. Do your research, keep an eye out for opportunities, and don’t give up!