Have you ever thought about making money from something you love to do? Many interests and hobbies can grow into fulfilling and enjoyable jobs. People who enjoy baking can work as pastry chefs, those who love music can find jobs writing music or making records, and even birdwatching can open doors to jobs in ecology or the study of birds. The secret is to see the skills you gain from your hobby and match them with job options.
For example, think about video games. What started as a fun pastime can turn into a great job in the fast-growing video game industry. From creating immersive game worlds as a developer to competing professionally as an esports player, there are numerous possibilities to explore. With all the skills you developed with the keyboard or controller, you can create a path to a successful and enjoyable career in an industry you actually enjoy.
So, if you want to turn this hobby into a full-time job, then here's everything you need to know about making a career out of gaming in Dubai!
Why Start a Professional Gaming Career?
Sure, playing games is fun, but what if you had the chance to completely change the gaming industry? Imagine being able to create groundbreaking technology or innovative gameplay mechanics that revolutionize how people experience games. Pursuing a career in the booming gaming industry not only allows you to indulge in your passion for gaming but also provides the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of entertainment! With new advancements in virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and online multiplayer capabilities, there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of this dynamic field.
Dubai and Gaming
The gaming scene in Dubai is growing fast, with more people getting into gaming, more big gaming tournaments happening, and new high-tech gaming cafes opening. The Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG 2033) aims to make Dubai a major player in the gaming world by 2033.
It focuses on helping talented gamers, making amazing gaming content, and using the latest technology. This plan is bringing in experts from around the world and famous schools to create special courses, that help local game makers and attract big companies that work with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI).
If you're a gaming enthusiast, you can enjoy the basics of gaming culture by visiting countless state-of-the-art gaming cafes decked out with high-performance PCs and gaming consoles. These hotspots are the place to be for epic esports tournaments, and you can also browse retail stores offering the latest gaming releases and get expert advice from the coolest gaming gurus.
Career Pathways in Gaming
If you think that a career in gaming only means playing competitively, then you;re wrong! Here are some other paths you can take in the gaming industry:
- Streamer and Content Creator: create and share content through live streams, videos, and social media platforms.
- Game Developer: responsible for creating the software and code that make video games function through designing and programming.
- Animator: responsible for bringing characters and environments to life through movement and visual effects in video games.
- Game Tester: identify bugs, glitches, and other issues that need to be fixed before a game is released to the public
Degrees Offered in Dubai
You read that right, actual college degrees related to gaming! Here are some top schools where you can get those degrees:
Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Games Programming degree, providing all the technical skills needed for game development. The program focuses on core aspects of game functionality and provides a strong foundation in programming languages and computer science concepts.
Amity University
Amity University Dubai offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Film Production program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of animation techniques. The four-year program focuses on the development of essential artistic skills and technical expertise in both traditional and computer-generated animation, preparing graduates for careers in animation, film production, and other creative fields.
Zayed University
Zayed University's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation Design provides students with both artistic and technical skills necessary for a career in animation. The program includes instruction in areas such as 3D modeling and animation, character design, storyboarding, and digital video editing, all using industry-standard software.
Becoming a Professional Game Streamer
The world of streamers is a dynamic one, with new stars emerging all the time. So, what's stopping you from becoming the next Twitch star? All you need are your skills and your personality!
With the right combination of talent, dedication, and a unique approach to your content, you could easily capture the attention of a large audience and become the next Ninja. And while it may seem hard, success in the streaming world is easily achievable with hard work and persistence. Here's how you can start off in the world of streamers:
Choose Your Game
Of course, you can be a game streamer without a game! Lucky for you, in today's age, you can find an extensive library of hundreds of games right at your fingertips. One of the best parts of game streaming is that no matter how obscure or niche a game may be, there's always going to be an audience eager to watch and engage with the gameplay. Platforms like Twitch offer a wide array of categories for streamers to choose from, which means that there's something for everyone, whether you're into classic RPGs like Fortnite or prefer indie puzzle games.
Practice Your Skills
No one is going to be tuning in to a gamer's stream when they can't play the game properly. So, unless you want to be made fun of on the internet, it's important to continuously improve your skills before you press record.
For example, if a streamer consistently struggles to navigate through levels or complete tasks in a popular game, it's more than likely that they'll lose viewers to other streamers who are more skilled.
Viewers are drawn to streams where the player is skilled and can provide entertaining gameplay. By working on your skills and becoming an expert at the game, you can attract a larger audience and grow your following as a streamer.
Monetize!
After you've got everything ready, it's time to go live. But how do you level up to a paycheck? Simple! You have many options to choose from to generate income from streaming.
For starters, you can enable donations on your streams, which almost every streamer does, no matter their popularity. This way, your viewers have the option to send you various amounts to support your channel.
Another great way to gain income from your streams is through sponsorships, where different companies can reach out and pay you to showcase their products and services during your streams. And of course, there's nothing better than good press, so trust that you'll be getting paid handsomely for the sponsorships.
One final way to get some extra cash is through subscriptions, where your dedicated fans can pay a monthly fee to gain access to exclusive perks, bonus streams, and even early access to your content. With varying tiers of subscriptions, you can offer different benefits for your viewers to enjoy while also getting a consistent form of income.
With all these diverse ways to generate income, not only can you get a stable source of revenue, but you can officially call yourself a professional streamer with a dedicated fanbase!
Becoming a Professional Game Tester
Launching your career in the gaming world can start with a role as a professional game tester. This is a crucial step in the development process, where you'll have to meticulously play through games to identify bugs, glitches, and areas for improvement.
Be Tech-Savvy
To be a good game tester, you'll need a keen eye for detail, proper tech skills, and strong communication skills to effectively report your findings and help developers polish their creations before release.
Your tech skills are going to be more than crucial when testing various games, helping you identify any bugs or glitches that may impact the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, being able to clearly articulate your observations and suggestions to the development team will be essential in ensuring a successful testing process.
Network
Being a game tester can provide valuable insights into game design and development, setting you up for potential future roles in the industry. But of course, you can't get there without networking.
Networking with industry professionals can help you gain valuable connections and opportunities for advancement in your career. Building relationships with developers, designers, and other game testers can open doors to new projects and job opportunities in the gaming industry.
Find a Job!
Finding a job as a game tester may seem challenging, but you'd be surprised at how many gaming companies are constantly looking for fresh talent to join their teams. Utilizing online job platforms, attending gaming conventions, and reaching out to companies directly are all perfect ways to get started as a game tester.
Becoming a Professional Game Developer
Ever dream of turning your love of games into making them? Try game development!
Game developers are the masterminds behind the worlds you love to explore. Using their creativity and technical skills, they can bring virtual worlds to life with unique storytelling, stunning graphics, and captivating gameplay mechanics. If you have a passion for gaming and want to be a part of creating the next big hit, pursuing a career in game development is the perfect fit for you! With the industry constantly evolving and growing, there are endless opportunities to showcase your talent and make a lasting impact on the gaming community.
Here are the basic steps to get you into the developing industry:
Get Your Degree
To start off, you must get your degree, or at least have some advanced courses related to programming and development. Countless schools and colleges in Dubai offer top-notch degrees in everything computer-related, from computer science to software development. Additionally, you can find many certified online courses that teach you all you need to know, which are perfect for those looking for a more casual approach to learning.
Learn The Tools and Skills
Game development requires you to learn a new language: coding! From Python to C++ to Java, you can't be a game developer without learning the language of the programmers. Learning to code is essential to game development, helping you understand the technical elements of making games and allowing you to bring your ideas to life.
Of course, you don't need to learn ALL the coding programs, but mastering different programming techniques opens up a brand new world of possibilities to explore. Having a strong foundation in coding will also come in handy when dealing with bugs and troubleshooting throughout the development process.
Build Your Portfolio
Building a diverse portfolio of projects showcasing your coding skills will not only demonstrate your abilities to potential employers, but also give you the opportunity to experiment with different game development techniques.
This hands-on experience will help you grow as a developer and stand out in the competitive gaming industry. By continuously challenging yourself with new projects and staying up-to-date on industry trends, you can further enhance your skills and stay ahead of the curve of the competitive industry.
Attend Events
Networking is easily one of the most important parts of getting employed. Attending industry events, joining online communities, and connecting with professionals in the field can open up opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and job referrals. Building a strong network can help you stay informed about job openings, learn from other's experiences, and ultimately land your dream job in game development.
Seek Employment!
With everything set, all that's left to do now is apply and apply and apply. In such a competitive industry, it may be hard to land a job at first, but don't give up! Everyone has to start somewhere, and maybe your first project may not be perfect, but it's all part of the learning process that will lead you to be the best on your team!
Becoming a Professional Game Animator
While the game developers set the base and outline for a game, the animators bring it to life. Animators are responsible for creating movement, expressions, and interactions within the game, ensuring that characters and environments are visually engaging and realistic. They work closely with the development team to make sure that the animations align with the overall vision and gameplay mechanics of the game.
Here's what you need to do to become a professional animator!
Get Your Degree
To begin your artistic journey, you can get a degree in art or animation. Lucky for you, many universities in Dubai offer animation degrees and have state-of-the-art facilities to help you hone your skills. Thanks to the city's vibrant art scene, you can be sure that you're getting the best education and opportunities to kickstart your career in the creative industry.
Learn The Tools and Skills
As an animator, you're going to have to learn multiple skills on various platforms like Blender, After Effects, and Maya. These software programs are essential for creating high-quality animations that will impress clients and audiences alike. Though it may be difficult to navigate at first, practice makes perfect.
Build Your Portfolio
Showcasing your best work will help you attract potential clients and secure more opportunities in the industry. Including a variety of animation styles and techniques to showcase your versatility and creativity will help you stand out to potential clients and employers in the competitive animation industry.
Seek Employment!
Finally, the last step is to actively seek employment opportunities. Going to networking events can help you meet other animators and industry professionals and can also open doors for collaboration and career advancement. By staying up-to-date on industry trends and continuously improving your skills, you can position yourself as a valuable asset in the game animation field.
So, don't leave gaming as just a simple interest. Turn it into a thriving career and make your mark on the gaming industry. Who knows, maybe you'll inspire young gamers to follow in your footsteps!
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Ummulkiram Pardawala
HiDubai Newswire
HiDubai Newswire
