Game development is a creative field, but it is both an art and science at the same time. If you have a passion for video games and the work that goes into them during the development stage, a career in this industry might be right for you. Many people choose to self-start their jobs along this path, and there are a few things you can do to begin your journey.

Learn the Roles in Collaboration

The field of video game development has several jobs to which you might be suited within an Indie game development capacity. It is a good idea to start with learning the basics of the industry and the types of roles you might take on within it. Some of the more common paths you can follow here include designing, programming, or testing games. Other big options include art or animation, sound, and the production aspects of video game marketing.

Open a Virtual Storefront

This step usually comes after you’ve done some production or design on at least one game, but it can be a good option no matter which role you’re filling in the industry. If you are designing and programming your own game, you’ll almost certainly need to be using some of the best practices in crowdfunding to raise some of the money you need to complete the project. However, you can also transition to a store. A virtual store can open up new possibilities that include pre-orders, downloadable content, beta testing, or physical merchandise.

Read Books

You might attend a special school where you can get a certificate in game design. Even if you don’t go this route, many experts in the field can recommend several basic and high-level books around the theories and practices of video game design so your projects can compete with more high-budget games. Getting to know how this works can help you separate some of the key aspects of what tends to make a good video game appeal to a larger audience and sell well.

Start Small

While you may have a large and ambitious game in mind for your dream project, it might be easier to start small. Developing your own apps or simple games can be a great way to get started and become familiar with the basics of development, crowdfunding, and game launching while also gaining an audience for your bigger project.

In addition to studying on your own and growing a collaboration group, you can find all sorts of other resources for game developers online. Forums and industry events can help you make connections with others in the field while also learning more about what materials are at your disposal when developing your games. Save time and money as well by checking creative commons sites for images, videos, and soundboards that can help benefit your game and your marketing efforts.

Author Bio: Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.