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Game Creator

Game creator is a popular job that ranks high on elementary school students' list of "jobs I want to be in the future. However, it is not the name of a single job, but rather a term for everyone involved in the creation of computer and smartphone games.

Perfect For …

People who like games, but also have their own specialties outside of games. People who are good team players, such as those who enjoy working together at sports events and cultural festivals. People who can focus on what they like.

Job Details

Big project with many staff members

Game production is a collaborative effort involving dozens to a hundred professionals. The work can be broadly divided into two types of jobs: planning jobs and technical jobs, each of which is divided into several tasks. Planning positions include planners who devise what kind of game to create, producers who manage the budget and team, and directors who manage the production site. On the other hand, technical positions include scenario writers who write stories, CG designers who create characters and backgrounds, programmers who program games to run properly, and sound creators who compose music. Since each of these specialists work together, it is important to broaden one's knowledge of other jobs. Also, since the development period of a game is as long as one to two years, a strong will to sustain the passion for creation during that time is also necessary.

Key Points !

Acquire basic programming knowledge

There are no special qualifications to become a game creator. However, if you want to become a game creator, you should have knowledge of programming, a computer language. In particular, aspiring game programmers need to learn several different programming languages. Those who aspire to jobs other than programmer should also study basic computer knowledge in order to work smoothly in a collaborative environment. In addition, it is essential to have the skills to use computer graphics production software if you want to become a computer graphics designer, or music production software if you want to become a sound creator. Vocational schools and universities offer specialized knowledge and skills. Some people are self-taught and aim to become game creators. It is also a good idea to test your skills by submitting your own games to game company contests.

Humanity is also important.

After graduating from a vocational school or university, students work for a game company or production company. Game companies develop and sell their own game software. A production company receives orders from game companies and produces games. Some production companies specialize in receiving orders for only part of the game production process, such as programming and CG design. In addition to basic knowledge and skills, the hiring process emphasizes cooperativeness and the ability to work as a team player, as well as communication skills to understand people in other roles. In addition to game production skills, it is also important to cultivate one's human qualities.

In the Future

New talent is essential for growing game work.

Games have become widespread in our daily lives, including arcade games (for arcade arcades), consumer games (for home consoles), PC games (e.g., online games), and game applications for smartphones. New games are also being developed that incorporate virtual reality (VR) technology and other technologies. Because the "needs" of customers are stable, work related to games is likely to continue to grow in the future. And game creators working there will always be required to have new knowledge, skills, and ideas. They need people with a broad perspective who are interested in a variety of things. In any job, there is a chance to become independent and earn a higher income in the future. Everyone has the dream of eventually releasing a game that he or she has planned. It is a world of competence where only those who can devote their time, money, and passion to their dreams, despite the pressures of work, will be successful.

Job Facts

Income.

It varies depending on the company and the job. Producers, who are in charge of planning, earn approximately 5-6.3 million yen a year. CG designers, who are in charge of production, earn around 3.5 to 4.5 million yen. Programmers earn around 4.2 to 5.6 million yen.

Vacation?

Usually two days off a week. When the software is nearing completion, he sometimes stays overnight at the company to complete it.

Where do you work?

Game software makers and production companies. They may also work from home. Many companies have adopted a "flextime system" that allows workers to decide when to start and end work.

Your Future Path

It's a chart that shows at a glance the main routes to a job as a game creator!

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