7 Top Tips for Breaking into the Game Development Industry
Practical advice for aspiring game producers looking to turn passion into a profession.
By Martyn Evans, SAE University College alumni and producer of The Night Shift
Every gamer has at some point thought, “I could make a better game than this” or “I wish this gameplay would allow me to do what I want.” Those thoughts are the first seeds of a potential game developer in the making.
It’s natural to want to turn your passion for gaming into a career in the game development industry, but it’s not always easy. Today, I’ll be sharing the top tips I’ve picked up throughout my career – from studying a Bachelor of Game Development with a Major in Programming at SAE University College, to working at Gameloft and now Krome Studios, to launching my own game, The Night Shift.
Be Curious, Be Hungry — But Don’t Burn Out
Yes, game dev is competitive. Yes, there’s a lot to learn. And yes, you should be soaking up as much knowledge as you can, both inside and outside the classroom. But, at the same time, don’t underestimate the importance of rest. Burning the candle at both ends only leads to a melted mess. Learning is a marathon, not a boss rush. A healthy routine supports creativity, problem-solving, and long-term growth.
Balance is Key
Balancing your studies, social life, side gigs, and sanity can be overwhelming at times. Some weeks, everything clicks. Others? Total chaos. The key is flexibility. Learn to recognise when you need to pivot, scale back, or even just take a day off. Flexibility and time management are critical professional skills, especially in the creative industries.
Master the Engines of War: Unity and Unreal
Think of Unity and Unreal as your main weapons. Most studios expect you to wield at least one of them competently. A solid understanding of both can set you apart in a competitive job market. Research which tools are most commonly used in your local or target industry. Sometimes a studio near you has its own preference for what tools it uses, and matching those preferences can give you an edge.
Volunteer at Local Festivals
Game festivals, indie showcases, and digital expos aren’t just for fun (though they are fun) – they’re treasure troves of industry contacts and behind-the-scenes insights. Volunteering gives you a backstage pass to the dev world and shows future employers you’re invested in the craft beyond the classroom.
These events often lead to valuable conversations and networking opportunities that can shape your career. I was lucky enough to have several opportunities for me to volunteer at gaming festivals during my time at SAE University College. In fact, it was through SAE-organised volunteering at Brisbane Game Fest that I made connections which led to a tour of the Gameloft studio – and shortly after, an offer for my first job in the industry.
Build Real Relationships — Not Just LinkedIn Connections
Effective networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or sending connection requests – it’s about building meaningful, long-term professional relationships. It’s about actual conversations. Be genuine, be curious, be helpful. Relationships formed over shared ideas (or a mutual love of weird puzzle games) are far more valuable than transactional ones. Show you’re genuinely interested in others’ work, contribute to conversations, and look for ways to support your peers. Strong networks often grow out of shared experiences and mutual respect.
Ask Questions. And Lots of Them.
Whether you’re in class, in a group project, or playtesting someone else’s game, don’t be afraid to raise your hand (literally or digitally). Not sure how a mechanic works? Confused about shader graphs? Ask! Curiosity is a strength, and clarity helps you build better, faster. Plus, engaged learners often become confident, capable professionals.
Collab > Compete
Game dev is a team sport – no one builds Skyrim solo. Collaborate with your classmates, learn from your peers and offer support where you can. If someone’s better at scripting, ask for their help. If you’re good at audio, offer to pitch in on their project. Success in this industry is built on cooperation, not cutthroat competition.
If there’s one thing I learned from my time at SAE University College, it’s that collaboration is key. Studying alongside music, design and technology students meant I was able to pick the brains of people with a whole set of skills different to mine, which then helped me to improve my own.
Final Level Unlock: Remember, everyone starts somewhere, but these tips will help you step forward. Keep learning, stay curious, take breaks, and make things — even weird, glitchy, experimental things. That’s how you level up!
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