The games industry is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world. In 2015, it was worth an estimated $91.5 billion USD and is predicted to grow to over $100 billion by 2019. This growth is largely driven by the mobile gaming market, which is expected to be worth $30.3 billion by 2020.
With such rapid growth, there is a lot of demand for new games. This demand has led to an increase in the number of game developers. According to a report from Gamasutra, there are now over 18,000 game developers in the United States alone.
This increase in-game developers has led to a change in the way games are developed. In the past, most games were developed in-house by large game studios. However, now there is a trend towards independent game developers working from home.
Why Gaming Developers Work From Home
There are several reasons for this shift. Firstly, it is now easier than ever to develop games thanks to the availability of powerful and affordable game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine 4 . Secondly, there is a growing market for independent games, with platforms such as Steam and itch.io making it easy to sell and distribute them.
Finally, many people who want to become game developers are doing so because they enjoy playing games and want to make a living from doing something they love. Working from home allows them to do this without having to commute to a studio every day.
Things To Consider Before Working Remotely As A Game Developer
It is often thought that game developers work in glamorous studios with free snacks and foosball tables. However, the reality is that many developers work from home. In fact, working from home can be a great way to get into the industry.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of working from home as a game developer.
- First, you’ll need to have a strong internet connection. Most games require an online connection, so you’ll need to be able to connect to the internet without any issues.
- Second, you’ll need to be comfortable working long hours. Game development can be a very time-consuming process, so being able to work long hours is essential.
- Finally, you’ll need to be self-motivated. Working from home can be lonely, so you’ll need to be able to stay motivated without someone looking over your shoulder.
How To Become A Remote Game Developer
If you’re interested in becoming a remote game developer, there are a few things you’ll need to do.
Learning To Code
First, you’ll need to learn how to code. Coding is the foundation of game development, so you’ll need to be proficient in at least one programming language.
There are many resources available to help you learn how to code, including Codecademy, Udemy, and Treehouse.
Choosing A Game Engine
Once you’ve learned how to code, you’ll need to choose a game engine. A game engine is a piece of software that allows you to create games. The two most popular game engines are Unity and Unreal Engine 4.
Once you’ve chosen a game engine, you’ll need to learn how to use it. Luckily, there are many resources available online to help you do this. The official Unity website and the Unreal Engine 4 documentation are both excellent places to start.
Creating Games
Once you’ve learned how to use your chosen game engine, you’ll need to start making games. The best way to do this is to find a game jam. A game jam is an event where developers come together to make games in a short amount of time, usually 48 hours.
Not only will participating in a game jam help you learn how to make games, but it will also help you meet other developers who might be interested in working with you in the future.
Should You Work Remotely As A Game Developer?
Working from home as a game developer has its pros and cons. On the one hand, you’ll have the freedom to work whenever and wherever you want. On the other hand, you’ll need to be self-motivated and have a strong internet connection.
Ultimately, whether or not you should work remotely as a game developer depends on your personal preferences. If you’re someone who enjoys working independently and is comfortable working long hours, then working from home might be a good option for you. Working as a freelancer, on the other hand, might be more suited for people who like to work alone or want someone to keep an eye on them. Working in a studio may be a better option if you want to work in collaboration with others or need someone to watch over your shoulder.
Working Remote Salary Compared To In-House
The salary for a game developer working remotely is often the same as if they were working in an office. However, there are some benefits that come with working from home.
For one, you’ll have the freedom to work whenever and wherever you want. This means that you can take advantage of working odd hours or taking breaks when you need to.
- Another benefit of working from home is that you won’t have to commute. This can save you a lot of time and money, especially if you live in a city.
- Finally, working from home can help you create a better work/life balance. This is because you’ll be able to set your own hours and take breaks when you need to.
- On the other hand, working from home can be lonely and you won’t have the same support system that you would in an office. Additionally, you’ll need to be self-motivated and have a strong internet connection.
Wrapping It Up
Overall, working from home as a game developer has its pros and cons. Ultimately, whether or not you should work remotely depends on your personal preferences. If you’re someone who enjoys working independently and is comfortable working long hours, then working from home might be a good option for you.