Is Game Development a Lucrative Career Choice in India?

The Indian gaming world is an engrossing zone, especially amidst tech-savvy youngsters and gaming enthusiasts. There are stellar games worth mentioning filled with guns, weapons, post-apocalyptic themes, and sometimes farming ones. Users indeed enjoy these pieces because there are massive numbers of downloads. However, often overlooked are the masterminds who design and develop these games.

So, who makes the games in India? Can you become a game-maker, too? Is it a lucrative career choice?

We will answer all your queries about a game development career in India.

The rise in the popularity of Mobile-based and PC games has made these questions relevant. There are multitudes of games developed in India each year to entertain all age groups. Additionally, with the surge of internet-focused lifestyles and Smartphones, the gaming industry’s future is promising.

If you are concerned about whether a game development career in India is a lucrative option or not, you have stumbled upon the perfect read. In this informative blog, we will explore the present landscape and how to make a career in the games industry in India.

We will also discuss game developer jobs in India and the necessary skills to succeed. Without further ado, let us begin.

The Current Landscape of Game Development in India

A candidate venturing into a game development career must be aware of the present landscape. This knowledge will equip the idea of the job market, the necessary skill set, courses and certifications, and a renowned hiring organisation.

The industry is worth 1.6 billion dollars, with over 500 million games available for download. Real money games are the most popular and grossing games in the sector.

Understanding the mobile gaming industry must be of emphasis. The popularity of gaming devices such as the Xbox and PlayStation is on the move but has yet to establish a sturdy position. The majority are mobile gamers, and the number is around 400 million.

The job market for game-makers and designers is on the rise as well. 100k job positions opened in the evolving market in the 2023 financial year. The course of game-making will experience an upheaval with the emergence of technological trends. To name a few, there are augmented reality, next-gen 5G games, wearable tech games, and casual games.

The numbers and growing trends highlight that a game development career in India is a lucrative choice in 2024.

Why Pursue a Game Development Career?

Game development is a unique career and not the most common. It becomes critical for the candidate to determine what’s next in the path at an early stage.

You must be wondering why you should start a career in game development. First and foremost, you must love what you do. In this game development career, you must have a zeal for gaming and visuals.

Once you begin a game developer’s journey, you will design and deploy impressive games for users to enjoy. Without the love for games, it certainly will not be a fun work experience.

If you already have the love we are talking about, here are some reasons why you should pursue a game development career in India –

• Lucrative opportunity – With the advancement of the gaming industry, there has been a growing demand for skilled and creative game developers. As earlier mentioned, 100k vacancies were introduced to the market in 2023. Moving ahead, there will be a steady increase in the numbers. This will include various gaming job roles such as game developer, game designer, graphics developer, etc.
• Passion-filled work life – Chasing one’s passion as a career adds a sense of purpose and fulfilment. And in this case, we are discussing a passion for gaming and creation. If you love games and are curious about developing them, gaming development is the ultimate career choice.
• Ever-evolving – There is always something innovative in the gaming industry. The year 2024 is about augmented reality, AI, and cloud and their impact on game development. With such innovations, game-makers experience the thrill of ideation and concept-building.
• Creative and Analytical Skills – The ability to create an immersive world and engaging storyline for the users to submerge in is an essential skill of game developers. Candidates with a creative and analytical mind find themselves right at home in a game development career.
• Satisfaction – Watching the game you developed come to life and people enjoying it is a satisfaction that comes second to none. Most game-makers choose this career for their love and passion for gaming. The study suggests individuals find the most satisfaction when involved in their field of passion.

Therefore, for the gamer in you, a game development career in India is the ideal choice.

The gaming industry is evolving and expanding to make room for new talents. The domain is filled with passion, creativity and hard work, offering candidates multiple opportunities.

Apart from the love for gaming, here are a few skills essential to make a stand in the gaming industry –

• Knowledge of game designing tools.
• Technological inclination related to graphics and development.
• Understanding gaming intricacies.
• Strong sense of colour and visual design.
• Storytelling abilities.
• Mastery of the upcoming trends and people’s requirements.

These were only a few of the skills. We will discuss the technical and creative skills required for a game development career in detail.

How to Become a Game Developer in India?

To pursue a career in game development, candidates can enrol in a game development course after graduating with a relevant degree from a recognised institution. Starting a new career path can be daunting and sometimes scary.

To ensure you never experience a blurry moment in your game development career, here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a game developer in India –

• Get a game development degree

Game development degrees can range from lengthy bachelor’s degrees to job-oriented courses. A course is the minimum to enter the gaming industry and builds the foundation of a game developer’s career.

• Get certified as a game developer

Opting for certification-based courses is a necessity in this competitive industry. It is a credibility badge and affirms the candidate’s knowledge base and skill set.

• Get hands-on experience

Several renowned game development courses offer lucrative incentive programmes that allow you to work under industry experts. These internships are real-time experiences in developing a compelling gaming environment.

Apart from an internship, explore the scope of self-developing small-scale games.

Most game development candidates join game development studios in a non-developer role to work alongside professionals. This opportunity equips them with real-time industry standards and workflow.

• Sharpen the technical skills

Everything that happens within a game is pure code. Candidates must have extensive knowledge of programming languages. It includes C, C++, C#, Java, Python, Lua, and many more.

While in a course, candidates will get a scope to sharpen their programming skills under the guidance of mentors. If you do not possess any programming skills, it is advisable to start now.

It is impossible to work with game development tools without programming languages.

Learning programming skills are necessary to work on game development engines like Unity 3D and Unreal Engine.

• Enhance your mathematics and physics abilities

Apart from the above technical skills, game developers must excel at the basics of mathematics and physics and possess strong coding skills. Mathematical skills help in developing design equations necessary for game development. These skills are also mandatory for animation programming.

Thorough knowledge of physics and its basics offers a clear concept of mass, inertia, and thermodynamics. These are essential components of creating compelling gaming characters and visuals. The more a candidate sharpens these skills, the more complex the gaming environment they can develop.

• Have a well-polished portfolio

A portfolio is the ultimate determiner to get hired in the game development industry. It showcases all the designing and development skills and attracts organisations. A portfolio mentions the game development tools you have worked on. It highlights personal projects for organisations to scrutinise and determine your expertise.

The above steps are crucial and indispensable to kickstarting a career path in the game development industry. A candidate with a certified game development degree, an updated portfolio, and the necessary skills under the belt lands a better job opportunity and grows effortlessly.

Game Development Courses in India

It is because of the increasing demand for skilled individuals in the gaming industry – there has been a sharp rise of promising game development courses in India. These courses help candidates update their skill set and get noticed in this prolific and competitive industry.

There is a variety of game development courses available at various price points. The fees for these courses range from INR 100000 to INR 250000, depending on the course duration and type. After completion, candidates gain certification, internships, and professional guidance for interviews and portfolio creation.

Who can apply?

• A Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Computer Application or Computer Science from a government-recognised institution.
• A Master’s degree in Technology, Computer Application or Computer Science from a government-recognised institution.
• A Diploma in Computer Science from a government-recognised institution.

Other suitable criteria –

• An individual with a creative and analytical brain.
• Have the ability to be patient in situations.
• Inclined towards innovation and tech-edge.
• Sound knowledge and experience of the games market.

Now, let us understand the game development courses available for candidates to enrol in.

Certificate Course in Game Development –

Certificate courses are available in online and offline modes, giving candidates the scope of preference. These are fast-paced courses for candidates to learn the intricacies of game development quickly.

Graduation is a must to enrol in this game development course. Some renowned institutes also offer placement guarantees and internships. It is advisable to look for such institutions because a placement guarantee adds a stronger hold in the job market.

• Duration – Game Development certification courses are 5 to 8 months long and cover all the necessary game development processes in the curriculum.
• Game Engine – There are several game development tools in India, for example, Unity 3D, Unreal Engine, Godot, etc. The most popular game development engine is Unity 3D, with cross-platform features.
• Admission Procedure – No entrance exam is involved in enrolling on a game development certification course. The only requirement is an eligibility proof document before admission.

Generally, game development courses and game design courses are offered separately by most institutions. Since these are distinct roles with vivid responsibilities, separate courses ensure the candidates are well-learned to handle any game project.

Other course options are diploma and degree courses. The duration is longer and can range from 2 years to 5 years. The course fees are higher and range from INR 300000 to INR 600000.

Pros and Cons of Certification Course in Game Development

These courses are becoming exceedingly popular among fresh graduates in India. These certifications are proof of expertise and knowledge of the candidate in the domain. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of enrolling on certification courses –

Pros –

• Certificates offer the authority and recognition necessary to penetrate the competitive job market.
• Course certifications are a testament to dedication and learning capability. These are positive qualities to highlight when getting hired.
• These help land a better job and improved position. Certifications help move ahead in the career hierarchy.
• Certifications enhance the skills and portray the expertise of the candidates.
• These courses teach the ideal industry standards and development practices.
• The certificate course curriculum is systematically upgraded with emerging trends and market changes.
• These courses are flexible and allow candidates of various backgrounds to enrol and learn efficiently.

Cons –

• The course fees can be expensive to many. However, keeping the gaming industry in mind, game development certifications are comparatively cheaper than degrees and diploma courses.
• It can be difficult to find the ideal institution in India that covers the course in detail and under professional mentors.
• The game development domain is a rapidly evolving one. A certification course can get outdated in a year or two. This is because of changing technologies and emerging trends. The idea is to keep learning to stay relevant in the industry.

Looks like the list of pros outweighs the cons, making it easier for candidates to decide whether or not to enrol.

Job Opportunities in Game Development in India

So far, we have discussed how to become a game developer in India and the benefits of a certification course. We have also explored certification details, the fees, duration, etc. On successful completion of a certificate programme, the next vital step is exploring the job market.

In this section, we will dig up some prominent job opportunities for a game development candidate in India. We will understand the roles, responsibilities, and potential of each in the job market.

8 Job Opportunities in Game Development in India

1. Game Designer

Game designers are responsible for the visual and structural elements of the video game. They curate creative concepts like the game’s storyline, characters, the environment and the dialogue deliveries. In some game studios, multiple game designers work together to craft unique game storylines with innovative environments.

The average salary of an experienced game designer in India ranges from 7 LPA to 10 LPA.

2. Game Developer

The game developer’s tasks start after the game design has been finalised. They resolve the development end of the game and transform the game design into a functional, playable game.

These individuals excel in programming languages, writing code, user experience, user-friendly interfaces, and quality graphics.

The average salary of a game developer in India ranges from 6.5 LPA to 12 LPA.

3. Game Visual Artist

Game visual artists work with realistic 3D and 2D models. They closely work with the designers to comprehend the storyline and characterisations. Every object in a video game, the primary characters, sceneries, weapons, etc., is designed and animated by the game’s visual artist.

They utilise the mesh features of game development to create moulds and layers and give life to the characters and other elements. These individuals possess stellar skills in illustrating and animating.

A beginner-level game visual artist can earn up to 4.8 LPA in India. This remuneration can increase to 12 LPA with expertise.

4. Gameplay Engineer

Gameplay engineers are responsible for collating the design and development with seamless usability. They are also called Gameplay programmers in some organisations. The look and feel, fine-tuning, and implementing innovations is their department. Gameplay engineers work closely with the developers, designers, and testers to create smooth game mechanics. They also keep track of emerging trends to ensure the development is relevant to the users.

7LPA to 12 LPA is the average salary a Game-play engineer with experience receives in India.

5. Game Tester

The game tester’s job role sounds like all fun and games, literally. Their tasks are experiencing the gameplay like a user and performing a quality assurance test. These individuals are responsible for testing the game’s usability, identifying bugs and glitches, and reporting to the programmer for modifications.

Game testers are the first ones to experience the video game.

The salary for this role can range from 4 LPA to 8 LPA, depending on the experience level. Renowned game development companies hire experienced Game Testers and offer more.

6. Game Sound Designer

Game sound designers or audio engineers are responsible for the auditory elements of the gameplay. It includes working with ambient sounds, effects, action sounds, character voices, etc. They make the gaming experience realistic by implementing captivating soundtracks.

Audio engineers work with designers to determine the true essence of each plot, the character impact, the climax, and catharsis.

The highest remuneration for a sound engineer in India is around 10-12 LPA.

7. System designer

The system designer built the software system on which the game runs. Once the game is live and people download and play, the system designer ensures the game keeps running effortlessly. System designers are responsible for features, updates and future inclusions. They can even implement AI features to make the games more exciting.

System designers with experience can attract an impressive compensation of 7 LPA to 11 LPA.

These game development designations are promising job roles in 2024. These are positive in terms of pay scale and job satisfaction. With the appropriate knowledge base and hands-on experience, it is easy to land a job position.

Tips for Landing a Game Developer Job

We have discussed the various roles and responsibilities in the game development domain. Based on skills and passion, candidate can opt for any career path and excel with the right knowledge in their arsenal.

Once aware of the career path of choice, it is essential to learn the right tips and tricks to land the perfect game developer job. We have listed a few to gain traction in the job market.

Tip #1 – Get certified in Game Development

A certification programme with a dedicated game development curriculum boosts the candidate’s skill step. Additionally, the certification is proof of expertise and enables easy onboarding to reputable game development organisations.

Tip #2 – Brush up your programming skills

Programming languages are a must in developing game action, storylines and character arcs. Most game development organisations rely on these popular programming languages – C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, and HTML. Brush up your language abilities and all that you learn from the course to be a potential candidate in the hiring process.

Tip #3 – Practice utilising the Gaming Engines

Game development engines are pre-packed frameworks with a comprehensive library that allows environment development. It includes incorporating sounds, movement, 3D effects, and more with coding from scratch. There are several gaming engines to practice with. However, the most popular one is Unity. It is user-friendly for beginners.

Tip #4 – Create Personal Game Projects

While you are practising the development in a framework, why not develop a game? Personal projects are an excellent method of testing one’s skills and development expertise. A personal project could sharpen several skills – designing, developing, programming, gameplay, storyline, etc. The finished product will be an impressive portfolio, helping the organisation decide upon the ideal candidate.

Tip #5 – Create an informative Portfolio

A portfolio does not necessarily mean one must have a personally developed game to showcase their skills. Several other skill-based elements can take place – projects one has contributed to, case studies participated in, mentors worked under, internships done and certifications. The Github account helps portray one’s coding skills on the portfolio.

Tip #6 – Start steady Networking

The rise of social media has led to an increase in like-minded communities. Networking is connecting with people and renowned names in a specific domain. It is not an overnight process but rather a steady endeavour.

Quality networking often begins when one takes a course with other candidates under an industry-expert mentor. Apart from the mentor’s connection, candidates must effectively join various groups and communities to share their work and skills. Networking is a great scope to find the first project.

Tip #7 – Build an Effective Resume

Resumes contain multitudes of information about the candidate and offer a quick overview to the hiring personnel. An ideal resume must highlight – name, age, location, introduction, past and present experiences, internships, certification, portfolio, LinkedIn profile, GitHub account, and anything that adds value to the career path.

Tip #8 – Craft a Compelling Cover Letter

A cover letter is a short introduction highlighting the candidate’s interest in the job role to the hiring personnel. It focuses on describing one’s skills and abilities in the specific field and how they are the perfect fit. Cover letters are the ideal opportunity to connect with the organisation.

Tip #8 – Prepping for Interview

Interviews are the most crucial step in the hiring process. In India, interviews are the best way to highlight the ability to deliver solutions. Several interviewers focus on bottleneck scenarios in game development interviews. The interviewee has to offer a plausible solution in detail. The ability to be quick and confident with solutions and the basics of game development is a sure-fire method to get hired.

Tip #9 – Stay abreast of Game development trends

The game development domain is evolving each year to match user expectations. It includes modern gaming styles, better storylines, improved graphics, and user experience. In some gaming studios, experienced game developers focus on developing games with innovations, like AR, VR, and AI.

For a fresh candidate venturing into the game development arena, it is essential to be aware of these innovations and trends.

Apart from these, candidates need to be passionate about games and carry a hit of creativity to excel and land a great opportunity.

A Peak into Industry Insights – Game Developers in India

It is smart to learn from experienced professionals who have successfully strengthened their career paths within the industry. It helps better understand the possible challenges and triumphs that characterise the game development arena.

Some patterns are common and offer maximum learning – initial hurdles, skill acquisition, intricacies of project development – these are unfiltered experiences. It sheds light on technological advancements, market fluctuations, and the pursuit of innovation.

In the past, there have been successful game launches, critical acclaim, and personal growth in the game industry. These individuals started as candidates with a passion for gaming. These industry anecdotes offer aspiring developers valuable insights into the game development industry.

Having mentored several candidates for a game development career in India, we have closely watched the candidates on their path to success. What contributes to a positively arching game development career is the willingness to learn more and being passionate about it.

Challenges and Rewards of a Game Development Career in India

A career in game development in India is a thrilling pursuit with its challenges and rewards.

One of the primary challenges game developers face in India revolves around the ever-evolving landscape. The importance of staying abreast of cutting-edge tools, platforms, and programming languages has been highlighted. The rapid advancements demand continuous learning and adapting to the latest trends.

Financial stability is another potential concern for many aspiring game developers. Whether signing up for a course or developing a personal project, the investment in time and resources is significant. It is way before the game yields positive returns. This unpredictability is why we suggest candidates get a job first before chasing self-creation.

In India, the gaming market is witnessing exponential growth. Coping with market trends and audience preferences poses another challenge. Developers must create gaming content that resonates with players. It requires technical expertise and a keen understanding of market dynamics and consumer behaviour.

Despite the challenges, a game development career in India is monumentally rewarding. Successful game launches bring financial prosperity, industry recognition, and personal satisfaction. The joy of seeing one’s creative vision come to life in a widely appreciated game can be a gratifying experience.

Future Trends and Opportunities in Game Development in India

As we head towards another year, more candidates will sign up for game development course. It is vital to be aware of the future of game development. The industry has impressively welcomed modernism and innovation, continuously making room for further advancements. Here are some possible predictions of the domain –

1. Emerging Technologies

The integration of cutting-edge technologies will redefine the Indian gaming scene. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will create immersive gaming experiences, pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment. The advent of 5G technology will enhance connectivity, enabling seamless multiplayer experiences and sophisticated game mechanics.

2. Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI will be a game-changer in Indian game development. From enhancing non-player character (NPC) behaviours to creating more dynamic and responsive gaming environments, AI will revolutionise the way games are designed, developed, and experienced.

3. Opportunities for Growth

With the rise of accessible tools and platforms, aspiring developers will independently bring their visions to life. The democratisation of game development will empower individuals to contribute unique perspectives to the industry.

4. Mobile Gaming Dominance

India’s mobile gaming market will dominate the industry, with 174 million users at present. The widespread availability of smartphones, coupled with affordable data plans, has fueled the mobile gaming surge. Game developers will focus on creating engaging and accessible mobile games for the flourishing market.

5. E-sports and Competitive Gaming

The e-sports landscape will be a soaring arena for both developers and players. Tournaments, leagues, and competitive gaming events are gaining traction, creating avenues for game developers to design and optimise games for the competitive gaming scene.

6. Collaborations of Gaming and Blockchain

The introduction of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) in game development will revolutionise the industry. The NFTs will allow users to own, sell, and trade game assets securely and enable improved monetisation.

7. Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming platforms will continue to trend among game developers and offer users a seamless gaming experience. Cloud eliminates smooth syncing of gaming progress across devices without hardware limitations.

The gaming industry will offer further enhancements to this feature.

The future of game development is technological confluence and advancements. Aspiring game developers who embrace emerging trends will contribute significantly and excel in their careers.

Becoming a Game Developer in 2024

We have come to the end of this read and gathered enough information about the game development industry in India. The gaming industry is rapidly growing, with impressive advancements added each year. For an aspiring candidate, there are plenty of courses to learn the intricacies of game development and land a job in the Indian market.

For a candidate passionate about games and creativity, the gaming domain has several opportunities waiting.

At Webskitters Academy, we excel at creating impressive and future-ready game makers for the Indian market. We offer the best game development course in Kolkata and Durgapur, where pupils learn under industry experts. We understand the vitality of skills and deliver the best-in-class curriculum with certification and guaranteed placement.

Explore the courses and enrol!