The issue is that video games frequently exhibit the personalities and interests of their creators. Because of this, it is not surprising that there is a dearth of diversity in games in terms of protagonists, characters, narrative, and accessibility.

But things are changing fast. Here are three key initiatives the video game industry is pursuing to improve accessibility, allow feedback on сall tracking reviews, diversity, inclusion, and game creation.

   Improved access to information

Historically, the majority of video games were challenging to play for those with various disabilities. Or, frequently, it may even be impossible. This is due to the fact that accessibility features that may assist players with disabilities were typically not supported by video games. But in recent years, accessibility has become a top focus for game publishers and creators.

Why now? Perhaps it’s out of altruism (doing the right thing), or perhaps it’s just smart business (more players = more money) to encourage more people to play your games.

Whatever the cause, modern developers have a different perspective on accessibility. To make their games accessible to all gamers, some of the biggest gaming developers, like Naughty Dog, even employ people full-time.

Simple accessibility settings to brand-new, cutting-edge assistive technology are all possible. Any game released in the last several years is likely to have any or all of the following accessibility features:

·      Settings for accessibility. There are currently several games that allow players to adjust the accessibility settings to suit their needs. Look for options like colorblind modes, bigger text, voice control, text-to-speech, and support for alternate input devices.

·      Adjustable controls Nowadays, the majority of games provide players the option to remap controllers to fit their preferences. That’s especially beneficial for physically challenged players who might struggle to use the default control configurations. Whichever, it also benefits all players because it allows anyone to map controls however best suits their particular play style.

·      Controls for one hand. Many gamers struggle to utilize both hands because of mobility issues. Some games feature one-handed control techniques to help players deal with this. Simply enable it in the menu for accessibility options.

·      Description audio. Every gamer is aware that the graphics and aesthetics are essential for interacting with the game’s universe and comprehending what is happening. It’s not as simple for players who are blind or have impaired eyesight to simply gaze at the screen, though. Some games allow you to enable audio descriptions as a help feature. The game will then employ text-to-speech or pre-recorded audio to describe what is on screen, giving millions of gamers with vision impairments new gaming options.

·      Closed captioning. The majority of video games have subtitles, which are a text representation of spoken dialogue that appears on screen, but many also provide closed captions. In addition to displaying the dialogue, closed captions can also describe the sound effects used in the game and even the style or mood of the music. It helps those playing late at night with the sound off (so they don’t wake their spouse or their newborn!) and is a lifesaver for deaf or hard of hearing players.

·      Alternative approaches to input. Alternative input techniques, including eye tracking or voice commands, are supported by some games and can be useful for players who have mobility issues. These alternate input techniques frequently call for specific gear, such the Microsoft Adaptive Controller or the Pretorian Optima Joystick. But the extra cost might just be justified if it makes the difference between gaming and not gaming.

2. More diverse characters in games

For a large portion of gaming history, white male characters predominated in video games. The kinds of persons, their histories, and the kinds of stories being presented weren’t that varied.

This lack of diversity has been a concern, and not just because it restricts the variety and depth of play experiences that can be had. Additionally, it neglects to include narratives and characters that would enable players from a variety of backgrounds to identify with themselves in the games they like.

Fortunately, more and more people are seeing themselves represented in video games. Developers have begun to increase their representation by incorporating many colors, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities into their games, from the smallest independent projects to the greatest AAA giants.

Both businesses and players benefit greatly from this. The attraction of a game to a global audience is increased by representation, which also contributes to a more diverse gaming industry as a whole.

There are numerous examples of current video game initiatives that have advanced representation in the industry.

  3. Businesses and communities that are more inclusive

In the past, harassment, inequity, and discrimination against particular groups of individuals have been frequently linked to a toxic culture in the gaming industry.

But despite a number of recent controversies, or perhaps in part because of them, there is a definite trend towards creating organizations and communities that are more inclusive and inviting. In addition to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the industry as a whole, game groups all over the world are striving to confront and prevent harassment and toxic conduct in the workplace and online.

 Future perspectives

Even though the video game business has seen significant advancements recently, much more has to be done. The good news is that many developers and other industry participants are dedicated to bringing about significant change. According to a new IGDA developer survey, game developers are more concerned than ever about the value of diversity in the workplace, in their game content, and throughout the industry.

The game industry is working hard to bring about change, from lone developers all the way up to the CEOs of the biggest game firms. Change that will make working with developers and players worldwide more satisfying, welcoming, and inclusive.

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But it’s time to stop looking for the “right way,” because there is no “right way.” Instead, there are many ways to get your first job at a game studio. To find the best strategies, you need to understand how other professionals started out who became professional game developers.

1. Post your work on discussion boards (forums/chats)
   If you’re a novice game developer, you may spend a lot of time hiding behind discussion boards and soaking up as much knowledge as you can. But you know who else reads these forums? Professional game developers do.
2. Start a game blog.
   If you’re looking for a job writing games or leading a gaming community, the best way to get started is to just… start.

Jason Van Beveren was doing typical corporate work when he realized he actually needed a job in games. “I started blogging about online gaming. I had hope that I would catch someone’s eye. I also wanted to see if I was good at it. It only took a month before I was spotted by Parris Lilly, who asked me to run a gaming website that he ran.”

3. Create your own indie games
   A recurring question from gamedev applicants is, “How can I get experience making games if game studios won’t even consider my resume if I have no experience?” The answer is simple: make a game, and then – voila! – now you have some experience.
4. Get an entry-level job as a game tester
   Of all the jobs in the game industry, the easiest one to get is as a game tester. Why? Partly because most tester jobs don’t require a college degree or other specialized training, so anyone can apply. But also because many game testers eventually move on to other jobs on the game team, so there’s always room for new testers to fill the vacancies.
5. Get an internship at a video game studio
   If you have skills that you can use in game development, such as programming, art, or sound design, you can get a job at a game studio, even if you’ve never made an actual game. Not every studio has an “official” internship program for game developers, but most are open to the idea of a temporary, low-cost (or free) part-time employee who could help them finish their game.
6. Get a degree/certificate related to video games
   Mandi Grant earned a bachelor’s degree in game art and design and was hired immediately after her studies at a game studio. As a designer and lead designer, she’s created several major projects, but according to her, one degree isn’t enough: “Creating an experience requires you to think critically about your work and improve it. You have to play the role of a new player over and over again, even if you yourself are very familiar with the level you’re building.”
7. Get a traditional college degree
   If you look at job postings from various game studios, you’ll notice that many of them say “Higher education required.” In most cases, it doesn’t have to be a game-related degree, as long as you have learned skills that can be applied to game development.
8. Get a job at a game studio in a non-game development position
   It takes many jobs to run a successful game studio, and many of them are not directly related to game creation. Even if you’ve never created a video game, you can still apply for non-development positions such as information technology, tool development, or other support staff.
9. Participate in game jams.
   Rarely do job offers come in after creating something cool in a game jam.

We include it here because it probably makes sense. After you do a game jam, you’ll have something for your portfolio, you’ll develop some skills in working with a team under pressure, and you’ll expand your professional network by meeting new people, many of whom might be professional game developers, which could help you find a job someday.

10. Be persistent and don’t give up
    Is “persistence” a strategy? Like many things worthwhile in life, developing your skills and getting a job in the video game industry will not be easy. You may feel like you’re banging your head against the wall – you may get frustrated.

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For example, for a game-designer position people without special education are usually hired, as this profession is pretty rare. So if you have strong logical thinking, if you understand how to design levels in games, create game worlds and mechanics, which techniques can captivate the player, take an online course in game design and break into a new sphere.

And there are a lot of journalists, editors and TV scriptwriters among game writers. To write game scripts it is important to know the basics of drama, storytelling and conflict resolution, to be able to create a compelling story and develop it within the main idea, to give out creative ideas and adequately perceive criticism.

Game analyst is another profession that allows you to get into gamedev without a technical background. It is a profession that exists at the intersection of game design and product analytics. Game analysts know how to work with the most unusual metrics – the joy of playing a game, reactions to mechanics, behavioral patterns. They collect analytics and allow developers to make decisions based on accurate data without relying on intuition.

Pros and cons of working in gamemaking
Like all fields of work, working in gamedev has its pros and cons.

The pros and cons of working in gamedev:

• Most gamedev companies allow employees to work remotely or partially remotely, so you become mobile and can travel or work from anywhere you are comfortable.
• Interesting projects (especially if you’re a gaming fan).
• Comfortable offices and standard perks of IT industry like insurance, meal compensation, corporate discounts to the gym (not all, but many companies have them).
• Interesting team (in game software mostly creative people, with whom you are unlikely to get bored).
• The level of wages. Programmer salary in game mode depends on the scale of the company, his education, experience and knowledge of English. If we are talking about professions that are not directly related to the development (editors, screenwriters), as a rule, after the transition to gamedev, their salaries increase significantly.

Cons of working in gamedev:

• Like any other job, there are deadlines. And sometimes they are very strict in game mode.
• High level of competition. The fashion for learning programming has caused dozens and hundreds of candidates to apply for some positions, especially when it comes to the capital.

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Every specialist with a technical mindset, once he gets a job in a game studio, may think about the prospect of retraining as a programmer. Game designers or technical artists, who already have a deep knowledge of game development, can study programming, to stimulate career growth or to give a start to a new stage in professional development.

This venture is even easier to implement when you work in an office, because then you can always ask for help from a concerned colleague-developer and get advice from a professional. And if you are lucky enough to have a loyal management that supports the initiatives of its employees, you can arrange to be involved in the simplest tasks of the development department. That way you’ll have a chance to learn from real tasks and show your employer your interest in the project.

How to get a job in GameDev: practical tips on how to find a job

If there are three open positions in the company you are interested in, you shouldn’t send your resume to all of them at once. Decide which specific position you are interested in, and apply for it. All other skills that might be useful to work in the other two positions, it is appropriate to list them in the appropriate paragraph. So you show that you know what you want and do not give the impression of a desperate man, ready and draw, and social networks, and coding in between other tasks.

Describe your level of knowledge of programs, special tools and programming languages in a clear and structured way (how long have you been using them in your work, on what projects).

Accept a test task only if you really intend to do it. It is better to be remembered by HR as an adequate job seeker, and not as a candidate who disappeared without explanation. It’s a small world, and you may run into this recruiter in the future.

Be sure to include on your resume all the courses, seminars, bootcamps and conferences you have attended. This way you will give the impression of a person who is passionate about the profession, who is relentlessly developing and keeping up with industry trends.

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Opportunities for creativity.
Video games are inherently creative, and you often have to find creative ways to solve a problem or defeat an enemy. Being a gamer doesn’t always mean playing to make an income, as there may also be opportunities to write game guides, teach newcomers how to excel at the game, or judge your own tournaments. As a gamer, video game companies and developers may ask for your opinion or pay you to play a beta version of a game before the creators release it to the general public.

Job Prospects
Once you are successful as a player, you may find that your job prospects are favorable. With continued practice and the ability to meet promising competitors, you may be able to continue to succeed in your career and continue to earn income for your efforts. Also, consider how many games are released each year. You will always have the opportunity to learn a new game and use your acquired and honed skills to succeed.

Versatility
As a gamer, your hours, place of work, and teammates can vary, which means you can probably make your career as versatile as you want. You can participate in a tournament in a different location than your hometown, or meet new players who are rapidly improving their game and need to join a team. You can also practice your game according to your schedule, which can contribute to a positive work-life balance you can be happy with.

How to Start a Career in Games
If you want to become a professional player, consider the following steps:

1. Decide what game you want to excel at
   Most professional gamers focus on developing their skills in a particular game. Take the time to decide what game you like best, what you’re best at, and what you can build a career in. The more you can focus on a particular game, the more likely you are to succeed in competition. against other people who are also pursuing a career in the game.
2. Buy quality gaming accessories
   One thing you can do to become a professional gamer is to have products and accessories that support your craft. For example, if you gamble on your computer, consider buying a desktop PC with plenty of free memory, fast performance, great game support, and everything you need to make it run efficiently and without lag. Explore different mouse options to make sure your computer’s movements are accurate, fast and support your games.
3. Practice your game
   Once you’ve chosen a game and a gaming platform that you want to excel at, spend a lot of time practicing. You can play sports, but also consider joining local leagues, start competing with friends, or sign up for a national group of players who compete online. Through consistent play, you can develop your skills, discover techniques and learn more about how your competitors play.
4. Immerse yourself in gaming content.
   There are already professional gamers who have had success with their chosen game, so study their content, such as blogs, podcasts, articles, interviews and more. Read their strategies and how they’ve built their careers. This can not only give you tips and proven methods, but also serve as motivation as you discover your own career path.
5. Join a network.
   The right network will connect you with other players who are interested in building their careers in games so you can practice together, and probably against others who are close to your abilities and can present a real challenge. You can learn tips and tricks from your network, and get the added benefit of simply enjoying your time and confirming your interest in making games your career.
6. Join the team.
   The next step to becoming a professional gamer is to join a team. Your team can support you in your career, and you can all play together against other teams with similar skills and abilities. Find out what leagues and competitions your team can join, and sign up for those that will either help you strengthen your skills or be a challenge from which you can learn.

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Article Author
Writing articles about games is probably the most accessible and varied occupation in the field of games for most people. Every major gaming-themed website (including mmoglobus.ru) needs skilled writers to cover the latest news, to write opinions, reviews and previews. Qualitatively created content provides a steady flow of visitors, which in turn generates revenue from advertising. The more we grow, the more article writers we can hire, the more we hire, the more we expand.

Where to start: The best way to become a good writer is to start your own blog and publish the best possible content on it. If a potential employer asks you for a writing sample, just show them your blog. Alternatively, you can offer your services for free to a reputable gaming portal. I’m not suggesting anyone write for free all the time, but it’s not a bad way to build a resume and take your first steps in the industry. A degree isn’t necessary, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt. Sites like English-language GameJournalismJobs.com may help you in your job search, since you may find orders from big companies like Activision Blizzard and Riot Games.

Keep in mind: just because you’re interested in games doesn’t mean you can succeed in the industry as an author. Writing articles and opinions is fun, but rewriting game news can be pretty boring. Article writers often have to promote their work through social media and understand popular online publishing platforms like WordPress, for example. Most of the work is pretty routine, as sites will squeeze as much quality content out of you as possible.

Streamer
These days, anyone with a more or less decent PC and a reliable network connection can stream thanks to services like Twitch and Youtube Gaming. The development of these streaming sites in the past few years has given rise to unprecedented opportunities for players to create their own shows or streams. Most users of the services stream “for fun,” but for a growing number of people streaming is becoming the main method of making money, not a bad one, by the way. Jeffrey Sheen aka “TrumpSC” (Hearthstone streamer) was quoted in Forbes stating that popular streamers make over $100,000 a year just from streaming, not counting Youtube videos, sponsorships, etc.

Where to start: The great thing is that getting into professional streaming is pretty damn easy. Just download some streaming software (like OBS – Open Broadcast Software), set it up, and you’re good to go. Remember: Finding an audience on Twitch isn’t easy, it takes patience. You also have to be devilishly good at the game you’re broadcasting, or entertain your viewers (both ideally). Don’t expect instant success, and try to stream regularly to get subscribers.

Youtube
Just like streaming, creating video content about gaming is available to almost anyone. All you need is a video-capture program like Fraps (OBS will also do) and a decent PC. Any kind of video content is fine, as long as it brings you views. Creators of quality content get, on average, $1 per 1,000 views: not very much, but it is an average. However, just like streaming, creating new content on a regular basis is a tough job that few people can handle.

Where to start: Create a channel and start uploading videos. That’s how easy it is! It’s hard to find subscribers and attract an audience: it can take years. The best way to get up fast is to create unique content that viewers will share with friends.

Keep in mind: make good videos! There are countless channels on Youtube with lots of videos and no views at all. Creating a simple gameplay video of the new Call of Duty isn’t the best way to stand out, because bigger channels have probably already done that for you.

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Concept Artist
A specialist who starts working on the creation of a game as one of the first to do so. This profession would suit those who would like to develop their artistic abilities in classical drawing and digital retouching. A concept artist should not only be able to draw in the classical sense of the word, but also understand the basic principles of working with three-dimensional graphics, be able to work with human and animal anatomy, understand how to create new solutions and images of characters.

In addition, the profession will require a good grasp of locations and environments to work in a variety of styles and task settings – from deserts with ancient ruins to the busy metropolises of the future.

Technical Artist.

This is a professional who works to fill games with content. Technical artists create game levels, they work with game designers to develop the mechanics of user interaction with the game world.

Technical artists are able to work with three-dimensional editor, engaged in shading and staging lighting, and some of them even specialize in creating special effects in computer games.

Programmer and game developer

This option for those who are good with mathematics, have interest in programming languages, behavioral algorithms, artificial intelligence, to create and improve the working functionality for the games.

Game Designer

Develops games at almost all stages of production, including pre-production. The Game Designer is involved in the design of game processes, mechanics, puzzles, and narrative. This profession is close to those who like to generate ideas, create prototypes, and think through game mechanics without being immersed in the production process.

Producer

This is in some ways a related profession, standing next to game design. Creating a game requires not only control of production in terms of internal processes, but also the global management of the project, accumulating all the stages of game creation, as well as marketing activities.

Where to learn
The surprising thing is that games are taught almost nowhere. There are separate programs and separate courses and schools for computer graphics and visual effects.

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