How to Be Esports Videogame Developer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 28, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Esports videogame developers are responsible for creating the highly competitive and entertaining games that are played in the esports industry. Their efforts help to create the perfect gaming environment that encourages players to compete while also ensuring fairness and balance. As a result of their work, esports has grown to become a multi-billion dollar industry with millions of passionate fans watching competitive tournaments around the world.

Key entities related to esports videogame developers include game publishers, tournament organisers, streaming platforms, and teams. All of these entities rely on the developers to create the high-quality titles that make esports so popular today.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become an Esports Video Game Developer, you'll need to obtain a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. This degree will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to create and develop video game software.
Gain Experience. It is important to gain experience in the gaming industry, either through an internship or by working as a game tester. This will help you understand the development process and the tools used to create games.
Learn Programming Skills. To become an Esports Video Game Developer, you must be proficient in programming languages such as C++, Java, and HTML. You should also gain experience with game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine.
Join an Esports Team. Joining an Esports team or organization will give you the opportunity to interact with other developers and gain experience in the industry. You may be able to find freelance work or even a full-time job through these connections.
Network. Networking is important for any career, but especially in the gaming industry. Attend conferences and events related to gaming, and connect with other developers and professionals in the industry. This can help you stay up to date on industry trends and open up potential job opportunities.
Stay Up to Date. Technology is constantly changing, and new tools and techniques are being developed all the time. It is important to stay up to date on these changes by attending conferences and reading blogs and articles related to game development.

The development of esports videogames requires skill and competence. Aspiring developers must have knowledge in game design, coding, art and animation, and sound production. Each of these components require a deep understanding of the underlying mechanics, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with other developers.

developers must be able to think strategically, anticipate user behaviors and requirements, and adapt quickly to changing demands. Without these skills and competencies, an esports videogame development project will fail to reach its full potential.

You may want to check Esports Business Manager, Esports Industry Analyst, and Esports Programmer for alternative.

Job Description

Esports Game Designer: Responsible for designing and developing an esports game that meets the needs of players and stakeholders.
Esports Game Programmer: Responsible for programming the esports game, including developing the game engine, coding game mechanics, and integrating graphics.
Esports Game Artist: Responsible for creating visually appealing graphics for the esports game, including characters, backgrounds, and user interface.
Esports Game Animator: Responsible for animating characters, objects, and effects within the esports game.
Esports Game Level Designer: Responsible for creating levels that challenge players and provide an engaging experience.
Esports Game Tester: Responsible for testing the game before launch to ensure it is functioning properly and meeting all of the desired objectives.
Esports Network Engineer: Responsible for setting up and maintaining the network infrastructure required to host the esports game.
Esports Community Manager: Responsible for managing relationships with players, responding to feedback, and handling customer service issues.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Programming: Knowledge of game programming languages such as C++, Java, and C#.
Computer Graphics: Knowledge of 3D modeling and animation software such as Maya, 3DS Max, and Blender.
Level Design: Ability to create and design game levels that are both challenging and entertaining.
Game Mechanics: Knowledge of game mechanics and game design principles.
Artificial Intelligence: Knowledge of artificial intelligence algorithms and techniques.
Networking: Knowledge of networking protocols and techniques for creating multiplayer gaming experiences.
User Interface Design: Ability to create user-friendly interfaces for the game.
Audio Engineering: Knowledge of sound design principles, music composition, and audio mixing techniques.
Project Management: Ability to organize and manage development teams and projects.
Quality Assurance: Knowledge of quality assurance processes and techniques.

Being an Esports Videogame Developer requires a wide variety of skills, but the most important skill to have is the ability to quickly create and implement innovative ideas. This means being able to think outside the box and coming up with creative solutions to problems, as well as being able to develop a game with a balanced, enjoyable game mechanic. Creative problem-solving skills are also essential for creating an engaging game that keeps players coming back for more.

developers must be knowledgeable about the esports industry and have a good understanding of how the game should be designed for competitive play. Having a background in programming is also beneficial, as this allows developers to quickly troubleshoot any technical issues that arise during development. Finally, strong communication and collaboration skills are essential for working with the various stakeholders involved in game development, such as graphic designers, coders, and marketing teams.

With these skills in hand, Esports Videogame Developers can create an exciting and engaging gaming experience that players love.

Esports Consultant, Esports Account Representative, and Esports Community Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have developing esports videogames?
How do you ensure that the game meets the needs of esports players?
What strategies do you have for making a game that is both competitive and enjoyable?
How do you design a game to be balanced for both casual and professional players?
What processes do you employ to test and debug your games?
How do you keep up with the latest trends in esports videogame development?
How do you engage with the esports community to ensure that the game is well-received?
How do you stay current with the latest technologies used in esports videogame development?
What techniques do you use to effectively create an engaging esports gaming environment?
How do you ensure that the game meets the expectations of professional gamers?

Common Tools in Industry

Unity3D. A cross-platform game engine used to create and deploy 2D and 3D games and applications. (eg: Apex Legends)
Unreal Engine. A game engine developed by Epic Games used to create high-quality 3D and 2D games, VR experiences, and applications. (eg: Fortnite)
GameMaker Studio 2. A 2D game development engine used to create games for multiple platforms. (eg: Stardew Valley)
CryEngine. A powerful game engine used to create realistic environments, detailed characters, and immersive worlds. (eg: Hunt Showdown)
Cocos2d-x. An open-source, cross-platform game engine used to create 2D games and applications. (eg: Angry Birds)
Amazon Lumberyard. A 3D game engine used to create interactive experiences for PC, mobile, console, and virtual reality games. (eg: Breakaway)
Construct 3. An HTML5 game development engine used to create 2D games without coding knowledge. (eg: Bubble Shooter)
Marmalade. A cross-platform game development engine used to create games for mobile, desktop, and console platforms. (eg: Cut the Rope)

Professional Organizations to Know

Electronic Sports League (ESL)
World Esports Association (WESA)
International e-Sports Federation (IeSF)
Professional Esports Association (PEA)
Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC)
China Electronic Sports League (CESL)
Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA)
National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE)
World Gamer's Association (WGA)
International Video Game Federation (IVGF)

We also have Esports Brand Manager, Esports Technical Support Specialist, and Esports Project Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Game Design. The process of creating the rules and structure of a video game.
Esports. A form of competitive video gaming which involves professional players competing for cash prizes.
Balance. The process of adjusting various elements of a game to create a fair experience for all players.
Programming. The process of writing code to create a game.
User Interface. The way in which players interact with the game, typically through menus and other graphical elements.
Networking. The process of connecting players together so they can play together online.
Animation. The process of creating the visual effects for a game.
Audio Design. The process of creating sound effects and music for a game.
Quality Assurance. The process of testing a game to ensure it meets certain standards of quality.
Digital Distribution. The process of making a game available for download and purchase online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular Esport videogame?

League of Legends, developed by Riot Games, is the most popular esport videogame, with an estimated 115 million monthly active players.

How long has Riot Games been developing Esports videogames?

Riot Games has been developing esports videogames for over 10 years, since the release of their first title, League of Legends, in 2009.

What other Esports games has Riot Games developed?

In addition to League of Legends, Riot Games has developed a number of other esports titles, including Valorant, Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, and Wild Rift.

What awards have Riot Games' Esports games won?

Riot Games' Esports games have won numerous awards, including multiple Game of the Year awards for League of Legends and Best Esports Game at The Game Awards 2019 for Valorant.

What other initiatives has Riot Games undertaken to support the Esports industry?

Riot Games has created several initiatives to support the esports industry, such as the League of Legends Championship Series and the University Esports League. They have also invested in organizations and teams across multiple esports titles.

Web Resources

Esports Part 1: What are Esports? - Harvard hir.harvard.edu
Esports Part 4: Developer Control - Harvard hir.harvard.edu
The Thrilling World of College Esports: Competitive Gaming | UC www.ucumberlands.edu