How to Be Game Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 16, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The rise in popularity of video games has had a profound effect on the gaming industry. As gamers become more invested in their hobby, they demand more sophisticated titles and controllers, leading to increased profits for gaming companies. This increased demand has also driven up the cost of video gaming hardware and software, resulting in many gamers needing to pay more money to get the most out of their experience.

the increased interest in video games has spurred on the development of new genres, such as virtual reality and mobile gaming, further expanding the potential for gaming companies to make profits. this growth in the gaming industry has created a thriving market for gaming-related goods and services.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Most organizations require game managers to have a bachelor's degree in game design, computer science, software engineering, or a related field of study.
Get Certified. Relevant certifications, such as the Certified Game Developer Professional (CGDP) or the Certified Games Producer (CGP) can help demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the gaming industry.
Consider an Internship. Internships are a great way to gain experience in the gaming industry and make important contacts that can help further your career.
Gain Experience. As with any career, gaining experience in the gaming industry is essential for becoming a game manager. Consider working as a game tester, quality assurance specialist, or game designer to gain the necessary experience.
Network. Networking is an essential part of any job search, and this is especially true for the gaming industry. Connecting with people in the industry can help you find out about job openings, get advice, and make contacts that may be beneficial down the line.
Demonstrate Your Skills. When applying for a job as a game manager, it is important to demonstrate your technical and managerial skills. Be sure to include examples of your work such as game designs or projects you have completed in the past. This will help you stand out from other applicants.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have all the necessary qualifications and experience, begin applying for game manager positions. You can find job postings on websites such as Gamasutra and Game Industry Career Guide.

Staying ahead and qualifying for a position in a competitive job market requires dedication and hard work. It is essential to have a clear understanding of the job requirements, staying up to date on industry trends, and having the right skills and knowledge to match. Developing a strong network of professionals in the field is also important, as it can help open doors to new opportunities.

maintaining a positive attitude and staying organized and motivated can help you stay ahead and qualify for positions. Finally, having a strong online presence, with an updated resume and portfolio, can help you stand out from the competition and get noticed by potential employers.

You may want to check Video game Store Manager, Casual game Designer, and Game Community Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Game Developer: Responsible for designing, programming, and maintaining game titles. Develops game concepts, designs levels, and creates game mechanics.
Game Designer: Develops the concept, story, and gameplay for a game. Creates characters, levels, and other game elements, and works with developers to create the final product.
Game Artist: Responsible for creating the visual elements of a game, such as characters, animation, and backgrounds.
Game Tester: Tests games for bugs and other issues before they are released to the public.
Game Producer: Manages the development team, oversees the design process, and oversees the production of the game.
Game Programmer: Writes, modifies, and debugs code for a game title.
Game Animator: Creates the animations and special effects for a game title.
Game Audio Engineer: Creates sound effects and music for a game title.
Level Designer: Designs levels, puzzles, and other interactive elements for a game title.
Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist: Tests games to ensure that they are bug-free and ready for release.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Leadership: Ability to motivate, delegate and coordinate team members
Communication: Ability to interact with players, coaches, and staff in a professional manner
Game Knowledge: Thorough understanding of the rules, regulations and strategies of the game
Organization: Ability to create and manage schedules and game plans
Problem Solving: Ability to quickly identify and resolve issues during the course of a game
Decision Making: Ability to make timely and effective decisions under pressure
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to manage difficult situations and personalities
Computer Skills: Proficient with computer systems for tracking stats and game play
Risk Management: Ability to assess risk and make decisions accordingly
Time Management: Ability to manage time efficiently and prioritize tasks

Time management is an essential skill for any successful game manager. When game managers have the ability to manage their time well, they are better able to keep track of tasks and deadlines, coordinate with team members and plan for the future. Having a good handle on time management helps game managers stay organized and ensure that their projects remain on schedule.

when game managers are able to organize their tasks and plan ahead, they are better able to anticipate potential issues and make decisions that will benefit the project in the long run. Finally, by taking full advantage of their time, game managers are also able to identify opportunities for improvement and keep morale high amongst team members. In summary, having effective time management skills are essential for any game manager looking to be successful in their roles.

Indie game Developer, Multiplayer game Developer, and Augmented Reality game Designer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have managing game development projects?
How would you handle a situation where a team member is not meeting deadlines or producing low-quality work?
How would you ensure that the game development project stays on schedule and within budget?
Describe a situation in which you successfully collaborated with other departments to achieve a successful outcome for a game development project.
What strategies do you use to create a productive and cooperative environment for game designers, developers and other stakeholders?
What tools do you use to track progress or manage timelines on game development projects?
How do you stay up to date with the latest trends in game development?
What challenges have you faced while managing game development projects?
How do you motivate team members when faced with difficult tasks or tight deadlines?
What strategies do you use to ensure that all stakeholders are in agreement on the overall vision for the game development project?

Common Tools in Industry

Project Management Software. Tools used to plan, organize, and manage resources to achieve specific goals. (eg: Trello, Asana)
Time Tracking Software. Tools used to monitor and record the amount of time spent on specific tasks. (eg: Harvest, Timely)
Collaboration Software. Tools used to facilitate collaborative working among teams. (eg: Slack, Microsoft Teams)
Task Automation Software. Tools used to automate common tasks. (eg: Zapier, IFTTT)
Document Management Software. Tools used to store, manage, and track documents. (eg: Dropbox, Google Drive)
Issue Tracking Software. Tools used to manage and track issues and bugs in software development. (eg: JIRA, Bugzilla)
Analytics Software. Tools used to analyze data and generate insights. (eg: Tableau, Looker)
CRM Software. Tools used to manage customer relationships and track sales performance. (eg: Salesforce, HubSpot)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS)
Entertainment Software Association (ESA)
International Game Industry Network (IGIN)
International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA)
Game Developers Conference (GDC)
Women in Games International (WIGI)
IGDA Foundation
Global Game Jam (GGJ)
Casual Games Association (CGA)

We also have Simulation game Developer, Sports game Developer, and Adventure game Developer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Game Mechanics. The rules and structures that define the interactions within a game.
Game Balance. Achieving a level of challenge and difficulty within a game where players can compete on a level playing field.
Level Design. Creating levels with obstacles, puzzles, and enemies that challenge players and make the game fun.
Storytelling. Crafting a narrative within the game to give it an engaging and immersive feel.
AI Programming. Writing code to program the behaviors of computer-controlled opponents in the game.
Art Direction. Establishing the visual style of the game and ensuring that it matches the design goals.
Interface Design. Developing user interfaces that are intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable to use.
Debugging. Identifying and fixing problems within the game code so that it runs as expected.
Asset Creation. Creating visual and audio assets such as characters, environments, and sound effects.
Networking. Setting up systems to support online play, including matchmaking and data exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a Game Manager?

The purpose of a Game Manager is to manage and oversee the development, production, and distribution of video games. They are responsible for creating schedules, budgets, and team structures, and managing the overall project.

What skills are needed to be a successful Game Manager?

To be a successful Game Manager, you need to have strong communication and organizational skills, as well as knowledge of programming languages, game design, 3D modeling, and other aspects related to game development. You also need to be able to effectively manage teams and ensure progress is made in a timely manner.

What are the different roles of a Game Manager?

The roles of a Game Manager can vary depending on the size of the project and team, but typically include overseeing the development process, managing budgets and schedules, communicating with stakeholders, directing teams, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that deadlines are met.

How much money can a Game Manager make?

The amount of money a Game Manager can make varies depending on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities. According to PayScale, the median salary for a Game Manager is $85,000 per year.

What qualifications are required to become a Game Manager?

To become a Game Manager, you typically need at least a Bachelor's degree in game design or game development. You should also have experience in project management and game design/development. Some employers may also require certifications in project management or game development.