How to Be Video game Consultant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 12, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Playing video games can have a positive effect on a person's mental health. Research has shown that playing video games can help reduce anxiety and depression, as well as improve cognitive skills and memory. Furthermore, it can help develop problem-solving skills and increase attention span.

A video game consultant can help individuals to identify the best video games to play that can help achieve their desired mental health benefits. These consultants are knowledgeable of the different types of video games available and the benefits associated with each type. They can provide recommendations based on an individual's gaming history and preferences.

This helps ensure the individual gets the most out of their gaming experience, while also working towards improving their mental health.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a relevant degree. Consider obtaining a degree in game design, computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. This will give you the foundation and skills you need to become a video game consultant.
Gain experience. After obtaining your degree, it is important to gain experience in the video game industry. This can be done through internships or working in the industry in some capacity.
Build a portfolio. As a video game consultant, you will need to have a portfolio of your work. This should include screenshots and game mechanics that you have designed.
Develop your network. Networking is key in becoming a successful video game consultant. Make sure to attend conferences and events related to the industry so that you can build relationships with people who can help you in your career.
Get certified. If you want to stand out from the competition, consider getting certified in video game development and design. This will give you an edge over other candidates and show employers that you are serious about your career.
Market yourself. Youll need to market yourself to potential employers and clients in order to get hired as a video game consultant. Consider creating a website or blog where you can showcase your work and skills. You should also utilize social media platforms and networking sites to get your name out there.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as a video game consultant, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. This means keeping an eye on industry developments and staying informed about new game releases and advancements. It is also important to be familiar with different platforms, such as consoles, mobile, and PC, as well as game genres.

it is beneficial to have a basic understanding of programming and game design. Having a good network of contacts within the industry can be particularly helpful in keeping up with the latest news and developments. By staying on top of the latest trends, technologies, and platforms, video game consultants can ensure they are ahead of the competition and remain qualified professionals in their field.

You may want to check Role-playing game Developer, Action game Developer, and Console game Tester for alternative.

Job Description

Design and develop video games.
Analyze customer feedback and create strategies to improve game functionality and performance.
Oversee the development of video game systems and related hardware.
Create testing methods to evaluate user experience with video games.
Develop and implement marketing strategies for video games.
Provide technical support for video game systems.
Collaborate with game designers on the development of new video game ideas.
Track industry trends and analyze competitor video games and systems.
Research emerging technologies and suggest implementation into video game systems.
Draft reports and presentations outlining findings from market research and user feedback.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of video game industry trends and developments.
Ability to analyze and interpret data related to video game sales, demographics, consumer behavior, and user feedback.
Expertise in gaming platforms, hardware, and software.
Familiarity with game design principles, game mechanics, and game engine development.
Experience in market research and game testing.
Skilled in designing and implementing game strategies.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
Proficiency in a variety of computer programming languages, including C++ and JavaScript.

Being a successful video game consultant requires a variety of skills and traits. First and foremost, having a deep knowledge and understanding of the gaming industry is essential. This means staying up to date with the newest trends, technologies, and platforms, as well as the latest releases in the market.

Secondly, having excellent communication skills is critical to interacting effectively with clients and colleagues. Being able to clearly articulate ideas and solutions, both verbally and in writing, is highly beneficial. having strong analytical and problem-solving abilities is necessary for being able to identify issues and develop creative solutions.

Furthermore, being organized and able to manage multiple projects at once is key for ensuring deadlines are met. Finally, having a passion for gaming and a willingness to stay ahead of the curve is paramount for any video game consultant. All of these traits combined will help ensure that any individual can become a successful video game consultant.

Game Design Intern, PC game Tester, and Indie game Developer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the video game industry?
How do you stay up to date on current trends and new products?
What strategies have you used to successfully promote a video game?
Are you familiar with the regulations and laws governing the gaming industry?
How have you handled difficult clients or situations?
What have you done to increase customer satisfaction in the past?
What experience do you have in managing team dynamics when it comes to video game development?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a technical issue related to a video game.
How have you helped a client maximize their profits through video game sales and marketing?
What processes have you implemented to ensure customer satisfaction when working with video game developers?

Common Tools in Industry

Trello. Project Management Tool (eg: Planning and tracking game development progress)
Adobe Photoshop. Image Editing Software (eg: Creating and editing game graphics)
Unity. Game Engine (eg: Building 3D game environments)
Unreal Engine. Game Engine (eg: Creating 3D games)
PlayFab. Cloud-Based Game Development Platform (eg: Storing game data and providing player analytics)
Visual Studio. Integrated Development Environment (eg: Writing code for game logic)
Autodesk Maya. 3D Animation Software (eg: Creating 3D character models)
Wwise. Audio Integration Tool (eg: Adding sound effects to game levels)
GameMaker Studio. Game Creation Tool (eg: Developing 2D games)
Haxe. Cross-Platform Programming Language (eg: Compiling code across different platforms)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
Entertainment Software Association (ESA)
Game Developers Conference (GDC)
Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS)
Independent Games Festival (IGF)
Women in Games International (WIGI)
Games for Change (G4C)
Gaming & Virtual Reality Industry Association (GVCA)
National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers (NAVGTR)
International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA)

We also have Video game Technician, 3D game Designer, and Game Writer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Game Design. The process of designing the concept, mechanics, and rules of a video game.
Level Design. The process of creating the layout, structure, and goals of a video game level.
User Interface (UI). The interface between the user and the game, including menus and controls.
User Experience (UX). The overall experience a user has while playing a game, considering elements such as graphics, audio, and controls.
Game Mechanics. The set of rules, processes, and systems that govern how a game works.
Narrative Design. The process of creating story-lines and writing dialogues for video games.
Testing and QA. Testing and Quality Assurance, which involves playing and evaluating the game to ensure it meets standards.
Monetization. Strategies for generating revenue from video games, such as in-app purchases or microtransactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should a Video Game Consultant have?

A Video Game Consultant should have experience in game theory, design and development, computer programming, and a strong understanding of the gaming industry.

How much does a Video Game Consultant typically charge for services?

Video Game Consultants typically charge an hourly rate ranging from $50 to $150, or a project-specific rate that is negotiated prior to work commencing.

What types of services do Video Game Consultants offer?

Video Game Consultants can provide services such as game design, platform integration, market research, user experience design, software engineering and development, and game testing.

What is the expected growth rate for the Video Game Consulting industry?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Video Game Consulting industry is expected to grow 8% from 2018 to 2028.

What type of organizations can benefit from hiring a Video Game Consultant?

Organizations such as video game companies, software developers, mobile app developers, and digital media firms can all benefit from hiring a Video Game Consultant.