With the rapid growth of the gaming industry in the United States, there is a growing need for professionals with a diverse range of expertise. Veterans can apply for these positions as they have the skills that are critical for game development.
With their exceptional leadership abilities and problem-solving skills, veterans are equipped to tackle the demands of the gaming industry. However, due to intense competition, it can be challenging to seek career opportunities. Getting the right training and certification is important for them to stand out. Let's explore the value veterans bring to the gaming industry and the challenges they face. We will also cover the various resources available and the organizations that are actively trying to help vets out.
Veterans have certain skills that can bring a lot of value to the gaming industry, including the following:
By spending most of their time in military service, veterans know how to lead a team, and they can make sound decisions while under pressure. This is crucial to the successful development of games.
Innovation and creative problem-solving are crucial drivers in the gaming industry. While on duty, veterans have perfected these skills, allowing them to analyze situations, identify bottlenecks, and develop effective strategies to combat them. It gives them an edge over others when seeking positions in the gaming industry.
Since the slightest oversight can adversely affect a gamer's experience, attention to detail is critical in the gaming industry. Veterans possess a keen eye for detail, and they have exceptional discipline, which is important in ensuring quality standards when it comes to game development.
Although veterans have valuable skills, they may encounter hurdles when it comes to adapting to a company's specific requirements. Some of the challenges faced by veterans looking to enter the gaming industry include the following:
Veterans do not have industry-specific knowledge or experience, which can become a major hurdle for them to overcome. Their skills do not complement the technical requirements of game development, quality assurance, or other tech-related roles.
Access to training programs and certifications can help veterans overcome these barriers. Coursera offers more than 900 free courses, such as game design and development with Unity, C++ programming, introduction to basic game development, and many more. These programs help in gaining the necessary knowledge and meeting the specific requirements of a particular role.
Leadership, adaptability, and critical thinking are some of the skills that veterans have perfected. However, they may be unable to explain to potential employers how they are applicable to the role during the interview.
By joining professional development programs that provide guidance on resume writing and interview techniques, veterans can learn how to communicate their skills and experiences to potential employers effectively.
Veterans who want to join the gaming industry often do not have access to networking opportunities. They find it challenging to connect with professionals after leaving military service. Fortunately, there are programs that provide veterans with the assistance they need to connect with industry experts.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among veterans, and it can adversely impact their lives. Fortunately, there are several gaming communities that work towards helping vets overcome PTSD.
The gaming industry offers several professional development opportunities for veterans, some of which include the following:
This is fundamental to the gaming industry as it pertains to the processes involved in designing, developing, and launching a game. Veterans interested in this field can pursue training programs that cover the following:
To ensure that games meet industry standards, testing and quality assurance are important. Although veterans may have great attention to detail and problem-solving skills, training and professional development courses in this field can help them with the following:
Besides the opportunities mentioned above, there are many roles that veterans can seek. Since Bitcoin is here to stay, there are many gaming companies that are adopting cryptocurrencies and require talented individuals. Vets can also explore these positions.
Access to resources and non-profit organizations can help equip veterans with the skills or tools they need to seek career opportunities in the gaming industry. There are many programs and initiatives available, some of which include the following:
This non-profit organization provides training and mentorship opportunities for the military community in software development and other fields pertaining to the tech industry.
OGL.tv, a gaming matchmaking service, has programs that help older gamers and veterans combat PTSD. The organization has been engaging individuals in overcoming their physical and emotional ailments through gaming since 2001.
VetsinTech is an independent non-profit organization that provides education, mentoring, and job placement for veterans. This can help vets gain industry-specific skills.
The Mission Continues offers fellowships and training opportunities for veterans to gain experience in various industries. Through their programs, vets can develop valuable skills and build connections that are important in the gaming industry.
Professional development plays a vital role in supporting veterans' transition to having successful careers in the gaming industry. They bring immense value to the table, and with access to the right resources, they can excel and continue to provide for their families.