Staying Productive While Job Hunting in the Games Industry

26 Feb 2025

The games industry is a challenging space to break into, whether you're a fresh graduate or an experienced developer looking for your next role. Competition is fierce, and opportunities can be scarce. It’s easy to feel disheartened when applications don’t lead to interviews or when weeks turn into months without progress. However, one of the worst things you can do during this time is neglect the essentials - your bills, your health, and your overall well-being.

If you’re between jobs or struggling to land that first role, it’s crucial to stay proactive. Not only does this help you remain relevant in the industry, but it also keeps you moving forward while ensuring financial and personal stability. Here are some key ways to stay engaged in game development while keeping the important aspects of life afloat.

1. Prioritize Stability First

Before anything else, make sure you can cover your living expenses. If you need to take a job outside the games industry to pay the bills, do it. There’s no shame in working retail, doing freelance work, or taking on contract jobs in related fields like software development, design, or marketing. Financial stability will give you the breathing room to focus on your long-term goal: landing a job in the industry.

Maintaining your physical and mental health is just as crucial. A healthy routine, regular exercise, and time away from screens can help combat job search burnout. It’s easy to fall into the trap of endless applications, but balance is key.

2. Keep Building Your Skills

Even if you're not currently employed in the industry, you can still work on relevant skills. Set personal development goals, such as:

Learning a new game engine (Unity, Unreal, Godot, etc.).
Improving your coding skills through open-source contributions.
Practicing 3D modeling, animation, or level design in your spare time.
Writing game design documents or scripts to refine your narrative design abilities.

If your free time is limited due to work commitments, try dedicating just a few hours a week to skill development. Small, consistent progress is better than none.

3. Participate in Game Jams and Personal Projects

Game jams are a great way to stay active in game development, even if you’re currently employed elsewhere. Events like Ludum Dare, Global Game Jam, and itch.io's frequent jams allow you to create something small but meaningful while networking with like-minded developers.

If game jams don’t fit your schedule, working on a personal project - no matter how small - can keep your portfolio fresh. A simple prototype, mod, or asset pack could make a big difference when applying for jobs.

4. Attend Industry Events and Engage with the Community

Even if you’re not currently in a studio, staying engaged with the industry can help you stay motivated and visible. Attend networking events, game developer meetups, and conferences (both in-person and virtual). GDC, Develop:Brighton, and local game dev gatherings are all great places to meet people and learn about opportunities.

Engaging with online communities is another way to stay in the loop. Discord servers, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, and Reddit game dev communities can be valuable places to share your work, get feedback, and find job leads.

5. Consider Freelancing or Contract Work

If you can’t find a full-time position right away, freelancing can be a great way to gain experience while earning money. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and even direct studio outreach can lead to short-term projects that help build your resume. Many studios also hire contractors for art, programming, and writing roles, so keep an eye out for opportunities.

6. Keep Applying, But Be Strategic

Sending out dozens of applications a day with no results can be discouraging. Instead, take a more strategic approach:

Tailor your CV and cover letter for each role.
Reach out directly to hiring managers or recruiters.
Follow up on applications after a reasonable time.
Ask for feedback when possible to improve future applications.

7. Don’t Lose Sight of the End Goal

It’s easy to feel stuck when progress seems slow, but every small step - whether it’s attending an event, working on a game jam, or even just networking - adds up over time. The games industry is tough, but persistence and adaptability can make all the difference.

Stay active, keep learning, and don’t let the challenges discourage you. The right opportunity will come, and when it does, all the work you put in during your job search will pay off.