Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are always looking to top their titles in enhancing the gaming experience; players love this and the next generation of gaming is definitely in formation. If you are looking to begin a career in gaming, 2016 is a good year to start and here are some tips to help you break into the industry:

1. Conduct some market research

If you already love video games, and are on advanced levels in some of games then you have already taken your first step. Beyond that, you have to start understanding how computer and video games work and understand the different styles of gameplay, the limitations and advantages involved.

2. Create a mini-game

If you already know your way around programming, then find a way to set yourself apart from the crowd by using free hosting sites to help you  develop your skills. It is important to be realistic, yet have something to show recruiters so you should start off small and work your way up.

3. Get a qualification

This is the most obvious way to penetrate the gaming industry and a qualification is the best way to get recognised. This is a must if you are serious about getting a gaming job and you are looking to get an idea of how to use professional tools to develop games. A qualification is the best way to boost your career prospects; useful qualifications include Photoshop, 3ds Max, Maya, Java and C++.

4. Build a network

The gaming industry is generally a close knit community so you should try to network online and attend some conferences and talks on games. Because birds of a feather flock together, you should try and attend hacking conferences, events and fairs. It is also important to play with your friends; it is also worth it to meet new people in the industry and maintain connections.

5. Start at the bottom

Don’t be scared to start right at the bottom; free software is the ideal place to familiarise yourself with the industry before beginning courses and using advanced software. Some entry level games jobs include Game Testing where you can literally get paid to play video games all day.