How a gaming journalist can get into game development – ​​journalists and developers share their insights / ITech content

Contents:

• Alexey Pilipchuk
• Artemy Kotov
• Evgeny Mirkin
• Anna Kozlova
• Vladimir Shumilov
• Oleg Chimde

The path into the gaming industry can be complex and unpredictable. Game developers come from a variety of backgrounds: some come from the film industry, others from the world of board games, and some even from unexpected fields like the funeral business. This diversity of experience enriches the gaming industry, allowing for the creation of unique and interesting projects. Each path into this field brings its own ideas and approaches, which contribute to the development of innovative gaming solutions and the formation of deeper stories.

Games journalism is one of the fastest routes into the gaming industry, as video game writers are closer to the developers than specialists in other fields, such as film or board games. Many journalists passionate about games dream of creating their own project or participating in the development of major games. However, the question arises: how to take the first step toward full-fledged game development? How to transition from writing to active participation in the game creation process?

We interviewed game journalists, editors, writers, and marketers to find out how aspiring game journalists can enter the industry. The responses were varied, which makes them especially valuable. Each essay represents the personal experience and unique stories of the authors, which they are ready to share with others.

Alexey Pilipchuk

An experienced game designer and screenwriter, who previously worked in Igromania magazine. He contributed to the development of games such as Tardy and Godlike Burger. He has a deep knowledge of game design and scriptwriting, which allows him to create captivating game worlds and gripping stories.

Writing an essay about the transition from games journalist to developer was a challenging task. For some studios, like Supergiant Games, a background in games journalism became a direct path into the industry. In my case, it was different: I was simply writing texts and simultaneously working on my first game. There was no obvious connection or influence, at least that's what it seemed like until I began to explore this connection more deeply. In the process of analyzing my path, I realized that the skills I acquired in journalism, such as critical thinking and storytelling, had a significant impact on my work in game development. This transformation opened up new horizons and deepened my understanding of gameplay, which, in turn, made my game more engaging for players. For me, games journalism has always been a temporary stop on the way to my main goal—creating games. I chose this path by chance at the age of 13, when I wanted to do something related to my favorite hobby. At the time, I had no game development experience and, frankly, wasn't confident in my writing abilities. However, writing seemed a more accessible option. So instead of diving into programming, I started writing articles about games: first for local newspapers, then for more serious publications.

Throughout this time, I studied articles on development, created design documents, and assembled prototypes, though not always successful ones. Game development remained a hobby for me, bringing little success, while writing gradually evolved into a full-fledged profession.

Entering a technical university was a turning point for me. Instead of continuing to write about games, I started creating them. At that point, my experience in games journalism seemed insignificant and a childish hobby. I doubted how the skills of a "scribbler" could be useful in game development. However, I soon realized that this experience became my greatest asset. Creating games requires not only technical knowledge but also storytelling skills, which I mastered in my previous work. This understanding opened new horizons and became the foundation for my development in the gaming industry.

Game journalists possess skills that are essential for game designers and writers, especially in the context of working with documentation. The ability to clearly and concisely articulate ideas helps communicate effectively with programmers and artists. This is especially relevant if you are accustomed to a more literary and expansive writing style. Although condensing thoughts may seem difficult, it is a skill that can be mastered fairly quickly. It is important to be able to do this informatively and without errors, which facilitates more productive collaboration with the team from the very beginning of a project.

Critical thinking is an essential skill that is especially relevant in the field of game analytics. Writing a high-quality review or preview requires not only extensive gaming experience but also the ability to analyze projects, identifying their key elements. The ability to deconstruct games allows you to draw informed conclusions and provide readers with valuable information about the strengths and weaknesses of each project. Developing critical thinking fosters a deeper understanding of game mechanics and helps you form your own opinions about new releases. By analyzing numerous games, dividing them into categories of "good" and "bad," and reflecting on the reasons for their successes and failures, you begin to notice certain patterns even at the trailer level. Deconstructing other people's projects and assessing their strengths and weaknesses significantly aids in the development of your own project. This is useful not only for obvious reasons, but also for understanding the market, user expectations, and trends in the gaming industry. This approach helps avoid common mistakes and inspires innovative ideas, which ultimately contributes to the creation of a higher-quality and in-demand product.

Many players may think that game designers are lazy when creating games, given the opportunity to fantasize and come up with unique ideas. However, in practice, it turns out that many bold and interesting concepts that look promising on paper often prove unplayable. Testing the viability of such ideas requires significant time and financial investments, which are always in short supply during the development of any project. Therefore, game designers often turn to existing ideas to minimize risks and create a high-quality product.

Knowledge of the gaming industry and erudition play a key role in game development. They help not only in generating ideas during brainstorming sessions but also in filtering out already rejected concepts. Furthermore, understanding successful mechanics used by other developers can inspire unique solutions. Experimenting with concepts is only worthwhile for those ideas that truly deserve attention, and it is important to rely on the experience of others to avoid common pitfalls. Proper application of this knowledge contributes to the creation of high-quality and engaging games.

A journalist's most significant asset lies not only in practical experience but also in contacts within the industry. Networking with colleagues and other professionals opens up numerous opportunities. This not only facilitates project promotion but also allows for finding funding, necessary specialists, and valuable advice. Having support is especially important in critical situations, as guidance from editors and friends made through games journalism plays a crucial role in success. Without these connections, many endeavors may fail. Therefore, establishing and maintaining professional contacts is a key aspect of a journalist's career.

Games journalism is a professional activity. While it doesn't always provide a high income, starting your first project without financial backing or a publisher is entirely possible. Modest fees can be a vital resource, keeping you afloat, whether it's for a week, a month, or even a year. Working in this field requires passion and dedication, making it attractive to many who want a career in the media industry.

The flexible schedule of a games journalist offers unique advantages, allowing you to work on your own projects without fear of dismissal and effectively manage your workload. Personally, I didn't have it quite right: game development took place during the day, and journalism took up my time at night, leaving me with only a few short breaks for sleep. However, the opportunity to engage in writing helped me avoid the temptation to abandon my dream and replace it with a routine, familiar job.

There are many negative opinions about games journalists. This widespread belief can easily influence how people view the field. For years, I thought my writing experience brought me nothing but disgruntled comments, unpleasant memories, and health problems. However, it's worth considering the importance of this profession and its impact on the gaming industry. Games journalism plays a key role in shaping public opinion about video games and supporting dialogue between developers and players.

Frankly, without gaming, my dreams would remain just that—dreams. The opinions of others in this context are of little importance.

• Tardy's Steam Page
• Godlike Burger's Steam Page

Artemy

Editors and narrative designers play a key role in creating high-quality content. The editor is responsible for editing and improving the text, ensuring its readability and style. The narrative designer, in turn, creates engaging stories and develops plotlines, making the content more appealing to the audience. Working together, these specialists achieve a high level of user engagement and create a unique experience, which is especially important in today's digital marketplace. Effective editing and a well-designed narrative structure help increase interest in a project and strengthen its position in search engines.

Every journalist dreams of writing a novel, and every games journalist dreams of creating their own game. Games journalists have numerous opportunities to establish useful contacts in the video game industry, but not everyone takes advantage of these opportunities. If you actively interact with developers, show initiative, and care about your reputation, sooner or later the gaming industry will offer you opportunities. Friends may tell you about openings, studios may offer work, or they may be interested in your resume. It's especially easy for game journalists to network with indie studios, which can lead to collaborations and valuable experience. This will not only enhance your portfolio but also open doors to larger companies, if that's what you're aiming for.

The obvious path in PR attracts many in the gaming industry. However, interacting with the community and former colleagues, who aren't always eager to praise your game, is much more about people than the games themselves or the texts themselves. This work is only suitable for those who are willing to actively communicate and keep their opinions on various issues confidential. Not everyone in gaming journalism enjoys this.

Introverts can find an excellent alternative in the profession of gaming journalist. A successful game journalist is actively involved in writing, editing, rewriting, reading, and analyzing texts. These skills significantly contribute to the development of narrative design and screenwriting. A compelling article and a quality script are created using similar principles, making games journalism appealing to those who enjoy deep immersion in text and its structure. Developing these skills not only improves the quality of your content but also helps you better understand your audience and their needs.

When writing about games, it's important to maintain clarity and conciseness. A successful writer knows how to clearly structure their thoughts, convey information, and evoke the desired emotions in the reader. If your articles resonate with your audience, you already have the makings of a screenwriter. All that remains is to adapt your style to the new format and practice. This can be challenging and intimidating, especially if you haven't published your own fiction before. However, with persistence and experience, you can develop your skills and create quality content for the gaming audience.

The key is to overcome your fear and get started. Before 2022, becoming a narrative designer was relatively easy. The job posting that launched my career in the games industry required only two years of experience. Despite this, I was offered a test assignment, which impressed the narrative producer. Since then, I've accumulated the necessary two years of experience. Essentially, I managed to set out on the path to my dream at the last minute.

I'd like to end on an optimistic note, but the current market situation is far from ideal. The best approach is to start with indie projects and not expect immediate results. In the gaming industry, your skills and a portfolio that reflects them are key. A professional game journalist can independently find the necessary theory without requiring additional guidance. It's important to focus on developing your skills and creating quality content, which will lead to success in the long run.

Every game journalist should create their own game, regardless of its scale. It could be a small text-based game, a visual novel, an RPG Maker project, or even a Unity horror game using free assets. This experience significantly helps to better understand the development process and recognize the real challenges developers face. Creating a game, even the simplest one, allows a journalist to delve deeper into the industry and appreciate every detail, which in turn improves the quality of their reporting and criticism.

The release of each game is a true miracle, which is not always visible from the outside. Game creation includes many stages, from concept to final release. Each step requires painstaking work by a team of developers, designers, and testers. It is a complex process in which creativity and technology merge. That's why the publication of a new game causes such excitement and interest among players.

• Telegram channel "Kotemius"
• Artemy Kotov's blog on DTF

Evgeny Mirkin

Marketer, PR manager, and games journalist are key professions in media communications and entertainment. A marketer is responsible for developing and implementing product promotion strategies by analyzing the market and consumer trends. A PR manager shapes the image of a company or product, interacting with the media and the public to create a positive perception. A games journalist, in turn, covers events in the gaming industry, analyzes new releases, and provides audiences with up-to-date information on trends and innovations. These professions play a vital role in the success of brands and products, contributing to their recognition and popularity in the market.

I have been working in the gaming industry for over seven years. Since 2015, I have been writing for GameMAG, and since 2017, I have been collaborating with 3DNews, where I regularly update the news feed, primarily on weekends. My articles have also been published on platforms such as VGTimes, Mail.Ru, Zone of Games, Kanobu, and other popular gaming resources. I actively participate in various exhibitions, press events, and conferences in Moscow, including IgroMir, the launch of GFN.Ru, and events hosted by Bethesda Softworks and Blizzard Entertainment. My experience and knowledge allow me to gain a deeper understanding of gaming industry trends and share relevant information with readers.

The event provided a unique opportunity to meet numerous industry professionals, including developers, publishers, and PR professionals, which proved extremely valuable. During one of the evenings, I first met Dmitry Zdesev, who became my employer and subsequently founded the Game Art Pioneers studio. Networking plays a key role in our field, and it is especially important for a journalist to develop these connections.

My first foray into game development began with the PR agency Fat Pony, founded by Nikolai Borzov and Danila Kamenev. I contacted Nikolai via private messages asking for a part-time job, as we had only briefly communicated in industry chats. At the agency, I actively sought partners, interacted with international publishers and developers, and wrote press releases and descriptions for Steam pages. I also provided media consulting from a journalist's perspective. This experience was not only educational but also fascinating, enriching my understanding of the video game industry.

We parted ways after about nine months. I started a new full-time job related to the gaming industry at Synergy University in the Faculty of Gaming Industry and Esports.

I met Mikhail Pimenov, the Development Director of the Faculty of Gaming Industry and Esports, at an IgroMir event. After that, we often met at various events, such as Wargaming Fest. Given my experience and skills, he invited me to interview for the position of department producer, which was successful. In this role, I found myself closer to the gaming industry than ever before. I immersed myself in the atmosphere of Russian indie development, events, and esports, interacting and collaborating with talented professionals from well-known companies and small teams. This experience opened up a completely new world for me, one I hadn't previously known while working in PR and journalism, and became a source of many new opportunities.

Mikhail approached me with a request to edit his new book, "The Game and the World," dedicated to the history of the global gaming industry. This is a vast and interesting project, which I was happy to join. The book was released in December 2022. I am confident that Mikhail will invite me to work on his creative projects again in the future.

Since July 2022, I have been the Marketing Manager at Game Art Pioneers studio. We exchanged messages with Dmitry Zdesev, discussed current affairs, and reached an agreement on collaboration between Game Art Pioneers and Synergy on a course on Unreal Engine 4. This partnership opens new opportunities for students wanting to master game development technologies and gain practical skills in working with Unreal Engine 4.Over time, it became clear that the team needed someone with skills in research, writing, PR, and marketing, as well as a deep understanding of the industry and an extensive network of contacts. I fit these requirements perfectly. That's why I was finally able to transition into game development, which I'd been yearning for. We're currently developing Distortion—an action game with RPG and strategy elements in a unique middlepunk setting. I am extremely interested in what results we can achieve both in terms of professional experience and the quality of the final product.

In my free time, I manage the "Citadel of Rock" Telegram channel, where I support aspiring indie developers in marketing and PR. I also promote games on popular Telegram channels, which allows me to share my experience and help projects attract audiences.

My path from game journalism to game development was built on a passion for innovation and relationships formed in specialized chats, exhibitions, and conferences. Each step brought me valuable experience and useful contacts, which played a key role in the development of my career in the gaming industry.

My advice is simple but effective: don't be afraid to meet new people, communicate, and meet them in real life. Don't be shy about asking questions about the work. As a journalist, you have access to a wide range of contacts. You conduct interviews, cover various products, interact with PR people, event organizers, and company owners. Use these opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. This will help you achieve your goals. If, of course, this is what you strive for.

• Telegram channel "Citadel of Rock"
• Official Game Art Pioneers community on VKontakte

Anna Kozlova

A game journalist and developer of "The Day That Took You," as well as the author of books about the Lineage 2 universe, offers a unique perspective on the world of video games. His experience in journalism and development allows him to analyze game mechanics in depth and write about them with passion. Immersion in the Lineage 2 universe inspires the creation of captivating stories and characters, making his work engaging for fans of the genre.

Before making a decision, it's important to ask yourself: is this really what you want?

Imagine: you're currently playing various games, creating content, and writing reviews. You have the freedom to express your thoughts and share your honest opinion, which isn't always positive. In your experience as a journalist, you've undoubtedly encountered games that left much to be desired. You weren't afraid to openly criticize developers and point out the shortcomings of projects.

Imagine that someone might not like your game, and a professional games journalist like you harshly criticizes your idea. He will be able to express his thoughts in hundreds of negative words, which will affect the audience's perception and form an unfavorable opinion of your project.

If you're ready for new challenges and eager to start a career in the gaming industry, I'll share my experience and tell you how.

My dream was once to become a gaming journalist. I started by submitting my resume to various gaming media outlets, but my lack of experience prevented me from getting jobs. In response, I created a personal blog about video games, which I gradually began to develop and improve. Creating a blog allowed me to not only share my thoughts on games but also gain experience in the field of gaming journalism and attract attention to my content.

• I spent an evening writing articles – +1 to skill.
• I designed a channel page – +1 to visuals.
• I interviewed a developer – +1 to connections (believe me, this is one of the most important branches that is worth leveling up in our case).

My channel quickly took a top position in the games category on the Zen platform. I began receiving invitations for interviews, advertisers actively sought cooperation, and the platform itself offered new opportunities, including streaming. I actively accepted offers, experimented with content formats, and continued to develop, striving for my main goal.

The secret to success is hard work and persistence. I dedicated every day to writing, constantly honing my skills. I played numerous games a month, developing my expertise. Importantly, I always shared only my sincere opinions, which allows me to create high-quality content and attract audiences.

I've been passionate about writing since childhood, and when I had the idea to develop my own game, I knew I would be responsible for writing the script and delivering the narrative. This decision was an important step for me, as the script is a key element defining the atmosphere and plot of the game. I strive to create a captivating and multi-layered narrative that immerses players in a unique world filled with interesting characters and exciting events.

Loving something isn't enough; you must strive to achieve your goals. Experience is key. I already mentioned that I couldn't find a job for a long time. While it's possible to find a job in your favorite field without experience, game studios, like other employers, prefer to hire specialists with specific skills and knowledge. Therefore, it is important not only to develop your hobbies, but also to gain practical experience to increase your chances of employment.

I had some writing skills, but my specialization was limited to articles about games. By early 2022, I already had a significant portfolio, but it was difficult to present it to a game studio when applying for a narrative designer position. In March, I decided to realize my long-held dream and start developing my own game. At that moment, I realized that this path would provide me with invaluable experience in the industry.

Eleven months have passed since our last update. As of today, we have released a demo version of our game on Steam and plan to release two full games by the end of 2023. As a narrative designer, I added a project with a Russian studio to my portfolio. As a specialist in the gaming industry, I participated in several large conferences and IT forums, where I presented our game and my blog. I also became an ambassador for the all-Russian "Start a Game" competition and actively participate in game development events. Self-confidence plays a key role in achieving goals. It's an important aspect that can inspire action. I believe that everyone is capable of great things. If you dream of becoming a games journalist, don't be afraid to start. If you're attracted to the video game industry, you have every chance of becoming a part of game development. The main thing is to take action and believe in yourself. Get actively involved in creative work, learn, develop your skills, and build your professional connections. If you work as a games journalist and aspire to break into game development, you have certain advantages over those outside the industry. The experience and knowledge you've already accumulated will be useful as you transition to game development.

• The Day That Took You game page on Steam

Vladimir Shumilov

I am a writer and scriptwriter for the Paradox of Hope project, as well as a producer creating unique content. In my work, I focus on developing captivating stories and scripts that attract attention and leave a deep impression. My experience in production allows me to effectively manage projects from concept to implementation, ensuring the high quality of the final product. In the world of film and literature, I strive to create not only entertaining but also deep, meaningful content that resonates with viewers and readers.

Before diving into the world of game development, I worked in a computer factory. This experience was challenging, but it became a source of strength and determination for me to change my life. The desire to break out of the routine and start writing about video games became my main driver. Now I continue to write on this topic and have no plans to stop.

I worked shifts, and upon returning, I sat down to write for five hours, almost until midnight. I decided to focus on building my portfolio and writing for free for publications that rely on enthusiasm. After six months, I had accumulated enough articles on games, film, and music to compile all my work and send my resume to every possible email address on the DTF website. Andrey Vereshchagin responded and offered me a freelance writing position. From that moment on, my active writing career began. I began creating content for various publications and published numerous texts. However, some of them could have been significantly better if I had devoted more time and attention to them.

While writing articles, reviews, and longreads, I also wrote scripts, primarily for indie games. I decided to take the same approach I'd taken with game writing: I created a small portfolio of free work and started sending it out to enthusiastic developers with the question, "Do you need a scriptwriter?" Some weren't looking for one, but others found my experience quite useful.

Since game engines became widely available, including free versions, many independent developers and small teams with original projects have emerged in our country. These games are often created in their spare time and financed from personal savings. Enthusiastic authors working on such projects sometimes require assistance, especially in the areas of script and narrative design, as well as other textual aspects. It was these developers that I primarily turned to. Since I had no experience in commercial screenwriting, I would not have been able to get a job even at a small studio. Therefore, I decided to learn by doing, immersing myself in the real game development process.

Over time, I built up a portfolio of screenwriting work, including texts about games and film. Although not all of it was perfect, the variety of material added value to my portfolio. When I realized I had accumulated a sufficient number of examples, I organized them in a single document and began sending them to various studios in the hopes of getting paid work, even freelance.

Some companies didn't respond to my proposals, but there were those who showed interest. I received many test assignments, which I tried to complete and send back. I admit, at first, I wasn't able to cope with them well due to my lack of experience working on commercial projects. Translating the client's wishes into text proved challenging, as I had much greater creative freedom on hobby projects. Nevertheless, despite mistakes and setbacks, I continued to learn and gain experience. With each new project, my skills improved, and soon I began receiving regular orders.

Soon after, I received an offer to become a producer at an outsourced graphics studio. Until then, I rarely received such offers. Most often, I independently sought out contacts, arranged interviews, and completed test assignments. This case was an exception: it's not every day that someone offers a job as a producer.

Working in a new field turned out to be difficult, since I didn't have sufficient knowledge about the specifics. I had to start from scratch and learn directly on the job. Now, looking back, I realize that this path was difficult and lengthy. However, it was in the process that I gained significant experience. I was able to convince myself that working at the factory was just the beginning of my possibilities.

If you really want something, make every effort to achieve it, even if the first result turns out to be unsatisfactory. Ultimately, the feeling of achieving goals is much more pleasant than the bitterness of regret for not doing anything to achieve them. This idea captures the essence of the desire for success and the importance of persistence in any endeavor.

Based on the above, we can highlight three key rules that are likely to be useful for many.

Don't be afraid to start with free work. This will help you build a portfolio and demonstrate your skills. Having ready-made sample texts will significantly increase your chances of landing a paid position at a game studio. Don't be afraid to contact studios. Rejection won't cause you any physical discomfort, and there will be no financial costs. You will simply exchange information.

I developed a rule Ten tips for an effective job search. Don't limit yourself to one or two job applications. If you only apply a few times, you could be waiting weeks or even months for a response. This will lead to stress and frequent email checking, which will ultimately waste your time. To increase your chances of success, it's important to submit more applications, which will allow you to receive positive responses faster and speed up the hiring process.

Submit applications to several studios at once while continuing your work. It doesn't matter what you do—write, draw, create music, or program. The important thing is to be able to showcase your skills and projects. You might be rejected by nine out of ten studios, but that tenth one might be successful, and they might want to discuss collaboration with you.

The third rule is to not underestimate yourself. A factory can operate for another two decades, but your energy and resources for mastering new things are limited. It's important to move forward, even if at first it seems like all the odds are stacked against you. Don't be afraid to overcome difficulties and strive for self-improvement, as this will lead to new opportunities and success.

If I can succeed, then you can too. You have every opportunity to unlock your potential and achieve your goals in any direction. Don't doubt your abilities and confidently move towards your dreams.

• Vladimir Shumilov on VKontakte
• Vladimir Shumilov's blog on DTF

Oleg Chimde

A former editor of Igromania and the DTF platform, as well as a narrative designer for the End of Despair project, he has extensive experience creating engaging content and developing stories for video games. His professional work spans editing, writing, and narrative development, allowing him to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and audience interactions.

Gaming journalists find it easier to transition into the gaming industry if they have the relevant skills, thanks to their personal contacts. Journalists often interact with developers, publishers, and other specialists, which allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the game creation process. They study how games work and are developed, giving them insight into market trends. Furthermore, experienced journalists typically play a lot, which contributes to their expert opinion and understanding of gaming culture. This experience makes him a valuable candidate for work in game development.

The belief among some readers that only video game developers should write about them is surprising. In practice, this isn't true. I've spoken with numerous developers and participated in discussions in gamedev chats, and I can confidently say that many of them don't play video games, and sometimes don't even test their own projects. As a result, they're often perplexed why players compare their games to other projects and don't notice their innovative ideas. The main reason is that, to successfully create games, it's important to play more and understand the market. Interacting with gaming products helps developers better understand user needs and develop their skills.

A gaming journalist is not only passionate about gameplay but also has deep knowledge of various aspects of games. A professional journalist has extensive experience in analysis and criticism, which allows them to understand how video games work. This knowledge makes them better prepared to move into the gaming industry. Moreover, their ability to analyze game mechanics and story elements is a key advantage in developing new projects. Therefore, experienced game journalists often successfully transition to game development, where their skills and understanding of the audience become invaluable.

The main advantage of being a developer is established contacts and a certain degree of publicity. Professionals are willing to help both experienced colleagues and newcomers to the field. Some share valuable advice, others help promote your portfolio, and still others can introduce you to interesting people and potential partners. These connections facilitate professional growth and open up new career opportunities.

Social contacts, positive relationships, and friendships play an important role in our lives. Having a wide circle of acquaintances and active communication on social networks like Facebook can significantly improve the quality of life. The lack of these connections can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Therefore, it is important to develop and maintain relationships with others, which contributes not only to personal growth, but also to emotional well-being.

• Oleg Chimde's blog on DTF
• Telegram channel "Only the Good"
• End of Despair page on Steam

The court has decided to ban the activities of Meta Platforms Inc. in the Russian Federation related to the sale of products from the social networks Facebook and Instagram. This decision is based on accusations of organizing extremist activity.