Q&A with Video Games Courses' Paul Hill

Paul Hill of Video Games Courses put down his joystick and joined Imagine for a quickfire Q&A sesh...here he reveals his tips on how to embark upon a fruitful career in the video games industry.

Imagine: Could you first explain to our readers the role Video Games Courses plays in putting students in touch with training providers?

Paul: We have been running our site – www.videogamescourses.co.uk – for almost three years now, and in that time we've been partnered with the UK's leading training provider – Train2Game – who are TIGA-endorsed. What this means is that all of the qualifications obtained by students are endorsed by employers and educational establishments.

Imagine: What do you think are the chief attributes that make for a successful career in the gaming industry?

Paul: Like most sectors, as well as a general interest in the role, individuals who apply to start a career in the gaming industry ideally need to have a flair for designing, developing or animating video games. This can be assessed upon the first appointment individuals have with a consultant.

Imagine: What are your top tips for turning a passion for video games into a fruitful career in the industry?

Paul: The key is in the question, 'passion' – if individuals have a passion for playing games, chances are they'd also like to make them for a living (this is also our strapline!). Enjoying your job is key to doing it well; from that, hopefully great things come – and a rewarding career.

Imagine: With students free to undertake Video Games Courses training at home in their own time, what advice can you give to readers who may feel they lack the discipline to properly manage their time effectively?

Paul: Being focused for the individual’s future is the key we feel – similar to other educational establishments where students study in their own time from home, they do so to obtain a recognised qualification that can lead to a bright and rewarding future! 

Imagine: Aside from working towards the recognised diploma awarded at the end of the three Games courses, what else should students be doing to ensure they stand out to employers?

Paul: Good question. We notice from some of the applications we receive, potential students could improve their chances to start off their career in a rewarding, exciting role by spending more time preparing and thinking through their reasoning as to what they want and how they come across to others who don't know them as individuals. 

Potential employers need to see an interest in and ability for the role, plus a likeable personality to work together. Some students may have great natural ability to play, design or develop video games but it's important to remember – as in designing a video game – attention to detail is key!

Imagine: The future of the gaming industry burns bright, so how rewarding do you feel a career in game design, development and animation is?

Paul: Very. For the right person who is willing to grow within the fast-moving world of video games design, there is the opportunity to work abroad, for recognised respected companies, who will reward their employees with good salaries and opportunities to develop their individual skills. Opportunities for career progression are pretty much endless: that’s the beauty of video games design.

If you would like to find out more about a career in the video games industry, visit Video Games Courses to learn more about your options.