The Game Industry Guide

 

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Now available in paperback across America, Europe, Asia and Australia

Unlocking Your Game Industry Career Isn’t About Luck. It’s Strategy.

You won’t just land a job.

You’ll build a career doing what you love.

We often believe breaking into the game industry is all about talent or knowing the right people. That success is reserved for the lucky few. But what if there’s a proven path?

In The Game Industry Guide, Oliver Dowling reveals a clear, actionable roadmap to securing your first role in game development. With insider knowledge from top studios, practical strategies, and industry-proven advice, you’ll learn how to craft a standout portfolio, master the interview process, and build a lasting career in games.

Your dream job isn’t out of reach—it’s waiting for you to take the first step.

💡 Learn How to…

  1. Master Your Professional Persona – Build a strong, authentic professional identity that sets you apart in the game industry.
  2. Determine Your Career Roadmap – Map out your path to success in the game industry with clear goals and strategic steps.
  3. Craft a Standout Portfolio – Showcase your best work with a compelling portfolio that grabs the attention of game studios.
  4. Perfect Your CV and Cover Letter – Create a polished CV and cover letter that highlight your skills and passion for game development.
  5. Strategise an Effective Job Search – Use smart, targeted strategies to land interviews and break into the game industry faster.

6. Master the Interview Process – Confidently navigate game industry interviews with the right preparation and techniques.
7. Excel in Technical Tests – Ace technical tests by understanding studio expectations and practising real-world examples.
8. Navigate Compensation Negotiations – Secure the best salary and benefits by confidently negotiating your game industry job offer.
9. Thrive in Your New Role – Hit the ground running in your new game industry job and set yourself up for long-term success.
10. Learn Practical Exercises and Insider Tips – Gain hands-on experience and industry insights to strengthen your game dev skills and career prospects.

 

… and much, much more.

📚 About The Game Industry Guide

Introduction

Oliver shares his journey from aspiring game developer to Lead Game Designer at top studios like King and Space Ape Games, revealing the real-world strategies that helped him break into the industry. The Game Industry Guide provides insider knowledge on crafting a standout portfolio, acing interviews, and building a lasting career in games—offering a clear, actionable roadmap to turn your passion into a profession. This step-by-step guide is split up into three sections intended to take you through every stage: Prepare, Navigate and Thrive.

Part 1: Prepare

In Part 1: Prepare, I cover how to lay the groundwork for success by honing your essential skills and crafting a compelling professional identity. From mastering your communication and interpersonal skills to mapping out your career trajectory, developing a standout portfolio, and perfecting your CV and cover letter, this section equips you with the tools and insights needed to navigate the competitive landscape of game development with confidence and clarity.

Part 2: Navigate

In Part 2: Navigate, I equip you with proven strategies for effective job searching, mastering the interview process, excelling in technical tests, and navigating compensation negotiations. With this practical guidance, you’ll be ready to take on any job search challenge to secure your place in the dynamic world of game development!

Part 3 Thrive

In Part 3: Thrive, I focus on helping you grow into your new role. You’ll discover the six essential actions for a successful transition into the games industry, guiding you through the crucial first six months of your career. I also provide actionable advice and hands-on exercises throughout the book to accelerate your growth, offering insider insights and real-world examples to empower your journey in game development.

✍🏻 About the Author

Oliver Dowling

Oliver Dowling is a Game Design Lead with over 8 years of experience, contributing to globally renowned titles such as Minecraft, Candy Crush, Farm Heroes Saga, and Chrome Valley Customs. His debut book, The Game Industry Guide: Unlocking a Successful Career, is an easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide designed to help anyone with a passion for making video games secure a job in the industry. Oliver’s approachable style and practical insights make his work an invaluable resource for aspiring game developers.

The Game Industry Guide introduces the essential strategies that open doors in game development. By focusing on the right skills, mindset, and approach, you’ll build a career that not only gets you hired but keeps you growing. With a clear roadmap, you’ll gain the confidence to break into the industry, stand out to studios, and create a future doing what you love.

Buy The Game Industry Guide Today