How to get into gamedev from another industry
…and should you really do it.
A few weeks ago a colleague from filmmaking industry asked me what it takes to “break into” gamedev. Around the same time I was invited to the “How to make games” (Как делают игры) podcast. Together with my writing partner Anton Outkine, we told how we got from filmmaking to gamedev as narrative designers and what it took us; which skills and experience can be helpful for our colleagues harbouring the same ambition, and how video game studios can benefit from hiring film industry professionals, in particular, writers and directors.
If you speak Russian, listen here:
And here are my answers to the fellow fillmaker’s questions:
First and foremost, as I was planning this email, almost 900 folks got laid off at Epic, and Bungie had its share of layoffs too. These stories keep popping up on my Bluesky feed. So, why even think about making the switch to game development?
I come from filmmaking with an advertising backstory, so can't vouch for other industries. But filmmaking is often gig-based and, if you dream of making it big in Hollywood, you're expected to make your mark back home first – sell your first script, direct your first feature. For many, this journey can be incredibly tough (and if you're like me, hailing from Russia, it can even mean compromising your creative integrity with state propaganda). In contrast, international game development still seems like a less precarious path.
Also, a video game is something you can make alone at home and add to your portfolio without assembling a crew and involving huge budgets! No matter how tiny, it will be your proof of concept.
The role of a narrative designer can vary from one studio to another. You might find similar roles like quest designer, technical narrative designer, or game writer. So, do your research, check out the job market, look at the requirements, and see how your skills and experiences match up with the areas you want to grow in.
Smaller studios often hire narrative designers/writers as freelancers. If you're looking for a full-time gig, keep an eye on larger studios or Game as a Service (GAAS) projects where they need regular story work.
Do you need to code? Not really, but you should grasp how game engines work because narrative design isn't just about writing. It's about treating story beats as elements with variables that shape the game's flow. You don't need a math degree for this (believe me, I have a philology degree), but you do need to look at your story from a different perspective, where player agency takes centre stage. I've seen students who were so enthusiastic about their plot and art style, but had no idea about their core gameplay loop. The good news is that it's not coders with storytelling skills who land narrative roles – it's storytellers with the bonus of some coding know-how.
Be prepared to take a step back on your career ladder. Even if you have a solid filmmaking track record, you're a newbie in a new industry. But if you're reading this, you're probably eager to learn and grow, right?
In the gaming world, the writer isn't always the star of the show – that title usually goes to the game designer (unless they're the same person, like Sam Lake or Hideo Kojima). However, this doesn't mean you lose your creative freedom; it just means you face different constraints and challenges compared to writing for films. You'll get your tasks from the game designer, but you're encouraged to come up with your own ideas – after all, you're a designer too!
Getting your first gamedev project isn't too different from landing your first filmmaking gig. Network, check out job and gig listings, and start with what you're best at. If you're a screenwriter, try your hand at a game script and take this opportunity to learn more about game design. Also, create your own interactive projects. A visual novel or a chatbot-based game can be an excellent starting point for your portfolio. Unreal Engine is free to use and there are million ways to learn it.
My journey as an interactive storyteller began when Takie Dela media invited us to create a young adult web series. We decided to make it interactive (the first interactive series in Russia, yay!). From there, it was all about leveraging this unique experience to build our reputation as interactive storytellers and snag new gigs.
So, should you do it? I haven’t regretted my decision yet, and somehow feel that I won’t — even though I didn’t say “goodbye forever” to filmmaking.
And don't forget, you're bringing a lot to the table: your expertise in crafting character-driven narratives, your knack for working with actors (which becomes very interesting when you realize that in a game, the player is your main character, and your role involves directing them); your skill in writing and directing dialogue that feels authentic; and your ability to capture that sought-after "cinematic" vibe.
Don’t underestimate yourself — and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want more insights.