VIDEO GAME PROFESSIONS

Missions, skills, training, salary

Video games: the leading cultural industry

The video game industry is now the world’s leading cultural industry, ahead of the film and music industries, generating global sales of $180 billion in 2022.

In France in 2022, these sales represented €5.7 billion, and 7 out of 10 French people play video games occasionally (source: bilan du marché français 2022, Syndicat des éditeurs de logiciel de loisir).

The sector has grown from 3,000 employees in 2010 to 20,000 in 2022 (source: SNJV).

The video game industry offers many exciting career opportunities, whatever your profile (scientific, artistic, literary…), in game art, video game programming, design, sound design, marketing, data and much more…

The importance of video game professions in the digital economy

The video game industry not only creates direct jobs, but also has a significant impact on the digital economy as a whole.

Video games use innovative technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence and high-performance graphics processing systems.

These technological advances are also driving developments in other sectors, such as medicine, robotics, aeronautics, training, architecture, the automotive industry, defense, healthcare…

What are the jobs in video games?

There are several categories of jobs in the video game industry.

Video game management professions

Video game production management professions supervise and coordinate teams at every stage of development, from initial conception to game release. They also ensure the quality of the final product.

These professions require skills in leadership, communication, project management, data analysis and decision-making.

Video Game Producer or Video Game Project Manager
Associate Producer
Line Producer
Executive Producer
Product Owner

Careers in video game design

Design jobs in video game production involve imagining, designing and implementing the various elements of the game, such as gameplay, levels, user interfaces, objectives and obstacles the player will encounter, etc…

To work in a video game “Design” profession, it’s important to have strong creativity, an understanding of design principles, good writing skills, and the ability to iterate and solve design problems.

Artistic professions in video games

The image professions create the visual elements for a coherent, immersive gaming experience for players.

This includes graphic design, animation, characters, special effects, backgrounds…

These professions call for excellent cultural skills (art history, architecture, video games, etc.), creativity and imagination, as well as a well-developed artistic sense.

Game Artist
Animateur 3D
Graphiste 3D / Artiste 3D
Concept Artist 2D
FX Artist
Environment Artist
FX Supervisor
Digital Matte Painter
Lighting Artist
Modeling Artist
Rigger
Storyboarder
Lookdev Artist
Character Designer
Character Artist
Texture Artist
Technical Artist

Video game sound professions

The sound professions create the sound universe (sound effects, music, dialogue, etc.) that accompanies the game and contributes to the player’s immersion.

To exercise these professions, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of interactive sound design, as well as technical expertise in audio recording, editing and mixing.

Sound Designer
Sound Editor
Sound illustrator
Video game composer

Technical professions in video games

Technical video game professions design and develop the technical aspects of the game (game engines, graphics, AI, networking and physics), enabling a fluid, immersive gaming experience.

These professions require solid programming and mathematical skills, the ability to solve complex problems, and a passion for video games and technology.

Programming professions

Engine Developer
Gameplay Programmer
Lead Developer
AI Engineer
Network Engineer
Devops Engineer
Unity Developer
UI Developer
Unreal Engine Developer
Tools Developer
R&D Developer
Video game developer

Publishing professions

Publishing professions are responsible for game launch strategies, managing relationships with distribution platforms, and marketing activities to reach target audiences.

These professions require the ability to make strategic decisions and coordinate teams.

Strong project management skills, excellent communication skills and an understanding of the video game market are also essential.

User Acquisition Manager
Marketing Manager
Brand Manager
Publishing Manager
Associate marketing Manager
Project Manager
Business Owner
Product Manager
Product Owner

Video game data professions

Video game data professions involve analyzing and interpreting player-generated data to optimize the gaming experience.

Data mining and modeling techniques are also applied to make strategic decisions about game development and marketing.

These professions require analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Data project Manager
Data Analyst

What's it like to work in the video game industry?

Plusieurs métiers s’offrent aux passionnés de jeux vidéo et de technologie.
Chaque profil (scientifique, artistique, littéraire…) peut trouver sa place dans la création d’un jeu vidéo.

Find the best video game school

ISART enjoys an excellent reputation and recognized expertise. The school is ranked among the top video game schools.

2nd video game school in the world (source 2024 GAMEducation)
2nd best video game school in France (source 2020 Figaro Étudiant)
86% graduate integration rate
23 years of experience
2,400 alumni on 3 continents AMERICA – ASIA – EUROPE
A unique alliance of Creativity, Technical Skills & Business

At ISART, students acquire an understanding of the market and the industry, the required business skills (soft skills) and develop their soft skills (creativity, communication, adaptability, ability to work in a team….), essential skills for success in the video game industry.

Develop your employability

Internships and game projects developed within the school throughout the curriculum enrich the student’s career path, portfolio and professional experience.

Develop your professional network

ISART fosters exchanges between industry professionals and students through round tables, masterclasses, speed-recruiting, mentoring…

Students are encouraged to take part in trade shows and conferences aimed at industry professionals.

In this way, they can develop their network, benefit from internship or job opportunities, or receive advice on their work.

Training for the video game industry

ISART, the video game business school, helps talented young people with their career plans.

Video game business training

Mastère Manager de la stratégie créative

In partnership with Excelia Business School
Length of studies: 2 years
Admission: Bac+3 minimum + competitive examination
1st year:
campus: Excelia Business School Paris Cachan
schedule: full-time
program language: French or English
2nd year:
campus: ISART Paris or ISART Nice
rhythm: alternating schedule in Paris – full-time in Nice
program language: French in Paris or English in Nice
Double diploma: RNCP level 7 title | Grande École Master’s degree