How To Become a Video Game Marketer: A Complete Guide

Many industries require the knowledge and expertise of marketing professionals to make sales and promote new products. The gaming industry benefits from having video game marketers develop robust strategies to promote new and upcoming games to target audiences. If you're interested in video games, you might consider a career as a video game marketer. In this article, we define the role, discuss the necessary qualifications and explain how to become a video game marketer.

What is a video game marketer?

A video game marketer is a professional who works with game designers and producers to promote new games. Video game marketers aim to appeal to a particular audience who might take an interest in the game by developing creative promotional materials. Typically, the goal for these professionals is to differentiate the new game from existing games and other potential competitors. The specific job duties of a video game marketer may include: -Designing digital advertisements -Developing a social media campaign plan -Identifying the target audience -Managing a team of marketing professionals -Learning about the content preferences of the target audience -Conducting research about potential competitors -Writing engaging copy to appeal to the audience

Video game marketer qualifications

There are a few qualifications necessary for aspiring video game marketers. Some of these may include: Education Typically, marketing professionals earn a bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, media relations, advertising or a related field. It's important for video game marketers to have academic qualifications because this demonstrates the extent of their knowledge and expertise in the field. While studying for this degree, consider writing for the college newspaper or interning at a local marketing firm to further develop your marketing skills. Experience Another important qualification for video game marketers is having experience in the field. If you're interested in beginning work in the video game industry, consider gaining marketing experience in another setting. This experience can prepare you to apply your skills and industry knowledge to your work promoting video games. Consider interning at a marketing firm, volunteering or working at an entry-level advertising or public relations job to gain this valuable experience. Skills Applicable and relevant skills are another qualification that employers look for in potential video game marketers. While there may be specific skills a client wants, there are many skills that apply to this career. Some necessary skills for video game marketers may include: -Marketing skills: This includes a wide range of skills, such as writing, creativity and design. You can apply your marketing skills to the needs of specific clients since they're relevant to any type of campaign or promotion. -Strategic thinking: Another important skill for video game marketers is strategic thinking since this relates to the development and implementation of campaigns. Strategic thinking helps marketers decide methods of advertising, when to begin promoting the video game and which platforms to use for the campaign. -Organizational skills: Video game marketers may benefit from organizational skills since marketing strategies tend to have several aspects. Organizational skills can help marketers manage each aspect of the marketing plan to successfully promote the video game. -Communication skills: It's also important for video game marketers to have well-developed communication skills since the role requires several types of communication. These professionals communicate in this role by interacting with the client and their team, presenting campaign suggestions to clients, writing content for promotions and reporting on the success of the campaign. -Collaboration skills: Another relevant skill for a position as a video game marketer is collaboration. Collaborative skills equip professionals to work well with others, including the client, game designers, developers, marketing teams and other relevant people within the video game industry. -Data analysis: Some video game marketers may implement an understanding of data analysis in their work. Since many types of campaigns involve the collection and analysis of data, this skill can help marketers learn which campaigns resonate with the audience more effectively.

How to become a video game marketer

If you're interested in becoming a video game marketer, consider following these steps: 1. Pursue an education The first step in becoming a marketing professional is pursuing an education. Consider earning a bachelor's degree in marketing or a similar field to develop a deeper understanding of concepts, theories and applications for your desired career. During your education, consider taking courses that prepare you specifically for work in the video game industry, such as game design or strategic marketing. Earning this degree can prepare you to enter the marketing field directly after you graduate. 2. Gain experience in the field Often, experience in the field is a necessary qualification for jobs in video game marketing. Since marketing is a broad field, consider looking for a job where you can develop your skills and gain experience, even if it's not for a video game. These types of marketing jobs can help you gain a better understanding of how to best apply your knowledge from college into your career. Gaining experience provides an opportunity to develop your professional network and find new connections within your field. 3. Develop marketing skills As you gain experience, try to develop your marketing skills so you're prepared to begin working as a video game marketer. You might consider taking additional courses or earning marketing-specific professional certifications. These strategies provide you with applicable knowledge for your career while showing potential employers that you're dedicated to success and development. Another way to develop your skills is by asking your employer about your areas of improvement and committing additional time to develop in those specific ways. 4. Familiarize yourself with the gaming industry Since video game marketing is more niche than a general marketing career, it's important to familiarize yourself with the gaming industry. Consider researching what games are most popular, and observing what styles of marketing those games used. You can also try to connect with professionals in the industry by asking to meet with them to learn more about what they do. Having prior knowledge of the gaming industry can prepare you to make a smooth transition into a position as a video game marketer. 5. Develop your resume As you prepare to apply for video game marketer positions, it's ideal to develop an impactful resume. Try to include all your relevant qualifications, such as education, skills and experience. You might add a personal statement at the beginning of your resume that explains why you're interested in applying for the specific role. Consider researching the companies that you're applying to work for to appeal to the employer or hiring manager. It's best to create a resume that's one or two pages long and clearly communicates the reasons you're a good choice for the open position. 6. Find a mentor Another strategy for how to become a video game marketer is to find a mentor. It's best to find a mentor that works in the field you're interested in and has a wide range of experience in the gaming industry. This mentor can provide helpful professional advice, strategies for development, information about open positions or tips on how to best begin working in the video game industry. Even after you begin working as a video game marketer, a mentor can continue to offer guidance for consistent growth and development in your career.