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So, you want to work in the video gaming industry

Updated Thursday, 15 May 2025

Have you ever been told that you spend so much time playing computer games, you should get paid to do it? Well, maybe you should consider a career in designing them!

Find out more about The Open University's Computing and IT courses and qualifications.

Meet Martin Akehurst, a Senior Designer in the video gaming industry. In the videos below, Martin shares his advice and knowledge on his profession.

What is your current job and who do you work for?

Transcript (PDF document33.9 KB) .

What did you study and how did you 
progress into your role?

Transcript (PDF document35.5 KB) .

I initially went to university to study sociology and philosophy, and it wasn't really what I wanted to do. An element of me was like: pick something you really want to do. I enjoyed playing games and I was interested in how they’re made.

 

What is the highlight of your job/biggest achievement?

Transcript (PDF document36.1 KB) .

When it’s out in the wild, and talking to people about it, or people bring it up without knowing that I’ve worked on it. And it’s this nice feeling of like, ‘Oh yeah, I did that!’ And them enjoying it as well.

 

What advice would you give to someone looking
to work in your industry? What skills are required?

Transcript (PDF document80.4 KB) .

The main thing would be: make games, learn what you like, and focus on that.

 

Has your industry changed much in the last
5/10 years and if so, how?

Transcript (PDF document80.7 KB) .

The games industry is always evolving.

 

What do you see as the future of your industry?

Transcript (PDF document75.9 KB) .

I think hopefully we’ll see the birth of more indie studios, smaller teams making interesting things, not just Triple-As.

 

 

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