Get Paid To Play Video Games: Yes It's For Real, But Beware!

There are a lot of video gamers out there who are very serious about their passion. In fact, some of them are so into gaming that they have even considered working for a company that designs video games. Yes, it's true that such "get paid to play games" type jobs are available. Before you decided to pursue a job in the video game industry though, you should know that there are some strict requirements you'll have to meet. Here are three of the biggest hurdles you'll face.

1. Age Requirements

Although there are many skilled video game players who are still in their early and mid teens, the fact is most companies in the industry will not hire anyone under 18 for an in-house position. For one thing, these companies have to consider tax and labor laws that are strict about the age of employees. For another, despite how much you love gaming, chances are if you're under 18 years old, you haven't completed the high-level courses required for most of the positions that will allow you to get paid to play games.

2. Education Requirements

What kind of courses do you need? Although you may be very good at playing games, most industry jobs will require you at the very least to be able to analyze, discuss, read and write about your gaming experiences at a very high level. Writing courses are essential for this - especially ones that focus on analytical writing.

If you're planning on getting into video game design, that's another story entirely. For design positions, you'll have to first complete college level programming and design courses. Not only will you have to pass these courses, you'll have to pass them with very high grades. This is because these types of positions are very competitive.

3. Previous Experience Requirements

Even if you can pass the first couple of hurdles, many of the top video game industry jobs will only hire and pay you if you can show proof of previous experience first. Because of this, you'll probably have to start out by first working for smaller companies, or building up resume references. For example, if you write freelance game review articles and get them published in major gaming magazines, a portfolio of your work will give you an edge when you apply for a job with a larger company.