I'm not in the game development field or anything, but I can say that the best way to get work in a specialized field is to have knowledge in it, even if you train yourself. What you practice with all depends where you want to work into a development process, too. Best thing like one of these other guys said, is to get familiar with game engines like unreal or cryengine. Just try out different projects, work on specific aspects. I'm sure hiring developers like seeing self-made games, but you're not applying to make the whole game. Perfect yourself at something and make that your outstanding talent. That goes for a lot of things, not just video game design. People like to see that you're good in all traits, but they most certainly would prefer an expert in a certain field in designing over the jack of all trades master of none.

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I'm 16 and currently a member of Atrium Games, an indie game development studio made by my friends and I. You probably haven't heard of us because we haven't even released our first title, but that is not the point of this post. There is never a better time to get involved in the gaming industry than now. Find some free engines online, such as Unity and CryEngine, and start learning to use them. I highly recommend subscribing to extra credits on youtube since they pretty much taught me everything I know about game design. Make some games, show them off, build your resume. Also it helps to go to major gaming conventions such as PAX and E3 and meeting the developers that have stations there. The more connections you have the easier it will be to find a job. This is the conventional route. I took the road less traveled and made my own game studio. Whether this is easier or not is highly debatable and depends on a persons individual situation. If you have friends that want to be in the gaming industry then I definitely wouldn't knock the idea. Plus it helps to have some money to fund the studio in the first place. I hope this helps you in your quest to become part of the gaming industry. Good luck and farewell.

Are you just looking to become a designer or also interested in other areas? [url=http://www.bungie.net/en/AboutUs#!page=careers]Bungie Careers[/url] To see what's available go check out a lot of company career pages. See what they're looking for. Find the positions you think you want and see what they look for. Don't just examine one company's page because at any given time they're probably not looking for a lot of positions. Don't be afraid to glance at the more senior level positions so you know what kind of skills are needed for entry positions in contrast to what kinds of things the advanced positions need as well.