A burgeoning market and strong cultural impact have made China a gaming hotspot. As the business grows, need for qualified and experienced workers rises, making it a potential market for job seekers. China has several entry-level gaming jobs that may provide outsiders a unique and engaging experience.
Understanding the entry-level gaming jobs
Before discussing foreigners’ entry-level gaming jobs, let’s examine the gaming industry. China is the world’s biggest gaming market, at $40 billion in 2020. Mobile gaming and the need for immersive, high-quality gaming are driving this increase. Gaming giants Tencent, NetEase, and Perfect World are also based in the nation.
What are foreigners’ entry-level gaming employment in China? Let’s examine industry’s most promising jobs.
1. Gametester
Game production takes numerous phases and comprehensive testing to provide a smooth and glitch-free experience. Here come game testers. As an entry-level game tester, you’ll play a game to find bugs, flaws, and glitches that might influence playability.
Game testers need attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and game mechanics knowledge. Since most examinations are in Chinese, foreigners will benefit from knowing the language. Other foreign firms may only recruit English-speaking game testers.
Entering game testers receive $35,000–$40,000, with the possibility to become senior game testers with better compensation and more responsibility.
2. Localising Expert
More international games are entering the Chinese market, boosting need for localization expertise. Their main responsibility is to accurately translate and adapt the game’s content, language, and culture for Chinese audiences. We localise conversations, menus, directions, and game images and allusions to match local culture.
This role requires fluency in Chinese and cultural awareness. Foreigners with Chinese language or translation degrees have an edge in finding localization jobs in China. The typical income for this job is $50,000–$60,000, with possibility for advancement based on corporate and individual success.
3. Game Designer
A creative mind and a love for game creation may make game design a rewarding job in China. Entry-level game designers collaborate with developers, artists, and programmers to generate game ideas and levels.
It’s important to know game mechanics, solve problems, and utilise game design tools like Unity. Successful game ideas need knowledge of the Chinese market and local gaming tastes.
Game designers in China earn $60,000–$80,000 a year, depending on firm and expertise.
4. Community Admin
Community managers interact with a game’s players, fans, and followers. Respond to player questions and feedback, organise events and contests, and create community-focused content.
Without Chinese fluency, this role may be difficult for foreigners. However, some international gaming companies may hire English-speaking foreigners for community management positions who must speak Chinese and English.
Community managers in China earn between $40,000 and $60,000 per year, depending on company and experience.
5. Gameplay Artist
Visual appeal is everything in gaming, and game artists are essential to creating stunning visuals that enhance the experience. An entry-level gaming jobs artist will collaborate with animators, modellers, and designers to create game assets, characters, and environments. This job requires creativity, artistic talent, and Photoshop and Maya skills.
While learning the Chinese language is not a must, it might be an extra benefit in landing a job as a game artist in China. This role typically pays $50,000–$70,000, with promotion and salary increases possible with experience and performance.
The gaming business in China provides a vibrant and interesting market for foreigners wishing to establish a career in the gaming industry. With a large choice of entry-level roles and a growing market, there is no lack of chances for individuals with the proper talents and mindset.
However, it should be mentioned that working in the Chinese game sector may come with its hurdles, such as language limitations and cultural differences. But with persistence, an open mind, and a desire to learn and adapt, Westerners may find success and progress in their gaming professions in China. So, if you are passionate about gaming and eager to go on a new adventure, consider examining the entry-level gaming jobs in China for foreigners. Who knows, you may just discover your ideal career in the world of dragons and games.