Evgeny Vasiliev: How to Become a Successful Unity Game Developer

Contents:

• A Journey into the World of Game Development: From Flash to Modern Technologies
• How to Enter the Gaming Industry
• The Profession of a Unity Developer: Current Trends and Requirements
• The Specifics of the Unity Developer Profession
• A Variety of Opportunities for Unity Developers
• Using Unity in the Film Industry
• Blitz: Questions and Answers about Your Favorite Games

A Journey into the World of Game Development: From Flash to Modern Technologies

Your journey into game development began with Adobe Flash. It happened thanks to your interest in creating interactive content and animation. Adobe Flash provided powerful tools for game development, allowing you to implement creative ideas and create engaging game mechanics. Using Flash, you were able to master the basics of programming and graphic design, which became an important step in the further development of your career in game development. This experience opened doors to new opportunities and allowed you to move on to more complex platforms and technologies in game development.

I first encountered Flash in 2008-2009, when I was in my second or third year of university. It was amazing: one tool for drawing and animation. At first, I was creating interactive projects, and then I came across training materials from Anton Karlov. In 2012, I completed my first tower defense game in ActionScript 3. In this project, I implemented map editor functionality, XML data loading, enemy wave generation, and tower construction. This experience became an important step in my game development skills.

My first commercially successful game was released in 2010. This project was the culmination of many years of work and effort. We aimed to create a unique gaming experience that would attract players and stand out from other projects. Since its release, the game has received positive reviews and quickly gained popularity, confirming that we were on the right track. The success of this game was an important milestone in my career and opened up new opportunities for future development.

It all happened quickly. My friend and I worked on this game about a sad princess for almost a year, and we finally sold it in the summer of 2013 for $500, which at the time was equivalent to 30 rubles per dollar. This was a significant milestone in our creative journey, opening up new opportunities in the gaming industry.

The next game turned out to be quite simple, as it featured only one screen. However, development took almost a year, which isn't always apparent at first glance. This simplicity conceals a tremendous amount of work and effort. Due to my full-time job, it was sometimes difficult to find time for the project, and sometimes its development was paused for 2-3 weeks.

The Graduate School of Business and Information Technology had a significant impact on my career. The knowledge and skills I gained in management and technology became the foundation for successful professional growth. Studying at this school gave me the opportunity to master key aspects of business, such as financial analysis, strategic planning, and marketing. In addition, I acquired practical skills in information technology, which allowed me to effectively use modern tools in my work. As a result, studying at the Higher School of Business and Information Technology became an important step towards achieving my career goals and improving my competitiveness in the labor market.

I attended a lecture at the Higher School of Business Informatics and was impressed by the atmosphere, which inspired me to enroll. During my studies, I attended the DevGAMM conference in Minsk, where I met many developers, presented my game, and made important business connections. This experience became a key moment in my career.

After completing the course, I joined Destiny.Games, a company famous for its social media games. My experience there was very positive. I had the opportunity to apply my acquired knowledge in practice, participating in the development and promotion of games. The team was professional and friendly, which facilitated a quick learning and exchange of experience. I also realized the importance of marketing and user interaction, which became a key aspect of successful game promotion on social media. This experience enriched me as a specialist and deepened my understanding of the industry.

It was a rather contradictory period in my life. I spent a long time looking for a job and submitted about ten resumes to suitable positions, such as business development, project management, and brand management. Ultimately, I received an offer from Destiny.Games. Soon after, I began working on a project to create The Abyss, a gaming platform that integrates blockchain and cryptocurrency. This experience was a significant milestone in my career, allowing me to deepen my knowledge of new technologies and game design. Our platform allowed users to earn cryptocurrency by creating their own content or inviting new participants. We raised $18 million through our initial coin offering (ICO). However, after this, the cryptocurrency market experienced a significant drop, and the following months brought many difficulties.

After my experience at Destiny.Games, I became part of IT HUB, a dynamic platform for developing and supporting the IT community. IT HUB brings together professionals from various fields of information technology, offering them the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience. As part of the project, we organize events, seminars, and hackathons to promote active interaction between specialists and the creation of innovative solutions. Our goal is not only to help participants develop their skills but also to contribute to the growth of the IT industry as a whole by creating a space for creative thinking and collaboration. Through IT HUB, we strive to strengthen ties between representatives of business, education, and technology, which in turn contributes to the formation of a sustainable ecosystem for new ideas and projects.

While studying at the Higher School of Business and Management, I began teaching programming to schoolchildren at Crush Pro. Later, the school moved to the same building as IT HUB, which allowed us to combine our efforts. I'm currently teaching a Unity development course with a colleague, as this area is particularly relevant. Moscow is experiencing a significant shortage of specialists in this field—approximately 200 vacancies for Unity developers are listed on hh.ru. This demonstrates the growing demand for specialists and the importance of learning programming for future professionals.

IT HUB provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects, which helps them gain practical experience. Our clients include companies from various industries interested in the fresh ideas and solutions that talented students can offer. We strive to create mutually beneficial connections between students and businesses, allowing students to develop their skills and become familiar with current IT challenges.

Customers come from a variety of industries, not limited to the gaming industry. Many are interested in interactive solutions with gamification elements for their projects. We have developed games aimed at promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle and zero-waste production. Our primary goal is to convey the importance of environmental thinking to people and inspire them to support sustainable development.

Creating an environmental game without a compelling storyline and mechanics will not attract the interest of most users. To achieve engagement, it is necessary to emphasize interactivity and attractive gameplay, allowing users not only to learn about environmental issues but also to actively participate in their resolution. Games that offer users an immersive understanding of environmental issues through engaging tasks and challenges are likely to elicit greater engagement and a desire to take action. It is important to create content that is not only informative but also entertaining to attract and retain the audience's attention.

How to Enter the Gaming Industry

Salaries in game development have traditionally been perceived as lower than in web development. However, is this statement true in today's environment? In recent years, the game development industry has grown significantly, which has impacted the level of salaries for specialists. The increased popularity of video games and the growth of game studios have led to an increased demand for qualified personnel. This, in turn, has contributed to the growth of salaries in game development. Therefore, it is worth carefully considering the current trends and factors affecting salaries in this field to get a complete picture of the situation.

A few years ago, the situation in the gaming industry was completely different. In its early days, game development was developed thanks to enthusiasts who created games not for profit, but for fun and the desire to share their ideas with millions of players. These developers focused on creativity and innovation, which allowed them to bring unique concepts to the world of video games. Over time, however, the industry has changed, and commercial interests have become more prominent in the development process. Nevertheless, the creative spirit and the desire to create engaging and memorable games remain important aspects of game development.

In traditional industries such as IT and banking, companies offer stable salaries. However, in the gaming industry, the risks are significantly higher. Project development can take up to two years, and the investment may not be worth it, leading to potential losses. Therefore, early in their careers, game developers often receive lower pay compared to other fields.

The situation in the mobile gaming industry is gradually changing. Companies like Playrix, creators of popular games including Homescapes, generate millions of dollars in revenue daily. This allows them to attract the best development talent. Competition for talented developers is intensifying, and HR professionals are actively recruiting new employees, highlighting the growing interest in careers in the gaming industry.

The outlook for the gaming industry is encouraging. Markets in India, South America, and, potentially, Africa are rapidly developing. Consumers are spending more on video games every year, while virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have yet to reach their full potential. The coming years will bring exciting innovations that could change the face of the gaming world and attract new audiences.

Game development, or the gaming industry, attracts many people for several key reasons. Firstly, it offers the opportunity to express their creativity. Video game development requires originality and a creative approach, which allows developers and designers to realize their ideas and visions.

Secondly, game development offers attractive career prospects. The industry is growing every year, and the demand for qualified game development specialists is increasing. This opens up numerous opportunities for career growth and professional development.

The third reason is the excitement of the work. Game development isn't just a technical process; it's also an opportunity to immerse yourself in amazing worlds and tell captivating stories. For many people, working in game development becomes more than just a job, but a true, enjoyable hobby.

Furthermore, game development offers a unique opportunity to work in a team with talented people from different fields. This facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experience, which is an important aspect of professional development.

Thus, the desire to get into game development can be explained by a combination of creative, career, and personal factors, as well as an interest in modern technologies and innovations in the gaming industry.

Working in game development opens up the opportunity to create games that delight millions of players around the world. It's gratifying to realize that even the development of a small element can bring joy and pleasure to many. For example, a colleague of mine at the Destiny studio noticed a fellow traveler playing Botva on a tablet. While discussing the game, she proudly shared that she was the one who came up with the idea for one of the game mechanics. Moments like these are inspiring and confirm the importance of our work in the gaming industry.

Game development provides a unique opportunity to become part of an active community. On projects like Destiny, participants discuss the latest news, share their experiences, and have the opportunity to influence the development of games. This is an ideal opportunity for many – to work on something they love and contribute to creating an engaging gaming experience.

How do you stay motivated when learning with resources like YouTube? Learning can be challenging, especially when it comes to self-studying through videos. To stay engaged, it's important to set clear goals and plan your studies. Create a schedule that includes regular viewing and practice sessions. It's also helpful to engage with the community by leaving comments and asking questions. This will not only help you deepen your understanding of the topic but also find like-minded people. Don't forget about variety: combine different content formats—videos, podcasts, and articles. This way, you can maintain motivation and absorb new knowledge effectively.

Many training courses don't always meet expectations, so it's important to develop your own projects and set realistic goals. I started learning 3D modeling in Blender and set myself a challenge: create one model every week and share the results on Instagram. The support of my friends inspired me and helped me not give up. This approach not only develops skills but also allows you to receive feedback, which promotes growth and improvement.

Choosing tasks that match your capabilities is key to avoiding frustration due to long waits for results. For example, it makes sense to develop new game mechanics or implement small ideas every evening. This approach not only brings pleasure but also helps you gain experience, which will help you in the future on larger projects. Regular practice helps improve skills and expand creativity, which is an important factor in game development.

I'm inspired by the stories of successful developers who started from scratch and now share their achievements on YouTube. These stories about games like Modern Warfare show how perseverance and hard work can lead to success in the video game industry.

A number of exciting opportunities await Russian game development professionals, despite the limited number of AAA projects. In recent years, there has been a rapid growth in indie development, opening new horizons for talented developers, artists, and designers. The Russian gaming industry is looking for professionals capable of creating unique content and implementing innovative ideas. Given their high level of education in programming and design, Russian specialists can successfully compete on the international stage. It's also worth noting the growing interest in mobile game development and VR projects, which creates additional career opportunities. It's important to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends to maximize your skills and adapt to a changing market.

Many people wonder about the importance of young talent in development. I actively work with them because I recognize that they are the ones who can bring innovation. An increasing number of developers leads to more breakthrough projects. When one of these projects achieves popularity, new opportunities open up for everyone involved. Supporting young professionals in development is key to creating successful and in-demand solutions in the future.

Investors in Russia are actively exploring the mobile gaming market, despite the fact that many indie developers don't perceive them as full-fledged games. It's important to understand that the gaming business includes not only a creative component, but also a commercial one. Success in the video game industry is achieved when these two aspects are harmoniously combined to create a product that is in demand and loved by users. Investing in mobile games opens new horizons for developers, allowing them to realize their ideas by adapting them to market demands and audience preferences.

Creating a game that will attract millions of users requires a comprehensive approach and a deep understanding of the target audience. It's important to start with an idea that is unique and exciting to stand out from the competition. Conduct market research to identify current trends and player preferences.

Gameplay development should be intuitive and engaging. Gameplay elements such as levels, quests, and mechanics should be balanced to ensure interest throughout the game. Visuals and sound also play a key role in creating atmosphere and engagement.

Pay attention to marketing and promotion of the game. Building a community around the project through social media, forums, and streaming platforms will help attract attention and increase the number of users. Regular updates and interaction with players will create sustainable interest in your game.

Don't forget the importance of data analysis. Tracking player behavior and feedback will allow you to make changes and improvements, which will help retain users and attract new ones. Ultimately, by designing your game with these aspects in mind, you'll be able to reach a larger audience and achieve market success.

Participate in game jams and create unique projects. Many successful games have their origins at such events, and some have won significant prizes and attracted the attention of both the community and investors. The key is to not be afraid to try new ideas and develop your skills. Game jams provide a great opportunity to share experiences, collaborate with other developers, and receive valuable feedback on your work. Join game jams and discover new horizons in the world of game development.

If you dream of creating games, nothing should stop you. Your project could become the next big success in the gaming industry. Start with a concept, explore the tools and technologies that will help you bring your idea to life, and don't be afraid to experiment. Your ideas can inspire others and lead to the creation of a unique gaming experience. Remember that every great developer was once a beginner. For those who want to work in game development but lack strong technical skills, there are several options. First, consider roles that don't require extensive programming knowledge, such as game designer, artist, or scriptwriter. These positions allow for creativity and allow for close collaboration with technical specialists. Second, it's important to develop related skills, such as learning the basics of game engines or mastering graphics editors. This will help you better understand the development process and improve your competitiveness in the job market. It's also worth considering training and courses offered by programs for beginners in the gaming industry. Finally, participating in gaming projects and creating your own games will allow you to gain practical experience and a portfolio, which will significantly increase your chances of finding a job in game development. Destiny had a girl who started in tech support right after graduating from school. This is a great entry-level position that requires only communication skills and basic technical knowledge. If I had had this opportunity at a young age, I would have gladly taken it. Technical support is not only a chance to gain initial professional skills but also an opportunity to develop communication with customers, which is an important aspect in any field.

Technical support in game development plays a key role in ensuring a high-quality gaming experience. The primary role of technical support is to assist players with various technical issues related to games. This may include resolving issues with installing and launching games, fixing performance errors, and assisting with account recovery.

The technical support team also actively collaborates with developers, providing feedback on identified issues and collecting user feedback. This contributes to improving the quality of games and increasing player satisfaction. Additionally, technical support can develop and update user documentation, including frequently asked questions and troubleshooting guides.

Effective technical support in the gaming industry not only helps players but also contributes to the company's reputation, which in turn can positively impact sales and customer loyalty.

Technical support staff play a key role in resolving user inquiries, providing assistance when problems with games and difficult situations arise. This work requires high resilience and the ability to effectively manage negative emotions. Experienced specialists teach newcomers methods for reducing toxicity, which contributes to a more positive atmosphere for players. Qualified technical support not only solves problems but also helps users get the most out of their gaming experience.

Working in technical support provides a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of a company's internal processes, become familiar with various projects, and study the interactions between departments. This not only allows you to develop problem-solving skills but also helps you understand business needs. If you excel, you have every chance of moving up to a junior programmer position when a suitable vacancy arises.

You can start a career in the gaming industry with game testing. This is not just fun, but an important process aimed at checking and improving the quality of gaming products. A tester position can be an excellent starting point for further learning programming and growing in this field. There are many opportunities for beginners in game development, including roles as artists, designers, and marketers. However, technical support and testing are the most accessible areas for starting a career, allowing you to quickly immerse yourself in the industry and gain valuable experience.

Unity Developer Profession: Current Trends and Requirements

Today, the game development industry is seeing a growing demand for specialists with a variety of skills and knowledge. The Unity developer profession is becoming increasingly popular, and game studios are looking for not just passionate individuals, but professionals with specific competencies. Proficiency in Unity, knowledge of programming, and the ability to work in a team and adapt to new technologies are becoming key factors when searching for a job in this field.

According to recent research, the requirements for junior developers have increased significantly. Modern employers expect even entry-level specialists to have experience comparable to two years of development work. This is due to growing expectations regarding the skills and knowledge necessary for successful completion of tasks. Junior developers must be proficient in working with modern technologies, as well as demonstrate the ability to solve complex problems and learn quickly. These expectations emphasize the importance of high-quality education and practical experience for entry-level specialists, which, in turn, requires them to actively self-study and participate in projects.

Knowledge of the Git version control system is an essential skill for every developer. This system enables effective team collaboration by managing commits, merging branches, and minimizing errors when working with the main project branch. By mastering Git, developers can significantly improve their productivity and code quality. Intensive practice for a week will help you quickly master the basics and begin confidently using Git tools in your work.

Basic knowledge of mathematics and technical English is key in the development field. The ability to quickly find information and solve problems using international resources significantly increases work efficiency. Furthermore, knowledge of object-oriented programming principles, including abstraction, inheritance, and polymorphism, is essential for a successful career in this field. These skills enable developers to create more flexible and scalable solutions, which is essential in the modern technological environment.

An educational degree is not a decisive factor for employers. They focus on a candidate's portfolio. Participation in real-world projects, internships, and in-house development significantly increase employment chances. Having practical experience and demonstrating the results of your efforts are important aspects that can convince an employer of your qualifications and potential. Therefore, it is worth focusing on creating a high-quality portfolio that demonstrates your skills and experience.

The Specifics of the Unity Developer Profession

A Unity developer stands out among other specialists in the field of game development due to their extensive work in the visual environment of the game engine. Unlike tasks associated solely with programming, a Unity specialist is involved in setting up scenes, lighting, materials, and animation, which requires a creative approach and a deep understanding of the visual aspects of the game. These skills allow you to create engaging and aesthetically pleasing game projects, making a Unity developer an important link in the game development team.

There are specialized roles, such as a VFX artist, who develop visual effects in various engines and then import them into Unity for finalization. Some professionals create 3D objects and sprites from scratch using programs like Photoshop and After Effects. This allows for a high degree of detail and quality in visual components for games and multimedia projects. It's important to note that integrating these elements into Unity requires knowledge of its tools and graphics features. Level designers specialize in Unity, where they handle the placement of game elements, mechanics testing, and the overall structure of levels. Game designers, in turn, must have a deep knowledge of game mechanics and be able to create prototypes using Unity tools. Effective collaboration between level designers and game designers is key to successful game development, as it enables the creation of engaging and balanced gameplay. Proper use of Unity's capabilities significantly simplifies the implementation of ideas and speeds up the development process.

A Variety of Opportunities for Unity Developers

Working in Unity extends beyond game development to many other areas. In particular, the television industry is in demand for specialists who create interactive elements and visualize data for broadcast. This improves the quality of content and interaction with the audience, opening up new horizons for creative solutions. Developers with Unity skills can find interesting openings in projects such as virtual studio creation, augmented reality implementation, and interactive graphics, making them highly sought-after specialists.

In large studios, developers can spend up to 90% of their time writing code, creating frameworks, and optimizing existing solutions. This emphasizes the importance of technical skills in the development process. The ability to effectively code and develop tools is key to the successful completion of projects. In a highly competitive environment, it is important not only to create new solutions but also to improve and adapt existing ones, which requires deep knowledge and experience in programming.

Using Unity in the Film Industry

Unity is widely used in the film industry. For example, in The Jungle Book, the director used Unity's capabilities to render scenes in real time. This emphasizes the engine's flexibility and its ability to adapt to various industries, including film. Using Unity in filmmaking opens up new horizons for creating visually stunning and technologically advanced projects.

Unity offers a wide range of tools, and it is up to the developer to effectively use them to achieve their goals. The engine's capabilities allow for the creation of a wide variety of projects, from games to interactive applications. The key to success lies in the ability to adapt these tools to specific tasks and preferences, opening up new horizons for creativity and innovation.

Quickstarter: Q&A About Favorite Games

My first experience in the gaming industry was a real revelation. This unique immersion in the world of video games opened up a multitude of opportunities and perspectives for me. I realized the importance of gaming culture and how it impacts society. Along the way, I was introduced to various aspects of game development, including game design, programming, and art direction. This experience not only expanded my knowledge but also strengthened my passion for creating high-quality gaming content. Working in a team of professionals, I realized that every game is more than just entertainment, but a complex project that requires creativity and an innovative approach.

"Age of Empires" and its sequel, "Heroes," have been my favorite strategy games since childhood. I spent hours immersed in the world of "Age of Empires," where I felt like a true ruler. These games not only entertained me but also developed my strategic thinking, allowing me to build my empires and manage resources. The unique atmosphere and deep gameplay make these strategies classics of the genre, and I continue to enjoy them, discovering new tactics and approaches to the game.

There are many books on game development that can help both beginners and experienced developers. Here are some of the most recommended:

"A Game for a Million" is a book that introduces the basics of game creation and helps you understand what makes a game successful.

The Art of the Game is an in-depth analysis of game mechanics and design that offers new perspectives on development.

The Rules of the Game is a book that examines design principles and offers unique approaches to creating engaging game experiences.

Games People Play is a book that explores player psychology and behavior, which can be useful for creating more engaging games.

The Code of the Game is a programmer's guide that covers key aspects of game development, including optimization and project architecture.

Each of these books offers valuable knowledge and practical advice to help you deepen your understanding of game design and development.

I recommend checking out Jesse Schell's Game Design: How to Create Games Everyone Will Play. It is a must-read for anyone interested in game development. You should also check out Blood, Sweat, and Pixels and Masters of Doom. These books are inspiring, demonstrating the journey of creating legendary games from nothing. They not only tell the story of the development process but also provide valuable insight into the challenges and successes faced by developers. Reading these works will help you better understand the industry and motivate you to create your own game projects.

Currently, I am actively playing video games. This exciting activity allows me to immerse myself in new worlds and experience various game mechanics. I choose games that offer interesting stories and exciting gameplay. Games become not only a means of entertainment but also an opportunity to develop strategic thinking and creative skills. Every time I launch a game, I discover new challenges and emotions.

Lately, I have been actively playing GARAGE, a shooter from talented indie developers, which I bought several years ago to support their work. This project offers a unique gaming experience and engaging gameplay. I also periodically return to the classic Heroes III, playing it online. I also don't forget about Assassin's Creed Syndicate, which continues to amaze me with its story and atmosphere.

Which game evoked the most emotions for you last year? Every year, the world of video games introduces new, exciting projects that can leave a strong impression. Many players find themselves in stories, immersed in engaging gameplay, and experiencing memorable moments. Given the diversity of genres and styles, each game can be a source of unique emotions. Share your thoughts on which game was a personal discovery for you and why it left such a strong imprint on your memory.

The Banner Saga is definitely the best game on my list. All three parts of this series impress with their depth, well-developed characters, and captivating plots. I also recommend checking out Manifold Garden—a unique game that attracts attention with its amazing graphics and original gameplay. Both games offer unforgettable experiences and can captivate you for a long time.

Which project are you most interested in?

I'm looking forward to the release of Cyberpunk 2077. I wonder if CD Projekt can change the rules of the gaming industry again. Among domestic projects on the near horizon, Hellblade II and Dying Light 2 also stand out, promising an impressive gaming experience and innovative mechanics.

Would you prefer a bike ride or an online intensive? A bike ride provides an active outdoor recreation and the opportunity to enjoy nature, which is especially relevant for those who enjoy physical activity. On the other hand, an online intensive offers flexibility and access to knowledge from the comfort of your home. Both options have their advantages, and the choice depends on your goals and mood. A bike ride is suitable for those who want to improve their physical fitness, and an online intensive course will be useful for those who want to develop skills and gain new knowledge.

I prefer cycling, as cycling is my true passion. I have cycled all over Georgia, enjoying the beautiful scenery and fresh air. Cycling not only improves health but also allows you to explore new places, making it an ideal form of active recreation.

The best game of all time is a matter of much debate among gamers. Each player has their own preferences based on personal experience and genre preferences. Some consider classic games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or Super Mario Bros. to be the benchmark for gaming art thanks to their innovative mechanics and memorable characters. Others prefer modern titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or The Last of Us, which impress with their storytelling depth and graphical excellence.

It's important to note that the best game can depend on the cultural context and time period. Technology and player expectations change over the years, which also influences how games are perceived. Ultimately, the best game is the one that leaves an indelible mark on players, inspires new achievements, and creates a unique experience.

This question is always controversial, but for me, Heroes III remains the undisputed favorite. It left a noticeable mark on my gaming experience and continues to inspire players around the world. Heroes III offers unique gameplay, strategic elements, and a rich world that captures the imagination. This game has become a classic of the genre and remains relevant to this day thanks to its depth and diversity.