Learning and Development Specialist

A Learning and Development Specialist creates and implements training programs in the gaming industry. They are responsible for designing and delivering educational materials and resources that enhance the skills and knowledge of the development team. Their primary focus is to foster continuous learning and growth among Programmers, Designers, Artists and other team members.

 

The role of a Learning and Development Specialist entails several key responsibilities. Collaboration is important to assess the training needs of the development team and identify areas for improvement. Based on these assessments, a Learning and Development Specialist develops and implements tailored training programs, workshops and seminars that address specific skill gaps and promote best practices in game development. They also utilize a variety of instructional methods, such as e-learning modules, hands-on workshops and group discussions, to effectively engage and educate participants. Additionally, they monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training initiatives, gathering feedback from participants and making necessary adjustments to optimize the learning experience.

Tools

Moodle

Adobe Captivate

Adobe Premiere Pro

Oculus VR

Trello

Bunchball Nitro

Google Analytics

Slack

Degreed

COLLABORATION WITH OTHER TEAMS:

A Learning and Development Specialist plays a crucial role in the gaming industry by designing and implementing training programs for employees. They focus on developing the skills and knowledge of individuals involved in various aspects of game development. They closely collaborate with Game Designers, Programmers, Artists and other professionals to identify training needs and create effective learning solutions. For example, they may design workshops or online courses to enhance technical skills such as coding or design, as well as soft skills, like teamwork and communication.

 

Additionally, a Learning and Development Specialist can contribute to overall improvements in game quality and user experience. By assessing the training needs of Customer Support teams, they can devise programs to enhance their ability to effectively address player inquiries. They may collaborate with Game Testers and quality assurance professionals to develop training modules that improve bug identification and reporting, leading to better final products. By promoting continuous learning and skill development in the gaming industry, a Learning and Development Specialist helps foster a culture of innovation and excellence, benefiting both developers and players in the end.

Skills

Depending on seniority, this position is expected to be able to master, do and deliver the following:

Hard skills

  • Instructional design
    • Analyzes training needs, sets learning objectives, designs effective training materials and selects appropriate teaching methods.
  • Knowledge of the gaming industry
    • Is familiar with various game genres, gaming platforms, industry trends, game development processes and quality assurance.
  • Technical skills
    • Creates and engages training materials, monitors progress and evaluates training programs, designs visually appealing and interactive content.

Soft skills

  • Communication
    • Communicates to understand developers’ needs and training requirements, is capable of conveying complex concepts concisely.
  • Adaptability
    • Is adaptable and flexible in approach to training, quick to learn in order to design relevant and up-to-date training programs.
  • Collaboration
    • Collaborates and builds positive relationships with colleagues, gathers necessary information and insights for designing effective training programs.

Seniority

Depending on seniority, this position is expected to be able to master, do and deliver the following:

Junior

  • Conducts needs analysis, gathers information to identify training needs, conducts surveys and interviews, assesses skill gaps.
  • Contributes to the development of curriculum, designs learning objectives, training materials, structures course content, organizes information logically and coherently.
  • Effectively delivers training sessions, facilitates workshops, develops e-learning modules, possesses good presentation skills and adapts style to different skill levels.
  • Is able to assess training programs and provide feedback, evaluates the impact of training on job performance, analyzes feedback and various evaluation methods.

Medior

  • Understands instructional design principles, capable of designing and developing comprehensive training programs, conducts thorough needs assessments.
  • Builds and maintains positive relationships, effectively communicates to understand training requirements and aligns training initiatives with company goals.
  • Utilizes learning management systems (LMS), authoring tools, virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) and other innovative technologies to enhance learning.
  • Is skilled in assessing and improving effective training programs, analyzes training data and evaluation results, conducts post-training evaluation and gathers feedback.

Senior

  • Strategically thinks, is capable of developing and implementing learning strategies aligned with company goals, creates long-term training plans, oversees their implementation.
  • Provides guidance, feedback, support and mentorship to others, shares knowledge and expertise, fosters a culture of continuous learning and development within the team.
  • Aligns educational initiatives with business needs, ensures that training programs are seamlessly integrated into the broader organizational context.
  • Stays updated with trends, research and technologies for learning and development in the gaming industry, explores and integrates innovative learning methods.
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST // BIZ SUPPORT //
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST // BIZ SUPPORT //

EDUCATION:

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the gaming industry, consider an education that combines business fundamentals with a focus on video games and entertainment. A degree in business administration, marketing, entrepreneurship, or management with courses related to the gaming industry can provide you with an excellent foundation. Look for programs that cover topics such as strategic management, digital marketing, financial analysis, and business development, especially in the context of the video game market. Understanding the unique dynamics within the industry, including market trends, player behavior and monetization models, is critical to success in gaming business roles.

 

In addition to formal education, gaining practical experience through internships, networking and engagement in the industry is also important. Seek opportunities to work with companies to gain first-hand insight into business operations and industry-specific strategies. Participating in events, conferences and trade shows can also help you make connections and stay informed about industry developments. Developing analytical and communication skills as well as problem-solving skills will be a valuable asset in pursuing a career in this field.

Resources

Books

  • “Design for How People Learn” – Julie Dirksen
  • “The Gamification of Learning and Instruction” – Karl M. Kapp
  • “Telling Ain’t Training” – Harold D. Stolovitch, Erica J. Keeps
  • “E-Learning by Design” – William Horton
  • “The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses” – Jesse Schell

Individuals

  • Jane Bozarth (@JaneBozarth)
  • Connie Malamed (@elearningcoach)
  • Karl Kapp (@kkapp)
  • Clark Quinn (@quinnovator)
  • Trish Uhl (@trishuhl)

What does the interview for this position look like?​

News

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LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST // BIZ SUPPORT //
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST // BIZ SUPPORT //