High School

An interest in playing video games is obviously a requirement, but producers need to know a lot more about the technical side of game development and testing. Create a good foundation by taking math and computer science classes while in high school. Art classes are also useful to stimulate and develop your creative sensibilities, such as illustration—both by hand and with computer drawing tools.

Postsecondary Training

Most larger game developers require producers as well as programmers, testers, and other entry-level workers to have a college degree. A bachelors degree in computer science with an emphasis in programming, game design, or Web design is preferred, though many enter the industry with business degrees that can come in handy when dealing with clients, balancing the budget, and developing a strong business plan.

Other Education or Training

The International Game Developers Association offers webinars for new members on a variety of game-related topics, as well as workshops at industry events. Women in Games International and other software and computer associations also provide continuing education opportunities.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for video game producers.

Having a bachelors degree can help get you in the door of the larger companies, but experience is what really counts in the gaming industry. Several years of experience as an assistant to a producer, as an art director, or in other management positions are required to become a video game producer. 

The job of producer includes much administrative work, so producers should have working knowledge of basic commercial software, such as Microsoft Office programs and FileMaker Pro. Familiarity with industry software used in game development is also often a requirement, since producers are heavily in the mix of designers, programmers, and testers.

Higher-level producers such as executive producers will need many years of experience managing teams of workers. Communication and mediating skills are a must in this job, as producers are often forced to solve problems among staff members and make decisions based on varying opinions and priorities, such as those of the developer and those of the client.