From PC Gamer to Web Developer: My Journey into Tech and Web Development

Growing up, I spent countless hours immersed in the world of PC games. From classic titles to intense multiplayer sessions, gaming wasn't just a hobby—it was my escape, my challenge, and my inspiration. Little did I know that this passion would lay the foundation for my career in IT and web development.

Many people start their tech journey in unexpected ways. For some, it's a formal computer science degree; for others, like me, it's the curiosity sparked by video games that leads to learning HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and beyond.

The Early Days: Falling in Love with PC Games

As a kid, I was obsessed with PC gaming. Whether it was strategy games requiring careful planning or fast-paced action titles demanding quick reflexes, I loved how interactive and creative digital worlds could be. Modding games, tweaking settings, and exploring custom maps ignited my first spark of interest in how things worked behind the scenes.

Games taught me problem-solving, persistence, and logical thinking—skills that are essential for any beginner web developer. If you've ever wondered how to get started in web development, know that passions like gaming can be a powerful gateway into tech careers.

The Turning Point: Junior College and Discovering Web Development

Everything changed in 11th standard during junior college. While many classmates focused on traditional subjects, I stumbled upon web development. Seeing simple HTML code turn into interactive webpages felt magical—like creating my own digital games, but on the open web.

I was fascinated by how websites worked: the front-end design with CSS, the interactivity with JavaScript, and the potential to build something anyone in the world could access. This was my "whoa" moment. Web development combined creativity and logic in a way that gaming had prepared me for.

If you're searching for "how I started in web development" or "career change to tech from non-tech background," my story might resonate. No prior coding experience? No problem—curiosity is the best starting point.

First Steps into Coding

I began with the basics:

HTML: Structuring content like building the skeleton of a game level.
CSS: Styling and making things beautiful, similar to customizing game characters.
JavaScript: Adding interactivity, which felt like scripting game events.

Free resources like W3Schools, MDN Web Docs, and YouTube tutorials were my go-to. I built small projects—a personal portfolio, a simple e-commerce website (static), and even a fan site for my favorite PC games.

Those early projects played a huge role in my learning journey. I discovered responsive design, browser compatibility, and the excitement of seeing my code actually work. Back then, I thought this was the entirety of development—turns out, that was just the beginning.

Overcoming Challenges as a Beginner

Like any tech journey, mine had hurdles:

Debugging frustrating errors (hello, console.log!).
Keeping up with rapidly evolving tools and frameworks.
Balancing studies with self-learning.

Still, persistence made all the difference. Communities like Reddit’s r/webdev and Stack Overflow helped me find answers and stay motivated. And of course, one of the most helpful tools—yes, you guessed it—ChatGPT. Countless developers have taken the self-taught route, proving that a non-traditional path into IT truly works.

Where I Am Now and Advice for Aspiring Developers

Today, I'm actively building Full Stack web applications, exploring modern frameworks like React and Next.js, developing robust backends and sharing my experiences through blogging, which you guys are reading right now! My gaming background still influences me—I approach problems like levels in a game, breaking them into achievable steps.

If you're inspired by stories like "my journey into tech" or wondering how to start a career in web development:

Start small: Learn HTML/CSS/JS fundamentals.
Build projects: Portfolio sites, clones of apps you love.
Learn consistently: Dedicate time daily, even 30 minutes.
Join communities: Network and ask questions.
Use AI: Do make use of AI, ask questions, try to solve/find answers.
Stay curious: Experiment with tools like Git, Tailwind CSS, React/Next.js.

Web development is one of the most accessible tech careers—no degree required, high demand, and endless opportunities for remote work or freelancing.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." – Peter Drucker

My first step into IT started with a love for PC games and blossomed in junior college. What's your story? If gaming or any hobby sparks your interest in tech, take that leap—you might just build the next big thing.

Thanks for reading my personal journey into web development. If this inspired you, share your thoughts in the comments!