Do you like video games? Do you beat video games after playing once? Do
you feel like the games are too easy? Well, it sounds like you have a
passion for these things then you should go where your heart leads you.
If you at the point where you are thinking about your career, I suggest
that you do what you love to do. You should consider a different course
of action: majoring in something you TRULY enjoy... something you could
do hours on end without feeling like you are working at all. And if you
are like many people, this 'something' would be playing video games.
That's right! You can actually get a job creating and/or playing video
games. Below is a list of some of the careers available for those with
a video game degree.
1) Video Game Programmer
Gameinformer Magazine mentions that, video game programmers are the
"heart and soul" of the industry. They are the ones responsible for
creating the code necessary for getting video games to function. And
contrary to popular belief, their jobs aren't always easy. Video game
programming often involves creating complex functions and algorithms
often times more challenging than programs created in Corporate
America.
Indeed, game programming may not be the appropriate course for everyone
seeking a video game career, but if you were deciding to go into the
computer field anyway, which job would be more enjoyable... coding the
next Halo, or working on a boring, hum-drum piece of no-name software?
2) Video Game Tester
As a video game tester it is a position in which you truly would get
paid for playing video games. According to current game tester Doug D.
from Electronic Arts, he say's as a game tester you would "go over
different components of a game and look for things that just don't make
sense." You would also "break the game," meaning you would "do things a
normal user would do and accidentally see something go wrong."
Doug Powell further adds that video game testing is a good place to
start for young people who want to "break into the industry." To get
such a position in it is best to have a "passion for gaming" and some
educational background. Doug recommends a degree, or some form of
higher-level education.
3) Video Game Animator
Animators are in charge for coordinating the movement of video game
characters. Accomplishing requires more than drawing something on a
piece of paper, which according to Alex Jones, an established game
animator, occurs after a lot of "brainstorming, chilling, playing,
planning and testing" with the programmer. But when the busy work is
done, the video game animator will finally get a chance to do what he
or she does best... animate. Alex Drouin says the thing he liked best
about his job was "being able to come there late in the morning, sit
behind his computer, put on a great CD, and then create crazy animation
that will end up in a game that will be seen all around the world by
gamers." With a video game degree it is certainly possible!
4) Sound Designer
Sound designers are responsible for creating the music and sound
effects of video games. Video game music is created either from digital
sources or real-life stimulation. As video game consoles become more
advanced, many sound designers favor the latter when deciding on what
type of music they want in the games they are working on. Creating
appropriate sound effects, on the other hand, sometimes requires more
creative experimentation.
To be successful at designing video game sounds it is best to: 1) have
an interest in both music and sound, 2) possess knowledge of recording
equipment and 3) be familiar with the types of music and sound used in
today's most popular video games. A video game degree will help develop
these talents and skills.
5) Game Designer
Video game designers are responsible for creating the 'experience' of a
particular game. Charles Perry, a video game designer, sums it up by
saying "the main tasks of the designer is to make sure the game is
fun."
Wells further adds that game designers are responsible for macro and
micro level design. Macro level design involves "figuring out the core
mechanics of the game the variety of level looks, power-ups, etc."
Micro-design involves creating the "actual levels and the
moment-to-moment gameplay within those levels... the enemies, the
objects, and the particular way you encounter those enemies and
objects."
Good game designers should obviously have an interest in video games along with some drawing and programming skills.
Please visit my website at: http://www.video-game-directory.com.
Where I review the hottest new video games and cheat sheets for your
gaming pleasure! My name is Charles Edwin and I'm looking forward to
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Disclaimer: All information on this site is
provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice
provided to you by any health care or other professional or
organization.
