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.
About the author:
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 you joining our newsletters valued a
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