A job as a software developer can be as varied as writing programs to make a computer run, developing software for scientific research, or designing the next big video game. If you love to play video games you might want to consider becoming a video game designer. Most game designers have at least a bachelor degree in design and programming. There are several schools that offer video game design through on campus and online programs. One of the perks of this job is you spend many hours playing already existing games in the name of research. You not only get paid to develop new games, but to get ideas from some of the most popular games available.
Gaming School
Typical Courses
Before you can develop the next big game, you’ll need to get an education. A heavy emphasis on design and programming will be your main courses. Some of these include:
- Game and simulation programming
- Game software development
- Computer animation
- Robotics
- Graphic programming
- 3D engine architecture
- Terrain rendering
- Special effects programming
This is just a small sampling of the courses you’ll be required to master. To create realistic characters and landscapes you have to have the ability to imagine them and then take your ideas and transfer them into a game platform. This could be one of the most important skills you will need as a video game developer.
Screenshot from Halo 3
Job Prospects
Video games used to be the fodder of kids and nerds. Today people of all ages and walks of life enjoy playing video games online and on gaming platforms like the Wii. The development and popularity of iPads and Smartphones has fueled the need for games to fit onto smaller screens, yet give gamers an enjoyable experience. The video game industry is showing no signs of slowing down, so job prospects for talented video game designers are many. You can work from home or any part of the world. You will usually work on a team to develop games which includes programmers, developers, artists, and producers.
If you eat and sleep video games, hear theme songs in your sleep, and think of how you could improve a game as you play it, a career as a video game designer could be for you.
