Game designers play an integral role in various phases of the game development life cycle such as game design, graphics programming, game engine design, game programming and testing. The professionals typically work as software developers and utilize their technical skills and creativity to build high quality gaming software.
Game developers can be considered as programmers and creative thinkers. Besides, they possess in-depth understanding of
- Object-oriented software design methodologies
- User-oriented interface design
- Mobile application development
- Software programming languages such as HTML5, Java, .NET, Oracle, Flash and XNA
Career Prospects
The video game industry generates multi millions of dollars as revenues annually and there are no signs of slowing down. Demand for new games for mobile devices and home gaming console systems is constantly increasing. This has led to an increased demand for gaming professionals.
Despite huge demand for technology professionals, securing a job in the gaming industry can be very challenging. Employers are keen on hiring individuals who possess formal qualifications, strong knowledge of fundamentals and hands-on-experience. Critical thinking and creativity offer added advantage. The qualified professionals can find employment with mobile app development companies, software development companies, games development companies and other organisations operating in this industry. They can assume a variety of roles as
- Software developers
- Database administrators
- Software testers
- Game programmers
- Computer programmers
- Web application developers
- Business analysts
- System analysts
The job responsibilities and salaries vary widely depending upon the type of employment, job title, location of employment and individual experience.
Education Prerequisites for Becoming a Game Designer
Entering the game development industry can be very challenging. A formal education and training can lead you to the right path, making it easier for you to seek entry level positions with software development companies.
High school students considering building a career in this field should enroll themselves in a software engineering technology course. The gaming design course typically runs for three years and covers a wide range of subjects including
- Software engineering fundamentals
- Introduction to database concepts, operating systems, network technologies
- The Canadian workplace environment
- Computer programming and web application development
- Game programming
- Software testing and quality assurance
- Mathematics and statistics
- Graphics, stimulation design and emerging technologies
- Wireless programming
- Practical game design
- IT project management
Enrolling in a Game Design Program
A number of colleges in Ontario offer post-secondary game design program but Centennial College's Software Engineering Technology - Interactive Gaming (Co-op) program allows students to enhance their classroom learning by working three terms as paid employees in the field.
This gives students much required exposure of game development industry and hands-on-experience. The field experience provides students valuable contacts that can be used as references for future careers.
In order to enroll in this program, you will need:
- Secondary school diploma or university or equivalent
- English Grade 12 or University or equivalent
- Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent
Students can choose to pursue their careers in gaming industry or opt for further studies to obtain a university degree in interactive gaming development.
No comments:
Post a Comment