First and foremost, of course, is the job of creating video games themselves. The facts are these: the video game industry has surpassed movies in terms of the dollar value generated. Amazing! Not only is this industry continuing to expand, but it also appears to be relatively recession proof. What does it take to have a career in video game creation? First, you need to understand that there is not just one kind of video game job out there, but many. It takes a team of people with multiple talents to pull off the creation of an exciting new game.
Simulation Engineer
Just as the job of the video game designer and programmer is to make a convincing virtual world, there is a "real life" application of this for a number of industries- simulations. At one college they talked about how some students were using electrical impulses from the heart to render 3 dimensional images of the heart in real time to help doctors examine what could be wrong. At RPI they are working on creating a simulation of a surgical procedure for doctors to get practice before they cut someone open! Beyond medical applications, simulations are gaining ground in aerospace, automotive engineering, and many other industries. Of course, the military has been interested in simulation for a very long time. Some of the college video game degree programs are recognizing this trend and have added "simulation" into the title of their program (for example, Daniel Webster Colleges' "Gaming, Simulation and Robotics" BS degree or the University of Baltimore's "Simulation and Digital Entertainment" degree). Scientists, engineers, defense planners and educators all use simulation to facilitate their jobs.
Many universities and other colleges are offering classes in video game design and 3d graphics programming. Companies that are targeting the gaming industry are always looking for talented developers and designers.
ReplyDeleteAs part of that curriculum, it is essential to the school you select offers the latest technology and tools to set yourself apart from others who are vying for the same positions. The list below should be part of the program you are considering.
1. 3d Graphics development – A critical component to designing realistic effects and scenery 3d graphics are essential in bring the realistic content to the screen. You will need to understand how to draw geometric content and the use of lighting and shade effects. Mastering the look of water, glass or distant structures in the far background will be key to your training
2. Understanding Math principles and Physical properties will be important to providing realistic use of characters and their tools. These two areas will allow you to build compelling, believable animation and simulated movement.
3. Artificial Intelligence Programming is used to allow the characters to develop lifelike decision making capabilities and intelligent choices in a variety of situations. AI is crucial to character development and creating realistic scenarios that take the gamer in to various areas and situations as they delve into the many levels of your design.
Gravity Gardener
http://gravitygarden.com/video-games-for-money/video-game-design-college.html