skills you need to be a video game developer
DESCRIPTION
Want to go from playing video games to creating them yourself? This post from Minnesota School of Business runs down some of the skills you'll need to become a video game developer.TRANSCRIPT
Skill: Love Video Games
What it is: So this is more of a
passion than a skill, but if you want to get a job as a video game designer, you have to love playing video games.
Skill: Love Video Games
Why you need it: Hiring managers want to
know that you’re big into the world of gaming—knowing about the latest games, consoles, trends and what constitutes a good video game.
Sources:http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2000/Summer/art01.pdfhttp://www.adigitaldreamer.com/articles/becomeavideogamedesigner.htmhttp://www.itcareerfinder.com/it-careers/video-game-designer.html
Skill: Technical Aptitude
What it is: Playing video games and
designing them are wholly different things. You’ll want to get some schooling (a degree is a good start toward finding a job) and have an interest in math, software and computer languages.
Skill: Technical Aptitude
Why you need it: This is the backbone of game
development. Creating a video game is more than coming up with ideas, characters and storylines—it takes plenty of code writing and programming.
Sources:http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2011/fall/art01.pdf
Skill: Problem Solving
What it is: There are many components
that go into video game creation, and they don’t always go smoothly. The ability to overcome challenges, obstacles and unforeseen issues is a key attribute for a video game developer.
Skill: Problem Solving
Why you need it: In a word: bugs. No video
game is without a glitch or two, and problems are common at every stage of development. To become a successful video game developer, you need to be flexible and have a knack for solving puzzles.
Sources:http://work.chron.com/qualifications-video-game-designer-5484.htmlhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100726114353AAfJoRP
Skill: Time Management
What it is: Staying on top of things and
prioritizing tasks is vital in any profession, but more so in video game development, a field that moves fast and often requires long hours.
Skill: Time Management
Why you need it: The video game industry
works at a fast pace. Development teams are often faced with hard deadlines and many unknowns as a product is being created.
Sources:http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-10-23-game-devs-when-does-crunch-cross-the-linehttp://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2011/fall/art01.pdfhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_development#CITEREFBethke2003
Skill: Creativity
What it is: When it comes to crafting a
new video game, creativity means more than inventing characters, stories and cool explosions. Creativity also means overcoming technical hurdles and finding solutions to bugs or issues with gameplay.
Skill: Creativity Why you need it: Video game development
blends technical know-how and creativity. Having a nimble mind in both aspects of game creation is an important attribute. Developing new ideas and coming up with ways to capture consumers’ attention is critical.
Sources:http://www.itcareerfinder.com/it-careers/video-game-designer.html
Skill: Communication
What it is: As a new video game is being
created, the development team works together to define problems and find solutions.
Skill: Communication
Why you need it: Game development is a
collaborative process, involving designers, programmers and artists. A team needs to be able to communicate ideas, challenges and pitfalls as the work progresses.
Sources:http://www.itcareerfinder.com/it-careers/video-game-designer.htmlhttp://www.gamedegree.com/careers_skills.asp
Want to Find Out More?
For more information about Minnesota School of Business’ game and application development program, call 1-877-655-7676 or contact admissions.