Make Gaming Your Fulltime Job
Make Gaming Your Fulltime Job
Do you love to play video games? A lot of people do. In fact, for many, video games are a favorite pastime. For those who truly love gaming, there are opportunities to take the passion put into recreational playing and use it to make money. That’s right. You can take a love of video games and turn it into a rewarding career in the gaming industry.
There are several career paths you can follow within the gaming industry. Interested in sound effects? Try going the audio production route. Others intrigued by the gameplay aspects of a product might choose the game design or programming fields. Artistic types might opt for a visual arts vocation, like graphic design or virtual effects. Meanwhile, anyone who wants to see the business side of gaming could become involved in production or management. Finally, even those who are inspired by literature can find a role in the gaming industry. Screenwriters for new games are vital to the production efforts. Each of these fields has its benefits, and each requires its own special training.
Education is vital for a career in the gaming industry. While many degrees can earn you entrance into this field, there are several degree programs that specifically target gamers. Currently, more than fifty institutions in the United States alone have degrees in game development related fields. This does not include specialty institutions, which specifically train students in game industry fields. These may not provide you with a bachelor’s degree upon graduation. However, they provide excellent training and career training certification, which can earn you an entry-level gaming position.
A bachelor’s degree in Game Simulation and Programming is a great way to get yourself started in the gaming industry. The curriculum of this program includes 3-D animation, software development, graphic design, and more. However, since this is a relatively new degree, you may not be able to find it at your local institution. If you prefer, check online at www.accredited-online-colleges.com for a list of online programs offering this degree.
Education is only half the battle of earning a spot in the gaming industry. The other half is experience. At the college level, you can gain experience by joining an extracurricular gaming club. These groups are quite popular and often participate in contests and other activities. Internships and part-time jobs are also quality endeavors. These may be unpaid, but they will help you get your foot in the industry door. Even as a student, attending specialty workshops is a great career decision. These show your dedication and help you gain additional knowledge.
Of course, pay varies widely in the gaming industry. On the low end of the scale are those who work in specialized divisions like visual arts and audio. The higher paying positions can be found in the development and production fields. Naturally, the best-paying positions come with experience and the leadership roles you undertake.
The best part of getting a job in the gaming industry is its potential for growth. Gaming is a multi-billion dollar industry and its profits are expected to increase in the coming years. In fact, it is the fastest growing segment of the broader entertainment industry. So, if you love games, a career in one of the many gaming fields may be the perfect job for you.
About the Author:
Justin Mongiardo
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Make Gaming Your Fulltime Job