Video Game Development
What does the Video Game Development Industry do?
What’s it like to work at a Video Game Development Company?
What kinds of jobs are there in the Video Game Development Industry?
How likely is it that a person will be able to find a job in this industry in the Tech Valley Region in the next three to five years?
What does the Video Game Development Industry do?
Video Game Development is an interdisciplinary field. It involves programmers who specialize in various areas (computer graphics, physics, artificial intelligence, networking/online, user interface, as well as artists, animators, designers/writers, individuals with a background in cognitive science/psychology, producers/project managers, and musicians.
Playing video games and/or watching movies are viewed by some as an alternative to more expensive activities or vacations. With less money to spend, people are more selective about what they buy. The video game industry is a hit-driven business. A game that is not a top offering with high quality marks is much less likely to be bought by consumers.
The industry is changing as technology changes. Gaming has moved into the social media market, with online components or connectivity to programs such as Facebook. Hardware is constantly changing, and mobile games for phones and other portable devices are growing in popularity and capability.
Someone who prepares for a job in this industry would also be well prepared for the following sectors:
- Web design/programming
- Computer Animation
- Special Effect (FX)
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What’s it like to work at a Video Game Development Company?
Employees spend most of their time working at a computer, but in an interactive setting with consultation between team members and with other teams is common.The work space can be separate offices or a more open team room with space where many artists, engineers and designers work on their own computers and easily interact. Larger meeting spaces allow several groups to work together.
Musicians and audio designers often work in separate rooms so they don’t disturb the rest of the team, but there is frequent consultation with the team.
Work is generally done on weekdays, but occasional weekend or evening work is needed when deadlines approach. Some companies routinely have long days, others only under deadline.
Most work environments are creative, informal and relaxed, but the work is intense and requires much focus and hard work.
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What kinds of jobs are there in the Video Game Development Industry?
Software Engineer
Minimum Education - Specialized 4-year college degree in a game-related or software engineering concentration area
Starting Salary - $50,000 per year
Higher levels in the same title - $90,000 per year
Artist/Animator
Minimum Education - Specialized 4-year college degree in game-related art or animation
Starting Salary - $45,000 per year
Higher levels in the same title - $85,000 per year
Game Designer
Minimum Education - Specialized 4-year college degree in game design
Starting Salary - $40,000 per year
Higher levels in the same title - $100,000 per year
Audio Designer
Minimum Education - Specialized 4-year college degree in technical audio production
Starting Salary - $40,000 per year
Higher levels in the same title - $75,000 per year
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How likely is it that a person will be able to find a job in this industry in the Tech Valley Region in the next three to five years?
Tech Valley Companies that are part of the Nanoscale Manufacturing sector include:
Vicarious Visions
First Playable Productions
Agora Games
For additional resources and information regarding the Video Game Development Industry, click here.
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