Games Development focuses on the technical and creative foundation of the development of ubiquitous gaming programs or apps. It is a field of study that deals with the technology and tools necessary to develop and program single and multiplayer video games for personal computers, gaming consoles, and networks.
If you are a graphic artist, programmer, or a gaming enthusiast and wish to specialize in this field of study, a Games Development degree is precisely what you need. Read on for more information about the course, possible career paths and specializations.
Games Development degree programs cover practical foundations of digital game design. The programs typically involve the study of game design processes, gaming technologies, level designs, animation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In this program, you can expect to learn how to program games using traditional software design and coding to the latest techniques used within AI and graphics. Moreover, due to the nature of the processes involved in game development, this course greatly overlaps with computer science among other areas such as computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and interaction design.
Pursuing a degree in this field will enable students to create software, develop quality graphics, interactive and narrative designs as well as the fundamental skills to develop virtual reality systems. Moreover, you’ll learn about all the elements of a game such as characters, setting, structure, rules, objects, story elements, and more. Additionally, students will be introduced into the creative theories revolving around successful game development as well as coding, illustration, scripting, mathematics and design concepts. Generally, students can expect to learn the fundamentals of game development from the initial ideas to marketing the final product.
However, at the bachelor’s degree level, game development may or may not be offered as a separate major but as a combination of another degree such as a computer science program. Find the best universities for games development degrees here.
Typically, to enroll in a Games development degree program, you’ll require a high school diploma. However, some programs may require prior graphic design and computing experience or knowledge. Additionally, applicants should have a strong background in Mathematics and Physics.
Additional capabilities and software knowledge in programming, programmer’s text editor, video and audio recording, among others depending on course requirements based on the institution will be required. Examples of the software programs that you’ll interact with most in this course include 3-D Graphics and Animation, Virtual Reality, Android, iOS, integrated development environment software (IDE), among others.
Not sure which specialization or program to pursue within the games development field and turn your passion into a lucrative career? Read on for more information about what options are available.
Typically, the first year of study will provide an overall outline and foundation of the different topics and course modules involved in this degree. You are most likely going to cover the following topics:
Below are some of the specializations:
Game design
In this program, the students will learn the step-by-step procedures involved in the production process es to design and develop games while studying the fundamentals of narrative design. Here you’ll learn everything about game mechanics and balancing, prototyping and more.
Game art
This program focuses on the fundamentals of interactive graphics development, including character creation, animation, in-game effects, environment and prop creation, and the game production channel.
Mobile game design
In this program, students get to explore the production processes employed in the creation of mobile gaming platforms, including level design, character sketches, narrative development, development frameworks, among others.
Animation
This program allows students to interact with various types of animation, including 2-D or 3-D, stop motion, hand-drawn and computer-generated.
Programmer
Specializing in this program will equip you with a comprehensive command of programming languages such as C and C++ as well as scripting languages such as Python, XML, Lua, among others.
Software engineering
This program equips students with software design and production techniques.
A degree in Games Development allows students to develop transferable skills which can help them venture into careers in related fields. Majoring in this program equips students with the skills, creativity and knowledge to work in various computing and information technology fields or the vast gaming and multimedia industries. Some of your career options include:
Graphic designers generally create logos, website layouts, printed pages, and other images by combining technology and art to convey ideas about a particular brand. They also provide clients with recommendations and advice on how to reach their target audience using visual marketing or advertising techniques and campaigns.
2. Multimedia Programmer
Multimedia programmers design and create multimedia computer products that incorporate text with images, sound, graphics, video clips, animations, virtual reality, and other forms of media. Generally, these professionals develop products to be used on a variety of platforms including computer games, mobile phones, DVDs, and online channels.
3. Computer Systems Analyst
This line of work involves the assessment of an organization’s computer system, its procedures, and design information systems to help the organization run more proficiently and successfully. They integrate new technology into already existing ones by conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine the viability of the entity.
4. Software Developer
Software developers are generally responsible for creating applications or systems that run on computers or other electronic devices. They design, write and test code for new applications and software to ensure they work effectively.
5. Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and information systems managers are responsible for planning, directing and overseeing computer-related activities of an organization. They analyze the cost and benefits of a project as well as justify the expenses to senior management.
6. Computer Programmer
Computer programmers develop code for operating systems and software applications. They write codes that transform computer programs into a set of instructions, test the program and make necessary changes to the code until the program is error-free.
7. Computer Support Specialist
Computer support specialist offer assistance to users who are facing software related programs on their computers or other peripheral devices such as scanners. In this career, you can either provide help to companies’ clients or offer in-house support to a company’s IT staff.
8. Software Engineer
Software engineers are responsible for creating information systems by designing, developing and installing software solutions. They create, manage, audit, and improve software systems to meet the needs of an organization.
9. Game Designer
Game designers are responsible for bringing video games to life. They are responsible for coming up with ideas, building prototypes, creating interactive narration and developing the game’s mechanics. They develop games for a variety of platforms including, virtual and augmented reality, mobile devices, computers, gaming consoles, among others.
10. Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity analyst ensures an organization’s data, computers, network or programmes are protected by using a range of technologies and procedures that inhibit, detect and manage cyber threats. They evaluate, plan and enact security measures. To do this, they simulate attacks to determine
potential security breaches, test new software to ensure the organization’s data is protected and assisting users in complying with the new regulations and processes to promote a secure network.
11. Games Developer
Game developers are responsible for the creation and development of games for a variety of platforms including personal computers, social/online platforms, consoles, arcade games, among other handheld devices. Typically, companies producing console games hire game developers as programmers. Their programming duties usually revolve around networking, graphic, engine, artificial intelligence, engine, toolchain and so on.
12. Database Administrator
Database administrators are responsible for ensuring the performance, security and integrity of computerized databases are intact. They plan security measures, backup systems in cases of power shortages and disasters, monitor performance and identify when action is needed to ensure the database is secure from unauthorized access.
13. Animator
Animators are responsible for creating multiple images called frames and then sequencing them to create animations. They may use computer-generated animations to generate motion pictures for films, televisions, computer games, or the internet.
14. VFX Artist
VFX artists create digitally-generated imagery using the latest technology to develop creatures, stunt doubles or crowds which are then featured in films, television, console gaming and online. They ensure these images or effects are photo-real to convince the viewers that what they are seeing is real.
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