4 answers
Brayden
Student
Logan, Ohio
1
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What career would allow me to build computers specifically for gaming
#career #career-choice
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Brayden historically, a computer technology or related degree has not always been required to work as a computer game designer; as the industry becomes more competitive, however, those with formal training may find more opportunities in the job market. Certificate programs are popular and usually take a year or less to complete. In a certificate program, you should expect coursework to cover topics such as C++ programming, game mathematics and storyboard development. Those seeking an associate degree may also study computer-aided drafting and design (CADD), computer animation and creative writing in addition to basic computer science. If you're interested in the programming aspect of game design, becoming a computer programmer is a career that may be the right fit. Programmers create the code for computer systems, applications, software and engineering projects. To find employment in the field, a bachelor's degree with a computer related major is usually required.
Many computer game designers admit they began their careers as avid gamers who were looking for a way to make money doing what they loved, playing computer games. Interest and experience in gaming is a must. Artistic and technological ability, a desire to collaborate with other professionals and imagination are all necessary skills to be successful. In a game design program, students typically learn to design, strategize, program and produce video games. Game design includes a fair amount of computer programming classes, and students study a wide variety of additional subjects (art, sound, strategy, logic, etc.) and graduate with the unique skill set necessary to create video games. Along the way, they pick up computer programming skills that they could apply to work as full-time programmers if they desire a career change. However, because they focus their studies on a wide range of topics, their computer programming skills may not be quite as deep as a student with a degree in computer science.
Game designers work in small teams to design, develop and program video games. Computer programmers are professionals with a deep understanding of computer systems who can apply programming skills in a variety of fields. Computer programmers can work in a game design team; however, they do not necessarily have the design and strategy skills necessary to be a part of the leadership. In contrast, game designers learn basic programming skills they can use to break into a computer programming career. Although there is a lot of shared knowledge between these careers, they are distinct. The degree you focus on should depend on your unique skill set and desired career trajectory Brayden.
Participating in an internship is also desired. A game programmer needs to be familiar with computer hardware, have good problem solving skills and above average listening skills.
Most employers prefer game programmers who possess a bachelor's degree and have relevant experience to the specific job. Some employers may require only an associate degree if the applicant has demonstrated competency and knowledge in programming.
Many computer game designers admit they began their careers as avid gamers who were looking for a way to make money doing what they loved, playing computer games. Interest and experience in gaming is a must. Artistic and technological ability, a desire to collaborate with other professionals and imagination are all necessary skills to be successful. In a game design program, students typically learn to design, strategize, program and produce video games. Game design includes a fair amount of computer programming classes, and students study a wide variety of additional subjects (art, sound, strategy, logic, etc.) and graduate with the unique skill set necessary to create video games. Along the way, they pick up computer programming skills that they could apply to work as full-time programmers if they desire a career change. However, because they focus their studies on a wide range of topics, their computer programming skills may not be quite as deep as a student with a degree in computer science.
Game designers work in small teams to design, develop and program video games. Computer programmers are professionals with a deep understanding of computer systems who can apply programming skills in a variety of fields. Computer programmers can work in a game design team; however, they do not necessarily have the design and strategy skills necessary to be a part of the leadership. In contrast, game designers learn basic programming skills they can use to break into a computer programming career. Although there is a lot of shared knowledge between these careers, they are distinct. The degree you focus on should depend on your unique skill set and desired career trajectory Brayden.
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Thank you Dexter for your continued support. What get by achieving our goals is not as important as what we become by achieving our goals.
Doc Frick
I'm currently looking for colleges for computer engineering still not sure where I should go but I did find this very useful thank you so much.
Brayden
While many schools offer computer programming degree programs and programs in specific areas of computer engineering, such as computer network engineering degree programs, there are also many bachelor's degree programs in general computer engineering available, as well. Good Luck Brayden
Doc Frick
Frank Wilson
Teller
22
Answers
Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Hello Brayden,
If you have interest in building PC and Laptops with the purpose of gaming, the best bet will be going into the private sector since as others have mentioned when it comes to the actual building of PCs and other devices are largely done overseas but that does not mean that there is not a market for Custom PC Builds. I have a friend who has started her own business that started as a side project for her art projects and it became her primary business over time as word of mouth and her social media presence got larger and larger. It will take some time but if this is something that you want to do it will not hurt to do it as a job on the side since as I said there is always an appreciation for great working gaming PC especially if you can customize it. I say this as a gamer myself.
If you have interest in building PC and Laptops with the purpose of gaming, the best bet will be going into the private sector since as others have mentioned when it comes to the actual building of PCs and other devices are largely done overseas but that does not mean that there is not a market for Custom PC Builds. I have a friend who has started her own business that started as a side project for her art projects and it became her primary business over time as word of mouth and her social media presence got larger and larger. It will take some time but if this is something that you want to do it will not hurt to do it as a job on the side since as I said there is always an appreciation for great working gaming PC especially if you can customize it. I say this as a gamer myself.
Heather Zyjewski
Human Resources
1
Answer
Miramar, Florida
Updated
Heather’s Answer
Computer companies such as Dell would be a good place to start. Another option would be to start your own business building for private customers.
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
476
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Build computers (laptops, desktops) is done by very few companies since most of the laptops, desktops manufacturing is done in China and other countries.
However, if you like building computers, there are companies that make specialized hardware for cloud computing servers, and appliances such as Ring Doorbell, Nest Thermostat, and others. Internet of Things (IoT) is growing leaps and bounds and you cannot go wrong.
First, you need to acquire Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering degrees to work for Google, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Intel, and others.
Wish you all the best.
However, if you like building computers, there are companies that make specialized hardware for cloud computing servers, and appliances such as Ring Doorbell, Nest Thermostat, and others. Internet of Things (IoT) is growing leaps and bounds and you cannot go wrong.
First, you need to acquire Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering degrees to work for Google, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Intel, and others.
Wish you all the best.