2 answers
Christopher
Student
Harvey, Illinois
4
Questions
Asked
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Is it really worth getting into any type of field that involves gaming in any way?
I have heard a lot of mixed feelings about the careers that involve gaming as a whole. All the way from Game Designer to Game tester. I have been told it strips the enjoyment of gaming away once you are required to do make your hobby into a job with gaming specifically . Is there some way to bridge that gap in-between the pleasure of casual gaming and the full work aspect of it behind the scenes? It is one of the few things I enjoy but I don't want that reason to be the reason as to why I hate it later on in life.
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2 answers
John Everson
Software Engineering Manager at Visual Concepts
14
Answers
Austin, TX
Updated
John’s Answer
Game dev here. There is certainly something to be said about how this career changes your view of games, but for a lot of people its not usually in a negative way. For most, it just means an increased awareness and being able to identify the tricks and techniques others are using. Its kind of like going to a magic show and knowing how some of the tricks work. You'll still enjoy it, but you'll see it in a different light.
In terms of just full on burn out of gaming, to some extent that's a personal thing. Generally where you see that more is people who work on the game they are most passionate about. You might love playing a game, but when it becomes your job and you're doing it all day, five days a week, for some people that's too much and they may burn out on that particular title. For others, they still go home and play that game after work. But a common thread in game development is that people do it because they are passionate about it, and I've yet to hear any stories about someone for whom working on games ruined playing any games for them. I'm going on 9 years in the industry now and I'm still playing games every day in my free time.
In terms of just full on burn out of gaming, to some extent that's a personal thing. Generally where you see that more is people who work on the game they are most passionate about. You might love playing a game, but when it becomes your job and you're doing it all day, five days a week, for some people that's too much and they may burn out on that particular title. For others, they still go home and play that game after work. But a common thread in game development is that people do it because they are passionate about it, and I've yet to hear any stories about someone for whom working on games ruined playing any games for them. I'm going on 9 years in the industry now and I'm still playing games every day in my free time.
I greatly appreciate the inside look. I have always enjoyed gaming and it is something that I have always kept close to my heart so knowing I can keep that same attitude and love with proper care and attention is quite comforting.
Christopher
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
850
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Christopher,
What you have identified here can happen in any field. John had great first hand experience details for you. I would mention to you this - sometimes working in one field can lead to other things that you want to do instead. I have seen individuals who entered the field of gaming growing in other fields simply by exposure. You may grow from creating games to managing people who create games. I know individuals who went from wanting to create games to creating animation in videos. Some of the basic elements - coding, creativity, visual acuity - work in both fields. Or you might find something new altogether. I would encourage any person with a passion to pursue that passion as far as it takes you. Some of the individuals you described - those who lost passion for gaming - probably needed to step away. Ideally, they went to another job where they had a passion for the new work and could go back to enjoying gaming in their free time.
In my career, I use my greatest passion, writing. And in my personal time, I write and read all the time. I feel privileged to do what I love all day long and then into the night and weekends.
Gloria
What you have identified here can happen in any field. John had great first hand experience details for you. I would mention to you this - sometimes working in one field can lead to other things that you want to do instead. I have seen individuals who entered the field of gaming growing in other fields simply by exposure. You may grow from creating games to managing people who create games. I know individuals who went from wanting to create games to creating animation in videos. Some of the basic elements - coding, creativity, visual acuity - work in both fields. Or you might find something new altogether. I would encourage any person with a passion to pursue that passion as far as it takes you. Some of the individuals you described - those who lost passion for gaming - probably needed to step away. Ideally, they went to another job where they had a passion for the new work and could go back to enjoying gaming in their free time.
In my career, I use my greatest passion, writing. And in my personal time, I write and read all the time. I feel privileged to do what I love all day long and then into the night and weekends.
Gloria