Introduction
In recent years, game development has emerged as a lucrative and exciting field for people from various backgrounds. However, some students may wonder if they can pursue a career in game development even if they have a commerce background. This article aims to answer this question by examining the skills and experiences of successful game developers who come from non-game design majors.
Skills and Qualifications Needed for Game Development
While game design is the most obvious major for game development, there are many other fields that can provide the necessary skills to succeed in this industry. For example, individuals with a commerce background may possess strong analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and an understanding of business operations, which can be valuable in areas such as marketing and product management. Additionally, many successful game developers come from fields like computer science, art, music, and literature, demonstrating that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what qualifications are needed for a career in game development.
Case Studies: Successful Game Developers with Non-Game Design Majors
Markus Persson
Markus Persson, also known as “Johan Sjögren,” is a Swedish programmer and game designer who is most famous for creating the popular indie game Minecraft. Despite having a degree in computer science, Persson’s passion for game development started at an early age when he spent countless hours playing games on his home computer. Persson’s success story highlights how important it is to have a strong foundation in programming and game design principles, regardless of your major.
John Carmack
John Carmack is another successful game developer who did not study game design. He co-founded id Software, the company behind popular games like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein 3D. While Carmack studied physics at Brown University, he developed a love for programming and computer graphics during his time there. Later, he applied these skills to game development and created some of the most iconic games of all time.
Clifford Sternberg
Clifford Sternberg is a Canadian entrepreneur and game developer who founded Playboy Entertainment in 1976. While he did not study game design, Sternberg’s experience in the entertainment industry helped him to identify the potential for games as a new form of media. He recognized that games could be used for education, entertainment, and even political activism, leading him to create some of the first interactive educational games and launch Playboy Interactive, which produced several successful games based on the Playboy brand.
Casey Hudson
Casey Hudson is an American game designer who co-founded BioWare, a company that has created popular role-playing games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age. Hudson studied English literature at Brown University but developed a passion for game design while working as a writer on the original Doom game. His experience in literature helped him to create compelling stories and characters for his games, which have earned BioWare a loyal fan base.
Finding Opportunities in Game Development
While there may be limitations to what qualifications you need to pursue a career in game development, there are many opportunities available for individuals with diverse backgrounds. For example, individuals with a commerce background may find work in areas like game marketing, product management, or business development. Additionally, there are many opportunities for artists, musicians, and writers who want to apply their skills to game development.
Overcoming Barriers to a Career in Game Development
While there are certainly barriers to pursuing a career in game development, these can often be overcome with dedication, hard work, and determination. For example, individuals who come from non-game design majors may need to invest time in learning programming languages and game design principles, but many resources are available online and through educational programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are many benefits to pursuing a career in game design, there are also many opportunities available for individuals with diverse backgrounds. Whether you have a commerce background or come from another field entirely, you can still find ways to apply your skills and experience to the game development industry. By building relationships within the industry, gaining hands-on experience, and demonstrating a strong passion for game design, you can overcome any barriers that may stand in your way and achieve success in this exciting and growing field.
