January 31st, 2011 
jvremec
Professional Video Game Development Courses On The Rise
By Madison Lockwood
The University of Southern California has announced the introduction of a bachelor’s program in video game development. With the advent of sophisticated games such as MMOs and the merging of commercial interests with virtual reality, it is possible that USC did this as an academic exercise rather than a place to park its football players.
It’s a fair guess that the skills and analytical tools one might develop in a video game liberal arts degree program will be increasingly applicable in commercial online applications. The Internet has become a major commercial marketplace, one that functions more efficiently as the websites utilized for commercial exchange become more sophisticated and, to some degree, have high level graphics.
With that in mind, the nuts and bolts of a video game education still have to do with the development of a sophisticated piece of software. Critical skills include digital animation, game design and game programming.
Basic job descriptions within the business have included:
Programmer
A programmer can work on the game engine, the artificial intelligence features, the tools, hardware and network.
Designer
A designer – or artists – can be an animator, 3D artist/modeler or 2D artist/texturer.
Level Designer
Though it sounds similar and uses some of the same skills as a designer, level design is a job unto itself. Level designers need to have some art proficiency, but must also have good spatial awareness, organizational skills and lightning effects knowledge.
Writer
This is a growing position in the game community. There is more than just a manual to write; the story behind the game must be well-crafted and compelling. Every speaking character must have a script. Documentation is still an important element, though; as it is a necessary part of any software creation, and games are certainly no exception.
Behind these technical/creative roles are production managers, game modeling experts, and directors – much as with a film. Interactive design is an integral part of any video game and is also a key function of many websites. The transition of video game production methods to uses outside the game industry is well underway. The sophisticated graphics used in videogames are increasingly appearing in online commercials with high-gloss production values.
It will be the Internet and its importance as an economic engine that connects the video game major with the business world and provides job opportunities beyond the gaming industry. The trained, experienced level designer will find opportunities in high-end web site development companies that provide sophisticated sites for corporate sales and presentation purposes.
The flow of a high quality website (visit BMW USA for example) requires almost as much scripting as a game does, although much of the script appears as print instead of dialogue. And the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a sales tool is probably not too far down the road – a method of taking a retail customer to the product that will suit them. Video games have forced the development of skill sets that are becoming meaningful to mainstream industries.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=127548&ca=Computers+and+Technology
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hello my friends.can you help me to answer this question.?hope you can help me.?
illustrate the use of information and continued professional development is critical for information technology professional
Government job and professional development?
I am blessed enough to have the stability of a state job in technology field. That’s more the case in this day and age, where jobs are threatened which is more the case in private sector.
However, my concern is there’s still plenty of do nothing time at my job. I’m not sure if it’s just me or other people are pretending to be busy at my workplace. I am fully aware that government jobs tend to be slower paced than private sector jobs.
Is this normal or should I be asking for more work? BTW, I passed the probationary so it’s relatively difficult to fire me.
I don’t think I’m learning enough which is what’s causing my concern. Of course, I could study during those do nothing times, but should I consider switching to maybe educational sector or risk working in private sector?
Good question! My guess is it’s not just you. There probably are alot of people in your job who pretend to be busy but really don’t do much. If i were you I probably wouldn’t ask for more work or anything like that, I’ve heard this sort of thing many times from people who work in government jobs.
My non-expert advice to you would be to consider trying to get a job with your agency that is a grade up, maybe with some different duties in the same field. This would give you the ability to try your hand at something new but not totally unfamiliar and hopefully get a pay raise while you’re at it!
Sometimes you can go up by a couple of steps within your pay grade by taking on more duties if you don’t want to change jobs entirely. You might want to ask your supervisor about that.
Eventually you may want to consider the nonprofit or private sector. They actually have a tool on the http://www.usajobs.gov website that will tell you what non-government job is comparable to your government job. I’d advise looking at that tool to get some ideas of comparable jobs and some potential employers and workplaces. A job in the private sector will probably be less stable, but will offer more opportunity for personal growth.
Whatever you decide, good luck to you!
What’s a good online master’s degree program for an HR professional who also wants to teach HR related courses?
I saw some education programs, but some required a teaching certificate, which I don’t have. Strayer University offers a program like this, but is not offered in my state:
“The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program provides current K-12 teachers, training and development professionals, and HR staff managers the knowledge and skills to pursue or advance their careers in education, HR, training, curriculum development, instructional technology, or trade and education association management.”
Do you know of a program like it?
According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, “Employers Often Distrust Online Degrees” an article that notes, “Silvia Guzman, regional human-resources manager for ProTec Building Services, likens online degrees to diploma mills or institutions that advertise on career Web sites promising to help you earn a degree in a year. . .She mentioned several universities that raise red flags for her when she sees them on résumés, including Capella University, an accredited for-profit online institution . . .”
You will find many negative comments and criticisms of Capella University, a for-profit on-line school, on the Capella Facts web site – http://www.capellafacts.org/capella_university_reviews.html
can you guys help me?
Why lifelong learning and continued professional development is critical for information technology professional
What qualifications do I need to become a NASA apprentice?
I am a Textile Technology graduate who worked for about 8 years in the Textile Industry blanket division.
I have being interested in becoming a NASA apprentice in the division of space aviation textiles.
I have no clue where to begin with this venture.
Currently I am in Czech, TUL, Liberec, on a 6 weeks professional Development course in textiles and upon completion I am looking forward to making inroads to contributing to the larger sector in textiles.
Would you assist please.
Most of the major NASA centers do have a composite structure manufacturing capability. The best bet is to check job announcements on usajobs.gov and to do a little research to see if any companies have been contracted to to supply personnel for one of the center’s composite manufacturing area.