Learning the Casual Game Industry with a
Computer Game Design Degree
Find out more about one of the many hot computer video game genres.
By Jeff Berger and the All Computer Schools career research team – Your link to Computer School news, trends and programs.
Have you ever found yourself killing a few minutes at the computer with a quick game of Solitaire or Mine Sweeper? Those were among the first casual games whose amazing success defined the genre.
Once you learn what makes a casual game tick, maybe you'll want to get a degree in computer game design and try creating your own.
The Attraction of Casual Games
There are several key features that distinguish a casual game from a hardcore one. Casual games are very easy to play, suitable for all ages and easily accessible. In addition to the computer, you'll find casual games being played on almost every platform, from cell phones to the Wii console. The most popular method of distribution is by downloading from the Internet. These games don't require a large time commitment, and they can be played in the car, during a coffee break or while escaping from the kids for a few minutes.
Casual games are often based on traditional games, such as cards, mahjong and word games. They have evolved since the early days of Tetris and Solitaire, incorporating more appealing graphics and immersive game play. Many casual games, such as Bejeweled and Peggle, have gained a large following among both the avid gaming crowd and people who normally don't enjoy video games.
Creating Casual Games with a Computer Game Design Degree
The casual games industry is still growing as demand increases, and distributors are constantly looking for the next major hit title. For anyone seriously looking for a career in video game design or development, a computer game design degree is essential.
Developing a casual game is similar to the process of developing any of the more hardcore computer games. The story and game play influence everything in the game, so once they are established the code can be written. The art, sound effects and music are designed to hook your audience to the game and bring your story to life. Depending on how complicated your game is, it can take at least six months to a year to complete on your own.
Companies often fill management positions from within their organizations by promoting their own experienced and ambitious IT workers. By doing this, businesses invest in the proven competency of their best employees, enhancing company loyalty and strengthening the organizational and team dynamics that these employees already understand.
Once you earn your computer game design degree, you can choose between going into business for yourself and selling games directly to distributors, or joining a company and earning a salary. Make sure you don't have too much fun on the job.
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