Video games aren't only for play; they also provide work. The
workers, known as game developers, make a living creating the
games you enjoy playing. Making video games is a serious—and
big—business. According to the Entertainment Software
Association, in 2009, the video game industry had sales in
excess of $10 billion and employed more than 32,000 people in 34
states. This article covers career options in video game
development. The first section provides an overview of the
development process. The second section describes four groups of
video game occupations: designers, programmers, artists, and
others. The third section covers the skills and training workers
need for these jobs. The fourth section discusses the benefits
and challenges of working in the video game industry. And the
fifth section provides job-seeking tips for a career in video
game development. Suggested resources for additional information
are at the end of the article. Download the PDF