Know someone who’s interested in a high-tech career? Many online high school students at Laurel Springs aren’t waiting until college to start building their tech-based resume. A specialized curriculum pathway in Computer Science & Technology provides meaningful coursework in topics that directly relate to a career in 3D Modeling, Game Design, AP Computer Science, and Coding.
What kinds of jobs can today’s gamers prepare for if they want to work for a video game company? Below are just a few possible career paths.
Video Game Designer
This is the job that millions of teenagers aspire to have. Just think, all of that experience playing video games could lead to designing their own! Video game designers usually command high salaries, with many earning a six-figure income. In addition to working for one of the major video game studios like Valve or Xbox, video game designers can find jobs at smaller, independent studios or pursue a freelance career. If your child is a big-picture-thinker with a technical mind, this could be a future worth exploring!
Animator
Video games are inherently visual, so animators have their work cut out for them. One video game illustrator explained that there’s usually a group of people working together. “It takes a team including a 3D modeller, a technical artist, an animator and an art director to manage the process.” Video game animators need to have exceptional artistic skills, while also being patient enough to rework very detailed imagery (like ocean waves or animal fur) and technical aptitude for graphics and photo editing programs, according to an industry website. Does this sound like someone you know? Give them a head start with a course like 3D Modeling at Laurel Springs.
Game Tester
Have you heard your child complain about a glitch in a computer game? Video games are software applications, and just like any piece of software, they have bugs. Companies work hard to fix as many technical problems as possible before releasing the game to the public, and video game testers are on the front lines of quality control. They follow strict protocols to test as many aspects of the game as possible, while documenting any issues that need to be fixed. Does your child enjoy figuring out how new games are supposed to work? If so, a career as a game tester might be a good match.
Want to learn more about the captivating world of video game development? Check out this industry Q&A, and encourage your child to get ahead with coursework that shows their dedication and passion. Explore the entire Computer Science & Technology curriculum pathway, and contact the Laurel Springs admissions team to get started with our flexible, accredited online school courses.
