Bioware Career Essay

Introduction

The Career I have researched is the field of Video Game design and development. This field was chosen because I have always had an interest in video game. They have always have been a major part of my life and I wish to help shape the future of video games. What I hope to learn from this project is the required skills I’ll need to pursue this goal. Also, I wish to learn part of the process of making video games.

Career Information

Video game design and development works in several different ways. Most of which happen all at once. Each game designer is tasked with a different part of the game. Some create the plot and characters of the story. Others work the layout, gameplay, level design and scoring of the game. Then, there’s the art portion of the game. These artists work on the concept art, the 3D modeling and the overall look of the game. Finally, there’s the programming side of the development. This focuses around

the functionality of the game. Which works with AI components, Mathematics, and physics of the game. Also, they put all the effort of all the designers into the final software.
Most game designers and developers work in offices that are meant to inspire creativity. All of them work with some of the most advanced equipment available on the market. Those who work with the look of the game often times work with engines such and Cryengine, or Frostbite. The modelers use animation tools with actors to get more realistic actions out of the game. Often times, Designers and developers can work from home if need be.
The Careers in game design and development require particular personality traits, if one wishes to be successful in the field. One should have an interest in video games, as well as a fair amount of experience gaming. With the immense of amount of creativity involved in games, designers need to be very imaginative and artistic. Since video games are dependent on technology, designers and developers need to well versed with technical skills involving electronics and computers. With the immense amount of work required to make a game, One need to be able, and enjoy working with other professionals.
Since Video Game design and development is a full time career, one needs to look at the economic outlook for the industry. Video Games is one of the fastest growing industries today. The job growth is projected to grow 27.6% over the next 10 years.() It also has a decent starting salary ranging from $40,695 to $60,931 annually(). There are hundreds of companies currently hiring in this industry. These include Blizzard Entertainment, Bioware, Ubisoft, Microsoft, Inc., and Bungie.
Employer Profile
Specific Employer
Research into Bioware has shown insight on how Video game companies are structured.

Bioware is a multi-national company, which has it's headquarters in Edmonton, Canada. Branches of this organization are located in Montreal, Canada and Austin, Texas. The entire organization is headed by Matthew Bromberg, then each branch is headed by their lead directors. Bioware's main goal is to make the best Role-playing games on the market. Their products include games, such as the Mass Effect Series, as well as The Dragon Age series. The consumers of these are gamers across the globe.

Bioware was founded by Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuck, and Augustine Yip. These three came together to revolutionize role playing. The First game they came out with was "Shattered Steel". They then signed with Interplay to be their publisher. Interplay went out of business in later years, that’s when Bioware signed with EA. Eventually, in 2007, Bioware was bough out by EA. That’s when Bioware became a division of Electronic Arts,

Inc.
Interview
The best information on anything is from a person with first hand experience. I had the chance to interview just such a person. Arthas Johnson is a game designer with Blizzard Entertainment. He took the time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions.
Johnson is tasked with game design of "Heroes of the Storm", Map Testing, as well as balance design. His favorite thing about his job is that he gets to work with and make the things he loves the most. Johnson finds the worst aspect of game design is the harsh due dates and deadlines. His work week is approximately between fifty(50) to sixty(60) hours a week.
Institutions
For one to enter the field of video game design and development, a degree isn't really needed. Even so, most still go to college to get a degree. The degrees most common to the field are Computer Science, Programming, or Engineering. Some colleges, like Full Sail University have programs and degrees tailored for video game design. The level of these degrees also varies between Bachelor and Masters. Occasionally, you will find a degree that is Associates.
If one truly wants to get into game design and development, they require skills and experience. Programming skills are a huge must for just about any computer related field. The most common programming languages used in video game design are C, C++, C#, and JavaScript. Also, a helpful skill to practice is creative writing. Since game designers are the ones coming up with the stories and plots of games, being able to write while using creativity can be an extremely helpful skill.
Reaction and Reflection
Learning is the major reason for research. I've learned that I should start working on my programming skills as soon as possible. With this, I've also learned that getting into this type of field is much more difficult than I originally anticipated.
Video games have always been a huge part of my life. Being able to be someone who helps make one is currently a dream. This aspect of the job, being the core feature, majorly appeals to me. I've always been a bit socially awkward. Always having trouble conversing with other has been an issue. Working with in a group isn't a very appealing aspect of the career.