Game design occupations

INTRO TO MULTIMEDIA. MAT_103.MAT 103	Alejandra Jarabo
Multimedia Arts & Technologies Division. Santa Barbara City College	Beginner occupations in the Gaming Industry

OCCUPATIONS	OCCUPATION DEFINITIONS FOR ENTRY LEVEL POSITIONS	CLASSES AT SBCC

Entry-level Programmers or Software Engineers	Entry-level programmers can fall under a broad range of programming positions including, engine programmer, network programmer, gameplay programmer, and visual effects programmer. These positions often require the ability to program in C/C++ and/or other object oriented languages.	Computer Science CS_101, CS_135 CS_120, Java CS_137 C programming CS_140 C++, object oriented

Character or 2D Animators (includes Flash Animators)	These positions typically require an understanding of traditional character animation and can include positions such as animators and effects animators. Individuals in this job category often are required to be familiar with different software applications (Flash) that support the animation of gaming characters.	A_124 a&b MAT_116, MAT_136 MAT_137

Quality Assurance Technicians or Testers	Testers and quality assurance technicians are typically used at the end of the production cycle to test and improve games. Testers are used to identify any and all bugs and or problems with a game before it is finalized for production. Bigger firms will have different types of testers including graphics testers and gameplay testers.	MAT_145 MAT_168

Production Assistants:	This is typically defined as the entry-level position into game production and management. Applicants should have a general business background with specific experience in the gaming industry. This position typically reports to an assistant or associate producer and can also be an entry into game design.	MAT_164 BUS_101

3D Modelers or Animators	3D modelers or animators are meant to create characters and virtual environments that are three dimensional. These occupations typically require expertise in different software applications that develop 3D characters and environments. These positions also typically require a strong background in traditional animation and can often work in movie and television studios along with video game development.	A_124 a&b MAT_136, MAT_141 MAT_137

Technical Artists or Graphic Designers (includes environment artists and interface designers)	This occupational category includes a broad range of gaming occupations that typically fall into the realm of the "gaming artists" including graphic artist, concept artist, special effects artist, technical artist or interface designer. These positions are typically supervised by the art director or art manager.	GDP_110, GDP_111, GDP_114 MAT_131, MAT_132 MAT_116 MAT_167

Interactive Web Programmers or Developers	Interactive web programmers or developers are responsible for developing online applications that support or are integral to online gaming. These positions often require the ability to program in different languages such as PHP/HTML, Java or Flash. Web programmers can also be involved in developing game portals, online credit systems, casual games, and localization of games to different markets.	MAT_153, MAT_154, CS_111 Webmastering CS_120, Java CS_187 Iphone programming MAT_116, MAT_216

Writers and/or Content Developers	Writers and/or content developers are responsible for working with the game designers to develop the narrative of the games. This position requires strong technical writing skills as well as the ability to develop or support the development of story boards. This occupation can also require the ability to document the development process and write new scenarios for a storyboard.	ENG_173, Screenwriting ENG_270, Creative writting