Computer Games Today

Starting a career in the video game industry used to a difficult thing; there were very few options and very few schools that could teach the required cutting edge skills. If you wanted to choose this path you had to be self taught. Today this dilemma has been turned upside down. You now have a plethora of schools to choose from and lots of programs and specialties to decide amongst. Here is some advice on what the industry has to offer and what you can do to prepare yourself.

The video game industry has changed over the past ten years. It has matured and is now a full-fledged industry. This means that there are plenty of opportunities to find a rewarding career without being a hot-shot game programmer. As a matter of fact, the days of the hot shot developer are pretty much over. In today’s world the creation of a state of the art video game now requires a dedicated team of employees with a wide range of skills and interests.

What does this mean for you? It means opportunity in a lot of different disciplines and it means that you have to specialize within a subgenre of the big picture of “Making Video Games”. But before you pack off and go to a video game school or dish out the dollars for an online school there are some things you should do and some things you need to know.

1. Learn the basic concepts of game design

Have an understanding of video games, how they’re played, and what they’re all about. You should have a feel for the game industry; know what games are out there, what styles of play they have, and how they handle the game playing experience. Chances are good that you already fulfill this requirement.

Have an understanding of the underlying principles of game design. There are several ways that you can do this. I recommend one or both of these methods to get you started in this:

Build Mods – Mods are modifications of existing games. Quake is a famous game for this approach. You use the mod builder software and you build levels or worlds that can be added right into the game itself. The Mod sub culture is very vibrant and you can find a lot of support and help. To gain even better experience that translates well into a corporate environment you should join a volunteer Mod development team. This gives you good teamwork experience and gives you insight on how a video game project is broken down into pieces. Get a free or inexpensive Game engine development suite and build your own games. You can build adequate and fun to play games on your own this way. I recommend you do this with the Genesis 3d Game development software. It is completely free.

2. Get familiar with some of the professions in the industry and the tools that are used.

There are a whole host of tools that game design teams use. And the tools you would use are dependent on what role you would play on the team. Here is an overview of some of the different jobs in the industry and what software tools they would use.

If you like drawing and painting with traditional tools you might want to consider being a concept artist. They do all their work with off computer art tools. They would conceptualize and draw the scenes and the creatures in a game.

If you think you might like computer designing worlds and scenes in a video game you should consider being a 2-dimensional artist. They create all the structures, textures and backgrounds in game worlds. Photoshop is the de-facto program for this job. If you can afford a copy of this program you will get a definite insight into this career path. If you cannot afford Photoshop you should consider getting Paint Shop Pro. It is less expensive and very similar to Photoshop and it will give you a good foundation into the world of 2-dimensional artwork.

If Characters and models are what you are enthusiastic about you should consider becoming a 3-Dimensional Model Artist. This type of artist is concerned with making the characters, monsters, creatures and objects that inhabit a video game world. In this area of game art the choice of software is not as straight-forward as in the 2d art. The most accepted software is 3D studio Max. Two other popular programs are Maya and SoftImage. If you are looking for a free 3d modeling tool that will get you started you may want to get Milkshape. It is a tool designed for the game Half-Life.

The concepts of modeling are universal so the skills will transfer from one tool to the other. You will just have to learn the specifics of the new tool which will be easy enough.

Animator - This is the person that makes the characters and objects in the game move. It is a very specific skill and it takes good understanding of animation to get things right. There are many software programs that are used for animation and they include Macromedia Flash, Alias/Wavefront, 3D Studio Max and Lightwave 3D.

Programmer - This is something that is a little more traditional when we think of video game making “Programming” and it is a very wide field that can find you doing almost anything in the video game making arena. A programmer could be called upon to do any number of things from managing a database to designing the artificial intelligence within a game or creating specialized software tools that other designers use to create the game.

Other Opportunities in Video game design - There are many other jobs in the video game industry ranging from Script and story writer to even network administrator or computer maintenance and repair technician.

Today there are many different career paths that can be taken into the video game industry. This requires you to specialize in a set of skills. Understanding what these different skills are and getting a head start now will increase your marketability in the very competitive video game industry.

Playing games has been a common activity of humans since ancient times, not just for fun but also aimed at learning basic life skills. PC games come in a large array of forms and intended for the most diverse objective from mere entertainment for leisure time to children’s early instruction at home, thanks to their undeniable power to motivate them to approach learning from a fun perspective.

Baby computer games are a useful tool for parents fostering valuable early skills in areas such as strategic thinking, socialization and collaboration, while developing basic understanding of their surroundings by identifying colors, shapes, numbers and more, associating at the same time places and names in an easier way with the aid of the games audiovisual experience.

Many parents and even educators still underestimate PC games considering them as a waste of time and irrelevant to set the basic of learning for kids during preschool age, and even considered harmful for individuals of any age. Fortunately, the percentage of adults who are convinced of the role of fun in education are higher today and the computing industry develops new digital games for both, learning and fun each and every day.

The surprising benefits of PC games have been evident over the supposed disadvantages and the branch of baby computer games offers a range of activities from early stimulation to the learning of basic skills and challenges useful for preschool children.

Most baby computer games stimulate the baby’s brain development, coordination and motor skills enhancing language and problem-solving skills, making a strong bond between baby and parents because playing computer games with babies can become a pleasant family activity. Encouraging baby intellectual development is necessary but love and physical closeness is as important as the learning itself for healthy emotional growth.

Educators promote PC games as a fun activity for children and parents making a retrospective on how families were engaged though time in various activities that created stronger ties. The bedtime story tradition that still survives in many homes, the family shared time listening to popular radio shows that later evolve to watching TV together, the picnic and camping days, and so on.

Today time runs fast and for many parents is not possible to continue old traditions, but computers and the internet era have brought a whole universe of exciting family activities. PC games are classified by ages as baby computer games, toddler computer software, preschooler games and activities, etc. Regardless of the age, games are equally exciting for parents and teachers.

If you are a parent seeking PC games for your children, keep in mind that most baby computer games are just for fun but are an aid in developing the baby’s intellectual, emotional and physical stability.

Purchase of a cheap used computer games for your kids is not less than an achievement when the games are available at very expensive prices. If you like to gift your kids some excitement, you need not crash your budget as there is lot within the reach of your pocket among the used computer games. Everyone today can go gaming with craze of the various famous gaming facilities available. From a small kid to an adult, computer gaming has been developed as the most liked game by every one. We have various interesting games available to be played on our computer monitor. Generally a computer game is available with a game CD that you are required to download, but today we can even go for the online downloading for the various game of the computer.

these games are basically shooting and racing games. They also include various levels and targets to achieve to score and make points. Apart from general gaming facility there is a huge craze for the online gaming in which two people can play same game as rivals while sitting on different computers at different places. All the attractive features and levels fills us with excitement to play with them but all of the dreams to enjoy the game can go vain if we are not able to buy these games. some of them are pretty expensive and mostly kids are unable to enjoy them. In such cases one can go for the purchase of the played and used ones. These used games are already played by some other people and available at a comparative cheaper price.

The basic thing behind them is that people can select the various game according to the reviews of the people who have played the game earlier. From the results of the reviews of these used computer games it is easier for the new user to understand the game before purchasing it.

There are various websites involved in this business as well. We have endless variety in the used Play station. We have almost 500 pre used computer games like cube shooting game. All these games are advanced with attractive levels and features. They let us get through the various outstanding gaming experiences. Among the latest and most used of them is Nintendo 64 game that is actually available in the lower price rate of 3 dollars. In case if you are interested in buying more games you are surely to get some exciting discounts in buying some other used ones as well. The most important thing is to choose the right among the large variety of these used games. All these gaming facilities offer an attached questionnaire to match up with your various interests. The results of these questionnaires provide you a list of games of your choice so this is a good feature that helps a lot to choose the best game for yourself.

Development in science and technology has enthralled everyone, even toddlers. Traditional teaching tools and methods are passe or even prehistoric by the modern standards. If you ask a toddler to narrate the alphabet to you, don’t get shocked if the child babbles out “A” for Apple Mac, “B” for bytes, “C” for computers.

Burdening a kid with extra knowledge even when his mind is not capable of handling it is the order of the day. Information technology today is playing a vital role in making learning easier for toddlers. The term “infotainment” is perhaps more appropriate. Drastic changes have come forth in the learning process, wherein the grasping power of the child is enhanced many times over, since learning is also fun. A toddler learns his basics, like letters and counting, in an interactive way. There are other games just for entertainment, which harness a child’s energy and sharpen his reflexes for thinking and reacting. However, there are natural disadvantages, in that deviating from the traditional form of learning like drawing and coloring books means diminishing and suppressing the natural talents of the child.

There is a natural proclivity in almost every child today to run to the computer and work. There have been innumerable instances of software programs being developed by child geniuses. The technological boom has paved the way for an industry where the major future players learn the tricks of the trade while still in diapers. No wonder that robots and the likes have replaced Barbies. For parents, even though it’s music to the ears, experts warn about health hazards, particularly to the eyes and brain of a child continuously glued to the computer screen.

There is plenty of free software and resources out there that will enable you to quickly make your own video game. All you need is a plan and some persistence. Here is the plan.

Today’s software for game making is fairly complete and you don’t need to be a programmer to learn how to use it. It is much like an automobile; you don’t need to know how to build one you just need to know how to drive. With a little bit of effort and some practice you can use the freely available software to make games that will unleash your creative potential.

Day 1: Gather up the necessary resources and get familiar with it

You will need a computer and if you are reading this article you probably already have that! You should also download the necessary game development software. There are two that I recommend. Either get the Genesis 3D game engine or the Reality Factory Game development software. Of the two I suggest the Reality Factory software but if you have a really old computer and are concerned about your ability to run software then get the Genesis 3d software. Both these programs are readily available and easy to find on the web. Just do a search engine check for keywords Genesis 3d or Reality Factory.

Install this software and run it. Tinker with it and get familiar with it. Experiment with all of the different screens and settings then go through the help files and tutorials. Get an initial understanding of what it will be like to make a video game with the software.

Day 2: Begin learning the software

Get a notebook and label it “My Video Game Making Reference Book” Locate a tutorial on the web for the software you have used. Don’t rush through this process. There are plenty of available tutorials for both of these programs. Take your time and go through the tutorials and take notes in your book. Keep a page for tips, keystrokes, and routines for getting things done.

Day 3: Take a break from the computer

Now that you have an idea of what the software is all about you can design your game on paper. First write down the concept and goals of your game. For example: Your game will be a game about how the player has been trapped in a dungeon and has to fight his or her way out to freedom. Or someone has been captured in a dungeon and the player has to break in and rescue him. For your first game keep the concept relatively simple. Something like you want your player to explore a dungeon, kill all the creatures, and find a treasure chest is perfectly good. Make it a small game with maybe ten to fifteen rooms and some outdoor areas. Sketch out every room and place in all the doors and major items like stairs, furniture, treasure chests and monsters.

Day 4: Build the empty shell of your game world

Crank up the computer and using the game software build just the buildings, rooms and structures of your game world. Do not yet populate it with furniture, doors, monsters or any other type of extra. Just build the structures of the world. Apply only basic textures to the surfaces in the world. Do not at this point worry about the colors, lights or textures of anything. You want to just build the grey shell of the world so you can text it and see if it works properly and if it is how you want it to be. After the world is built insert a character into it and walk around to see if it is as you planned it.

Day 5: Add the details to your game and make it look real

This is the day where you work on the look of your game. Go over all the structures and add textures, lighting, models, characters and all of the other accessories that will make it look right.

Right about now you might be thinking: “How do I do all that?” But the great thing about the software you are using is that models, characters, tables, chairs, doors, and lights are all pre-built and come in a library with the software. You can just click on them and place them right into the game.

Day 6: Have somebody play your game and give you feedback

Are your platers clear on the objectives of the game? Do they understand what it is all about? Do they have to ask questions? If anything is unclear to the player of if anything is difficult start up your software and modify the game.

Day 7: Complete the game

Add any extras like a splash screen that displays the name of your game or add sound effects. If you are ambitious you can create your own models or textures to give your game a unique look.

Making a video game is really not a hard process. If you have a plan and the discipline to put some time into learning the software you can have a small but complete game one week from today.

In today’s busy world, it’s difficult for parents to screen everything that their children process, from television to music to movies to video games. Unfortunately, many of the video games in today’s market are vulgar, violent and generally inappropriate for younger children. However, that doesn’t stop even the youngest gamers from finding and playing them.

The seductive pull of the gaming world

Research indicates that children spend more time at the computer or in front of TV gaming consoles than they spend on any other form of entertainment. Studies estimate that kids between the ages of 8 and 18 are spending up to two hours a day playing video games.

Even if the time spent gaming is considerably less in your household, the engrossing nature of video games gets the full attention of your young player. If the message in the video games they play is violent and vulgar, it’s going to quickly erode the values you’ve worked so hard to instill in your kids’ lives.

How to satisfy gamers without sacrificing your family values

So what are the options for parents who want their kids to stay focused on uplifting images and a God-centered life? Many parents have simply turned off video games in their household. This is not a bad choice, but many kids, drawn to the forbidden fruit, will find a way to get their fix elsewhere. A better solution is offering them a Christian alternative.

Really good games with a really good message

At first glance it seems like the video game industry has nothing to offer young Christians, but a few media outlets have heard the frustrated call of parents and gamers alike. Christian entertainment makers are finally catching on to the video game craze and turning the gore- and sex-dominated entertainment genre inside out. Games like “Deliverance: Moses in the Pharaoh’s Court” combine Bible-based messages with exciting game play and unparalleled graphics to grab the attention of kids and parents alike.

These new, gripping faith-based games not only uphold the values you strive to teach your kids, but also present Bible lessons in a compelling format. In fact, graphics-intensive, Bible-based video games have been known to impress even non-Christian players.

Where to find Christ-centered games your kids will love

Worthwhile Christian video games are bursting on the scene right now, but you may not find them in the mainstream gaming outlets that sell XBox and PS3 games. If you’re looking for got-to-have Christian titles for your kids to enjoy, try searching for Christian-based game review sites online to uncover and purchase the perfect games.

Features to look for when choosing games

In combat games, look for arcade-style fighting, instead of bloody or deadly violence. Also, keep an eye on the game characters’ dress and language to weed out sexual overtones and four-letter words. Finally, choose games that offer something educational or inspirational, instead of mindless button-mashing.

Your child will be influenced by the games they play. Make sure those games pull them in a direction you want them to grow by making the time to find out what faith-based games are available. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even find one that you and your children can enjoy together.

That is the question! Swapping video games (trading, bartering) isn’t a new idea. In fact, it began when video games were first widely available in the late 1980’s. Despite the beginning days of the microchip being a bit lackluster in style it was still a remarkable thing. In today’s terms it’s archaic to say the very least.

The most popular home gaming systems like the Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo Wii all make use of compact discs or dual layer DVD discs. Way back when the whole trading of games began they were all on cartridges or, dare I even date myself, tape. The games improve and the media gets grander, but what never changes is the need to try new things. Enter video game swapping. The old tape and cartridge games have become home décor and even collectibles with people paying top dollar for games like the Gold Edition of Zelda on the Nintendo core unit otherwise deemed “classic” by us ancient game junkies.

Let’s face it. The original games weren’t all that accessible, not like today. And they certainly weren’t inexpensive (they aren’t now either, but rates of living increase). We used to spend $50.00 for a game in 1985. We pay that now for Xbox or Playstation games with technology improved to god-like proportions.

Anyone can go to a Wal-Mart or Target to find their games instead of the old computer shops we had to frequent. Atari, Commodore 64, Texas Instruments – they were all considered personal computers and as such games were bought in computer shops.

Kids have to work their butts off to earn enough money to purchase their video games. And it shouldn’t be any other way! Once you’ve played a game (it’s the same today as it was in 1985) and beaten it you have no real use for it any more. It sits in your house collecting dust. Sure, you could sell it outright and get a couple dollars or you could do the logical thing: trade or swap your old video game!

It allows you to not worry about value of your games. Instead you can take your old video games, dust them off, test them out to ensure they work than find someone who doesn’t have and who wants it. With any luck they’ll have a game you want to play so you make an even swap. You play that one until you can’t play anymore then you do it all over again. Swap here, swap there. Buy a new game, play it out then swap that one. You get the maximum output for your investment.

With the Playstation and Xbox systems’ media being compact discs instead of cartridge or tape means they last a lot longer and aren’t as subject to the elements as the other collective of media. What this means is that when you swap the newer video games you can continue it for a much longer period of time.

When the question arises on whether or not you should swap your game or trade it just ask yourself if you want to spend money to buy the game you want and if you want to continue looking at that dinosaur you’ve put to rest months ago.