Create a Skills Gap Analysis to find out what skills you have or lack if you wer
ID: 377799 • Letter: C
Question
Create a Skills Gap Analysis to find out what skills you have or lack if you were to apply for a Video game developer
The questions below will help you prepare your skills gap analysis:
a) What responsibilities, duties, tasks, functions and knowledge does this position require? Where do I stand in relation?
b) What kind of education, experience and/or certifications are required or needed to begin a career like this one? Where do I stand?
c) What skills are required for this job? Which ones do I have and to what level (basic, intermediate, expert)?
d) What courses, internship or training can I take to help me better prepare for this position?
Explanation / Answer
Responsibilities, duties, tasks, functions and knowledge of a Game Developer
For development of a video game there are many components involved.
The video game developers convert idea into code providing the game its operating instructions. Basically, the core function is created by video game and software developers Their basic responsibilities and duties of a game developer may include:
Creating a story lines and character profiles
Conducting the design reviews
Designing the role-play mechanics
Creating prototypes for supervising and management
Documenting various game design processes.
Video game developers must have a great knowledge about computer programming and should understand the software. They are also expected to keep in touch with changing technology. An important role is also played by computer animation and graphics, and developers must have some skills in these areas.
Video game must also have a thorough knowledge of the workings of various game consoles like Microsoft Xbox, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii etc. Each brand has its own operating characteristics and a video game developer must be aware of these characteristics ensuring that their software’s are compatible with the operating console. Hence game developers should have some understanding with operating systems, chip design and other factors that govern how a console functions.
Video game developers must have strong interpersonal and written communications skills, good team leadership and teamwork, good analytical and creative mind and problem-solving skills. Also, developers must have up-to-date knowledge of the history and trends of video game industry
Education, experience and/or certifications: For Becoming a video game developer one must have bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or any related field. Students should also cover advanced topics such as algorithms for creating software interfaces. Additionally, developers can take lab courses in which they create their own software or game. They should also learn numerous computer languages, such as C, C++, and Java. Students can also take graphic design and animation courses as an addition to their education in programming.
For entering video gaming industry internship opportunities from valuable companies such as Sony, Microsoft and EA Games can provide appreciated experience and connections to help ambitious video game developers secure a good job after graduation. Students can consult with counsellor based on internship listings provided by universities and colleges. Though a bachelor's degree might be enough for some entry level jobs but some employers prefer applicants who have completed their postgraduate certificate or master's degree in computer games technologies or an alike course of study. Courses typically cover topics ranging from animation to interactive design. They are also expected to develop computer interfaces and simulations like creating a functional video game.
Also, some colleges and universities offer classes, certificates and advanced degrees in areas such as computer programming, graphics, computer engineering, software development, animation. Attaining accredited training in these areas are add-ons on your CV.
Key skills can be summarized as:
Prodigious knowledge of programming languages, software, and 3D modelling programs;
Ability to work many hours seated and looking at a computer monitor;
Great passion and creativity in video gaming
Good Team player and leader
Good interpersonal and communication skills
Courses that can be taken:
Graphic Arts - Information Design (BS)
Game Design: It includes Programming, world building, foundations, systems thinking and Professional Writing
Game Art: It includes: Motion Capture, Shading and Lighting, Environment Art, Game Animation
Computer Animation: It involves 2-D, 3-D Animations, Characters, Visual Development and Compositing Fundamentals
Computer science: It includes Algorithms, Digital logic, Principles of Programming Languages and Cognitive Science.
Skill Gap Analysis
Skills Needed
Skills I Posses
Knowledge of programming languages
Have knowledge of C, C++ and java.
Bachelor degree
In computer science(CS) engineering
Post graduate degree in CS
No
Good interpersonal and communication skills
Yes
Passion and creativity
Yes
Certifications and training needed
No
Internship in Gaming industry
No
Knowledge about gaming industry, graphics, animation, other brands
Yes
From above chart gaps can be identified and resolved to meet the skill set needed for graphic developer. Doing further master’s degree and certifications can match the skill set needed.