Qualifications PlayStation/PC game designers have to have please?

Question

I have two playstation/pc mad teens who are working towards designing games for a living--my question is; what qualifications are needed, what training is needed, and, apart from the BIG game manufacturers, what other company's employ game designers in the UK for them to start on the game designing ladder? I must stress that my two boy's are not alway's playing games on the computer, they have other 'school type' work to do also. Any help would be much appreciated, thank you.

Answer 1

I'm no expert but I can give a few pointers (I have a friend who is a games tester). First, any teen who doesn't want to be a footballer or a pop star wants to be a game designer (most have an idea that you get paid to play games!) as a result competition is fierce. They will need excellent maths skills, a second language (japanese is currently the best as so many games originate there but Korean may be a better bet for the future) as well as qualifications in computer code writing. If they are more interested in the graphics then graphic design may be a good route and of cours English literature and excellent writing skills are a must as the games all require a well written story if they are to retain the players interest. They do need to be aware that programming is often very detailed and boring. The will not work on developing a whole game but will concentrate on a tiny little bit of it (get them to actually read the end credits on games to see how many people are involved in each section of game design, the credits on a Nintendo DS go on for what seems like hours!

Answer 2

Try reposting this question in the Business section - Careers on Answers, it will get better exposure and you will probably get more help.

Answer 3

don't know but when you find out please email me at [e-mail] because i want to be one to