Computer Games Designer

The Coolest Jobs on the Planet

by Mark Featherstone (Contributor)

People young and old love playing computer games, but what goes into making them? From simple games created by one person, to big blockbusters made by a huge team, there is an amazing range of games. Find out what's involved in developing computer games, the tools and skills you need, and the difficulties of managing a complex process.

48 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2013

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of “The Coolest Jobs on the Planet” series. It gives intermediate readers an inside look at the job of a computer game designer. The first-person narrative is engaging and conveys the author’s enthusiasm about his career path. He recounts the learning curve needed for his dream job: the planning, programming languages and technological skills, and the collaboration needed to get a game out into the marketplace. Young gamers will be surprised to learn about all the planning and effort needed to create one video game. The eye-catching scattershot format includes fact boxes, headings/subheadings, captioned photographs and illustrations, and “My Hero” boxes that spotlight noted gamers and designers. Back matter includes a personal quiz, a glossary, bibliography, websites and an index. Order if you have a career resource center or if you need books about 21st century jobs that would appeal to middle and high school readers. The one downside to this title is the unusually small font that is used throughout the book.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to the varied jobs that work together to create video games. I wish it had elaborated a bit more rather than just whetting my appetite.