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The Serious Business of Computer Games

Virtually everybody today is familiar with computer entertainment technology, whether it’s the latest computer game or the CGI effects in Hollywood blockbusters. Less well-known is the fact that it is now possible to study a wide variety of courses aimed specifically at this thriving University. This should not be too surprising – with the computer games industry’s turnover now exceeding that of the film industry, there is a huge demand for skilled and dedicated people with the unique blend of creative, technical and entrepreneurial skills required by the industry.

Courses on offer include a wide variety, with some emphasizing the design and creative aspects, and others having a more technical focus. The ideal course should have a blend of both, but with a distinctive leaning to one side or the other. With demand very high, potential students need to be wary of Universities seeking to “cash in” on demand by offering new courses which actually only include one or two specialized units, and can afford to choose better-established programmes.

Those who do opt for such a course can look forward to a great challenge. The computer games industry is not for the faint-hearted, and the technical and creative challenges faced by employees and students are sure to keep you interested. With a blend of demanding programming, clever numerical simulation and 3D modelling, artificial intelligence for “opponent modelling”, game-play dynamics, visual design and narratology, computer games offer a great opportunity for potential students to prepare for a fascinating career in the industry – or beyond.