Why Game Development?

#GameDevelopment #CareerPath #PersonalJourney

In-game screenshot from my project, Unnamed Escape Game.

All throughout my academic years, I've been an above-average student in all subjects. I've never struggled much with science, mathematics (ok maybe a bit in calculus and geometry), and other subjects I've encountered so far. I was in an orchestra, a student-teacher for robotics, a Chinese-English translator (to my fellow classmates), and a lot of different things. I was basically a Jack-of-all-Trades.

But, how does a Jack-of-all-Trades figure out what trade they want to do for the rest of their life? I realized that I've never really had a specific interest in any of activities I've done. I mean I did music for half of both my elementary and junior high life, but it never really came to me as something that I'd be doing as a job.

So why, out of all my options, did I choose Game Development?

Well first of all, I was deeply engrossed by programming. Something about how the logic of each line of code pieces together to do a specific action really stuck on me. Besides I was already pretty good at it so why not pursue something related to it?

Secondly, I really loved stories. Its no surprise that someone who excels in academics also loves books. I remember specifically reading the Geronimo Stilton series when I was in elementary and being so enraptured by the stories. I'd borrow out the books whenever they became available in our school library and read them constantly. Even during class, I hid the book under my table just to keep reading.

Picture this:

Mr. Stilton was an ordinary mouse who worked as the editor-in-chief for the city's daily newspaper. Suddenly, his sister comes barging in through the door - telling him that the museum's Egyptian sarcophagus suddenly went missing. He then runs to the museum, where the owner hands him the mysterious letter that was left behind after the incident. He then reads it and finds out that a direct descendant of the Pharoah who was in the sarcophagus stole it to revive his ancestor and acquire the birth-right power of their lineage to take over Egypt.

Full disclaimer, this probably isn't part of the series and - if it is - it is pure coincidence, this is just a short summary to showcase how the stories were structured.

Something about the build-up, the who-dun nits, and the tension; all leading to final climax where everything is revealed. Then suddenly a twist comes along, leaving you on the edge for the next book in the series. It takes you into an entirely different world, immersed in the character stories and feeling the ups and downs of their entire journey through a few words and pictures.

Its these types of stories that inspired me to want to make my own. It fueled a passion in me to create little worlds of my own for people to experience, immerse themselves in, and enjoy.

Lastly, the final reason why I chose game development is simple. It makes a lot of money. Period.

I'm kidding. Well, ok, maybe just partially. I wanted a relatively stable career that would help me generate enough finance to support myself and my family. I mean, my parents have helped me get to where I am so this is the very least I can do.

"Wait, but according to your reasons, wouldn't a lot of different careers suit you too?"

"Oh, if you wanted to make money, why didn't you go into business?" Business math is hard ok. I already hear how much my smart accounting friends are suffering, and I don't want to give myself that pain (which is why you should respect ANYONE who takes and tries their best to survive in Accounting and any other business related course/career). Also I don't want to manage a business on my own (at the moment). Just thinking about it already stresses me out.

"Then, if you're into programming, why not just go for computer science or IT?" One, even if I CAN survive Calculus and Advanced Algebra doesn't mean I WANT to go through it again (again, give CS and IT students and graduates respect because they go through hell and back just to survive the semester or job). Two, the fields are pretty much saturated at this point so I have a LOT of competition to get through.

"Then, why not go pursue careers that are related to your hobbies?" Where's my stable income then? In all seriousness, being a musician is like a luck-based career. No matter how good you are at playing, composing, or singing, you won't be able to make it a full-time job unless you get discovered or sign your life away at a records company (which is why you should support your musician friends AS. MUCH. AS. POSSIBLE. They work their hardest to hone their talents to the maximum and they need just as much help with getting themselves known to the world).

In the end, I chose Game Development because it lets me do what I'm good at (programming) and allows me to add in what I love to do (art, music, and story-writing). Sure, landing game development jobs in the Philippines isn't easy at all, but opportunities for this career also exist beyond my home country. Besides, game development graduates can also land different programming-related jobs so not much is at risk (relatively speaking).

I hope this article gives you more of an insight as to why I chose this career path. If you were as lost as I was before I chose this career path, I hope this article helped narrow down the options for you. I pray that everyone who reads this article finds their own path in life, one that will lead you to both contentment and fulfillment.