Here is that existential chicken/egg question again. Did media arts beget video games or video games media arts? Which began first might be a puzzler, but to where it has evolved is easier to decipher. The word animation conjures up visions of cartoon characters. No longer in the world of video games animation is becoming more lifelike with iteration. Its popularity is not just with the young, it is across the spectrum of humans everywhere. Just to view some of the animation of a video game is to peek inside the boundless imagination of man. Playing the game invites one inside the world of that imagination, and feeling apart of the game is what the creator of a great video game envisions. Of course imagination is not the only ingredient to get a great video game off the ground. It requires teams of talented individuals from different areas to produce the end product. It begins with the concept, and is developed through to marketing and public relations, then into the living rooms of the players. This process often takes many months, perhaps years, to fully develop into the final spectacle. One seldom just decides to become a game designer; one is often consumed with a passion to design video games. The passion of the game is not only in the playing of it, but in its guts, its component parts, and its ability to move someone to join in. That passion can be guided by an education in game design. The education of the animator and game designer combines their imagination and passion with the hardware of game design. The study of CAD and 3D applications will put to practical use the creativity of the designer. Theirs is an avocation, because the environment is ever changing and lifelong learning is a requirement of a game creator. Certifications are continuously updated to assure they are always in the forefront of technological development. A Bachelors degree would be a minimum requirement for entry level game development. Passion and imagination are just the entry level requirements to begin the education. High level training of 3D modeling is needed to achieve application of those traits, and takes time to learn. Once the combination is complete a highly skilled, passionate designer has emerged. Some will consider parts of their education to be mundane. The story developer might not appreciate the heavy emphasis on the CAD programs, and the animator the story development, but all is needed for a well rounded portfolio. They can then follow the path that suits them, with an understanding of the other team member contributions. After working in game development one might consider a Masters degree. This will allow an individual to oversee an entire department, or perhaps a position to ensure collaboration between different departments. As mentioned earlier, the necessary work that is involved in the presentation of a game involves many different people, working on many different aspects, to produce a single successful game. The word occupation brings to mind a static job, where one simply works. Game development is a vocation, nay it\'s an avocation, because if it\'s not fun it\'s just not worth doing for a game developer. This field is growing rapidly and the pay is great, so if you have a passion it\'s a wonderful field of endeavor. Leave your suit and tie at home, these offices are usually laid back, and either busy with collaboration or intense with noses pointed at the computer screen. It\'s a competitive field so be prepared to keep learning.
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