Do You Need to be Good at Math/Art to Help Create Video Games?

The Role Of Video Games 

Children today have access to technology fairly early in their lives. Whether in the form of phones, laptops, video game devices, or other mobile devices, technology is everywhere. Automation has changed how children play. Instead of playing soccer in person, they now prefer to enter online tournaments and races. Here, they can play with members across the globe. There are even tournaments and virtual championships that a gamer can now enter to win prizes, with some prizes worth up to $40 million.¹

Believe it or not, gaming has also become a career choice for many. Many professional gamers earn a living by playing and competing in these video games. Others find interest in designing and creating video games and work as game developers and designers, game testers, audio engineers, animators, etc. Since their development in the 1980s, video games have undergone many changes.² They are now far more sophisticated, entertaining, and interactive. It is estimated that the video game industry made a revenue of $155 billion in 2020 and is expected to generate $265 billion by 2025, with over two billion gamers across the globe.¹

Skills Needed to Create Video Games 

So, what does it take to make a career in video game creation? And how much math and art are involved? Let’s find out.² 

Programming 

The first and most important skill needed to create games is the use of programming languages to develop the various aspects of a video game. This means that a person interested in pursuing a career in video game programming should possess an understanding of coding and programming languages. Coding forms a subset of computer programming that encompasses all processes needed for the software to run smoothly on a computer. Common programming languages include C++, Javascript, Python, etc. Coding languages are crucial to understanding as they are the only way to communicate with a computer and therefore form an essential skill for video game creation.

Mathematical Abilities

Depending on the level of sophistication and demand of a game, there is a big portion of math involved. Graphically demanding games such as Call of Duty^® involve much more math than games readily available on app stores on phones. But regardless of level, math forms an important aspect of video game creation. The main branches of math involved in video game creation include: 

• Algebra
• Discrete Math
• Trigonometry
• Calculus
• Linear Algebra
• Applied Math

Let us put into context how math is applied in game creation. Here are some of the functions that are a result of applying math in video games:⁴

• Fluid Water Simulation
• Animation
• Algorithms
• Game Engine Architecture
• Gameplay Scripting (walking, shooting, jumping)
• Analytics and Data Mining (analyzing players’ interaction)
• Timers Programming 
• Physics Programming (inertia, friction, etc.)
• Graphics/Shaders Programming (matrices, etc.)
• Pathfinding/AI
• Procedural Level Design
• Handling Polygon Rendering

That being said, those complex math problems are not the first step in video game development. Coding does not need a high-level mathematical understanding in its early stages. Rather, most coding courses online are designed in a way that students develop their mathematical abilities alongside practicing writing code. 

Artistic / Creative Abilities

Creative thinking and visualization are desirable in video game making. With millions of video games existing in the market, there is always a need for more creative and engaging video games. A video game must not only be visually appealing but also intellectually stimulating. Video games need to challenge the gamer to the right extent. This is something a video game developer must be able to visualize and implement in the video game. 

Other Skills 

Apart from the core abilities to program and visualize a video game, it is beneficial for a creator to also possess effective communication, collaboration abilities, intriguing storytelling skills, adaptability, willingness to engage with new technologies and persistence. Together, coding and these skills can help create an approach to game design that balances creativity and technicality.³

Want to know how coding can help hone these additional skills? Head over to BYJU’s FutureSchool Blog to read how coding can help children become confident problem solvers, effective communicators, better planners, and so much more! Disclaimer: All trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners and are only mentioned for informative purposes. These trademark holders are not affiliated with BYJU’s FutureSchool or its website, nor do they sponsor or endorse BYJU’s FutureSchool or any of its products.

References
Beattie, A. (2021, October 31). How the video game industry is changing. Investopedia. Retrieved 8 November 2022, from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/053115/how-video-game-industry-changing.asp
History of Gaming Setups – 80’s, 90’s & 00’s – Hosa. (2022, October 3). Hosa. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://hosatech.com/press-release/history-of-video-games/
Walsh, J. (2020, March 27). 10 skills you need to become a video game designer. Peterson’s. Retrieved 8 November 2022, from https://www.petersons.com/blog/10-skills-you-need-to-become-a-video-game-designer/
This Is The Math Behind Super Mario. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2016/10/21/this-is-the-math-behind-super-mario/?sh=5f6f85b92154