4 years ago
Being obsessed with video games is rarely seen as an advantage in the classroom, but now there's an actual video gaming degree being offered at Montgomery College in Rockville. But if you sign up - remember to bring your game face and leave the games at home.
It sure doesn't look like work.
But before any of these guys picked up a controller at Bethesda Softworks, they were picking up a degree at Montgomery College where they teach video game lovers how to get paid for their passion.
Professor Deborah Solomon is the prime mover behind Montgomery's gaming program. She compares it to the movie business in the days before anyone took film school seriously.
"Video gaming is going through a stage right now where people are saying, 'you go to school to study gaming, what's that about?' But it?s just like the film industry; there are techniques and jargon that you learn."
And not all of her students are 19-year-olds fresh from the school of XBOX and Playstation. Richard Engram is 62-years-old, but with a background in Special Ed. He's betting he actually has a leg up on reaching the youngest gamers.
"They love the computer and if you can put the learning process in that format I honestly believe we can do wonders with the kids and hold their attention."
The games you see these interns testing today you may well see on the store shelves tomorrow. But make no mistake, while working here at Bethesda Softworks is their dream job - with millions of dollars at stake it?s a lot more than just fun and games.
"If you can't live up to the task, there's certainly somebody waiting to take your place."
The gaming business is super competitive , says Bethesda Softworks Spokesman Pete Hines, and his company needs people who can hit ground at warp speed.
"It gives us folks who not only have the interest, but have the tools to come into our industry."
Hines says beware. The hours can be long and merciless deadlines are everywhere. But if this was your daily grind, would you complain?
"I enjoy coming into work everyday. It?s a real blast."
Bethesda Softworks is actually located in Rockville. It turns out Maryland is second only to California as a home for video game makers
Written by Derek McGinty
