The gaming industry is constantly evolving, driven by the rapid advancements in technology. As technology progresses, so does the potential for gaming to reach new heights. This continuous growth can make a career in gaming feel daunting. While many professionals develop their skills through trial and error and hands-on experience, there are more structured ways to kickstart a career while still gaining that practical expertise. To gain a deeper understanding of the increasing importance of formal education in the gaming industry, I spoke with Danny Bilson, the director of USC Games.

When Should You Start?

If gaming is your passion and you’re serious about dedicating your time and effort to the field, it’s best to start as early as possible. There are plenty of ways to begin learning the skills you’ll need when you’re ready to take the leap into the industry, whether through formal education to fast-track your career or by learning at your own pace. If this is truly the path you want to follow, the sooner you start, the better—whether in high school, middle school, or even earlier. You can begin with the basics through YouTube tutorials or online courses, if you have the means.

What Skills Should You Learn?

While pursuing your education, you’ll gain valuable knowledge about various systems, but before you even apply, it’s essential to have something tangible to showcase. Building development experience early on is crucial, whether through platforms like Unity, Unreal Engine, or other available software. Demonstrating hands-on experience before entering a formal program shows your commitment and skills to potential schools or employers.

Equally important, especially for aspiring game developers, is learning the art of collaboration. USC Games places a strong emphasis on fostering a community rooted in teamwork and collaboration. When preparing your application—whether to USC Games or any other institution—be sure to highlight not only your technical skills but also any experiences that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with others. Showcasing your collaborative mindset can set you apart, as it’s a vital skill in the game development industry.

Why Choose Formal Education Over Experience?

Learning game development is no easy task, no matter when you start. While there are plenty of resources available to guide you from the beginning, some aspects of game creation don’t come naturally—storytelling being one of them. Imagine this: you’ve mastered the basics of coding and decided to make your first game. You’ve bought all the necessary software and are ready to dive into development, but as you sit down to start, you realize something is missing. You don’t have a solid game idea. Hours pass, and you still can’t think of anything unique, interesting, or original enough to build on.

This is where a formal education can make a huge difference. Sure, you’ve likely brainstormed ideas if you're serious about creating your own game, but in an academic setting, you’d have the resources to test those ideas through trial and error. Plus, you’d always have access to people who’ve been through the same challenges, allowing you to learn from their mistakes before making your own. At a place like USC Games, you’re surrounded by seasoned professionals with years of industry experience, providing you with invaluable insights from true veterans in the field.

The main difference between pursuing a formal education and kickstarting your own career is the safety net that education provides. In a formal setting, you’re encouraged to take risks, gain exposure, and learn through trial and error. While "formal education" may sound like it’s all textbooks and tests, places like USC Games offer a much more hands-on approach. You’ll be actively involved in creating games, gaining real-world experience by working under deadlines, receiving real-time feedback, and accessing a wealth of resources. All of this happens without the constant worry of, "Is this the last mistake I can afford to make?"

How Does A Cirriculum Adapt?

At an institution like USC Games, they are deeply aware of the rapidly shifting landscape of technology and the diverse range of student interests that come with it. Unlike traditional programs that rely on a rigid day-to-day curriculum, USC Games takes a more dynamic and flexible approach to education. While there are foundational skills and knowledge that every student must learn, the bulk of what is taught is tailored to each student's experiences, interests, and the current relevance of industry trends. This ensures that students are not just following a set path but are receiving an education that is directly applicable to the type of career they want to pursue.

In a conversation with Bilson, I asked how USC Games adapts its curriculum in response to emerging technologies such as VR, AR, and other advancements. Bilson highlighted the fact that while VR has surged in popularity over the past few years, it has now reached a plateau or even seen a decline. This is a critical insight—USC Games doesn’t simply react to trends for the sake of staying current. Instead, they carefully evaluate how technology fits into the broader landscape of game development. Bilson explained that some students may gravitate toward VR because it best supports the story they want to tell, but that isn’t the case for everyone. The institution adapts its teaching methods to reflect the needs and passions of each individual student, offering a more customized education.

What sets USC Games apart is that it isn’t just focused on transferring knowledge from teacher to student. The program is designed to prepare students for the realities of the gaming industry by providing practical, experience-driven education. Rather than moving students along through a fixed curriculum, USC Games prioritizes the hands-on learning that comes from trial and error, collaboration, and personal exploration. The goal is not to teach what they can and send students off but to equip each one with the tools and experiences they need to succeed in their specific area of interest within the ever-changing gaming world.

Final Tips For Aspiring Game Developers

Embrace collaboration and always be kind to those rising alongside you in the industry. Game development can be intense, but don’t let the pressure defeat you. Stay resilient, work well with others, and maintain a positive attitude—it will serve you well throughout your journey.