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January 20, 2021Capital Region BOCES Video Game Design Students Receive Personalized Advice from Game Designers
Capital Region BOCES students looking to design their futures around video games are getting personalized advice from experts in the field.
Students in the Game Design and Implementation Program are meeting with game design experts from Troy-based Video Game Design firm Vicarious Visions, which is famous for creating such games as the Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk series.
During the coming weeks, students will meet in 30-minute virtual sessions with experts from the company to learn more about what it takes to break into the industry, as well as gain tips and advice on being successful.
The sessions started on Jan. 19 with Steve Derrick, director of organization development of Vicarious Visions, fielding questions and offering advice to a series of students, including Dylan Doxtator, a senior from Shenendehowa.
“This seems cool. I am super interested in it and to see how it can help me reach my goals,” Doxtater said.
Derrick, a 20-year veteran of the Troy-based Vicarious Visions, described his own climb from painter and artist to game developer, as well as talked about the industry, the future of the industry and what he views as successful skill traits to have.
“This was a great way for our students to hear about the potential that exists for them and the path they need to follow to climb from gamer to professional game designer,” said Makensie Bullinger, principal of Center for Advanced Technology.
Senior Justin Ildefonso Jr. said the sessions are a perfect opportunity for students to seize upon.
“This is a perfect opportunity – you get to talk to someone who works in the field and they can share their expertise on wat it took to get there and share their insights on what we should do to get there,” the Shenendehowa senior said.
Vicarious Visions is one of nearly 90 area businesses and institutions that regularly collaborate with Capital Region BOCES, providing expert advice to students, as well as work-based learning opportunities and other career-building opportunities and skills.
