The video game industry has been considered a pretty minor entertainment industry for a long time despite its incredible growth over the past few decades. Nowadays though it is impossible for even those who do not play video games to pretend that the video game industry is not a massive industry that is set to one day maybe even rival those of cinema and primetime television. In the same way that DW Griffith changed cinema forever and The Sopranos introduced prestige television through channels like HBO and AMC, many video games have been watershed moments in the industry. One such video game is of course the king of massively multiplayer role-playing games; we are of course talking about Activision Blizzard’s World of Warcraft. You might be wondering did World Warcraft change the face of gaming as we know it currently? To get that answer let’s delve a little deeper into its history.

Before there was World of Warcraft there was the franchise of real time strategic games going simply by the name of Warcraft. As many gamers know Warcraft came as a response by the Blizzard developers to the refusal by the games workshop to give them the license to make an official Warhammer real-time strategic game. What started as a simple rip-off in a way led creators such as Chris Metzen to fully infuse their ideas into this whole new fantasy world that they had created for this game. Fast forward a few years until the creation of the now iconic Warcraft three and its expansion frozen throne. While many didn’t know it at the time this game would change everything. Not only did one craft re-inspire the creation of its successor World of Warcraft but it was also the first playground for those who would go on to create Dota.

So now let’s get into the real meat of things. It is 2005 and World of Warcraft is finally launching. It was not the first massively multiplayer role-playing game available on the market, but it was the most technologically advanced back then. While I was trying to compete with games such as Runescape or even EverQuest the reality is that nothing on the market was able to rival the earth-shattering arrival of World of Warcraft. Rapidly it stood out not only as MMORPG but as THE MMORPG. It launched with an impressive premise at the time, a massive world that you could explore on foot or on mounts facing foes and delving into raids and dungeons something that people only knew from gains on tabletop platforms such as dungeons and Dragons. And even then, Blizzard announced that the launch of World of Warcraft was merely the beginning as this world would grow with its players.

One thing that changed the face of gaming was the monetization system that World of Warcraft was using. Rapidly Blizzard realized that if they wanted to host a massive online role-playing game, they would need the service space and they would need to rent those servers which cost a lot of money every month. This is where the subscription system came in. Not only were players paying an initial fee to access the game’s content, but they also had to pay a subscription fee to be able to log in and play the game every month as they wanted. Fast forward to 2023 and this system is still in place with the subscription fee of course following inflation and becoming more expensive. And this is not even taking into account the fact that World of Warcraft has expansions every two years which also require payment.

It is important to understand that most MMOs that came afterward that tried to use the system were not able to do it. Why? The answer is very simple people were already paying a subscription fee for World of Warcraft. World of Warcraft released right in a good time for MMORPGs to come out and it is one of the few that remains to this day from this era. The other MMORPGs that are still currently on the market often opt for a subscription fee that does not give you access to the game but only gives you bonus features that make your game experience easier. This is how Star Wars the Old Republic and The Elder Scrolls online works. World of Warcraft has been able to maintain this system for so long because people are already invested, and they came in at a time when these things were not old news.

Nowadays the only MMO RPG that has been able to replicate World of Warcraft’s success has been FF14 following in the footsteps of Blizzard by not only charging for the initial fee expansion fees but also a monthly subscription. Many attribute their success to replicating their model because they are carried to the final fantasy brand. Many gamers nowadays still play World of Warcraft the only thing that they care about is browsing websites such as Wowhead or MMO Champion to look at this definitive WoW healer tier list or the essential best-in-slot items for your class guides. But the reality is that even if the game ends up with many subscribers over the years, it has still maintained a core of loyal players that still pay monthly and keep the game not only afloat but profitable for Activision Blizzard. While many companies still to this day tried to replicate their success, we have seen time and time again that it is extremely difficult to do.

Over the last thirty years we have seen a huge shift in gaming culture. Previously, gaming was a niche hobby that was often mocked and seen as ‘Nerdy.’ But, as technology improved, gaming became increasingly popular. Today gaming is one of the most popular hobbies on the planet. It is a multi-billion dollar industry, as demonstrated by Microsoft buying Blizzard Activision for a whopping $69 Billion Dollars.

Many people have often dreamed about working in the gaming industry. And it can often seem like an inaccessible dream. But, with gaming only growing in popularity, now is actually the perfect time to try to break into the industry. But where does one start on their journey to become a game designer? We have put together this guide to help you take your first steps.

Find Your Field

Being a game designer can mean any number of things. As you most likely know it takes a dedicated team of people to make a game. Programmers, writers, artists, testers, producers. There are many different fields one can work in with game design. So the first step is figuring out what contribution you want to be making to your team.

Naturally, there will be an area you gravitate towards more than others. Maybe you already have an inclination towards creating art. Or perhaps you spend your free time creating complex stories. Or maybe you studied programming at school. But, you might also consider training in a few different fields to better your chances of finding a job.

Immerse Yourself In Gaming

I have no doubt that, if you are reading this article, you are already an avid gamer. But, as with any creative craft, you can’t be successful without consuming the media you want to make. A writer needs to read a lot of books. A director needs to study a lot of films. And a game designer needs to study games. And that means more than just playing them.

If you want to become a game designer you need to start studying the games you play with a designer’s eyes. Let’s take Minecraft as an example. On the surface, Minecraft is a game with a simple, yet effective, game loop. You break blocks. Use those blocks to build. Get better equipment. Break more blocks. Explore. It is simple enough that someone who has never played a game before can play it with ease. But deep enough that a serious gamer can sink their teeth into it.

But how does it achieve this? This is the primary question you should ask as a game designer. From there you will want to deconstruct everything about it. How intuitive are the controls when considering the gameplay loop? Do the graphics fit the feeling the gameplay creates? Is the sound design immersive? Make sure you write down your observations to get into the habit of thinking like a designer.

You will also want to engage with the games community, especially if it has multiplayer functionality. Just by looking at this survival Minecraft server list, you can get a good idea of how people engage with the game in the multiplayer community. Make a note of which modes are most popular. Does the community prefer modding capabilities? Do they want more control over their multiplayer experience?

Learn Programming

Even if you aren’t looking to become a game programmer it is still a good idea to have a basic understanding of how programming works. This will allow you to better understand what goes into coding a game. And will let you know what is possible, and what isn’t.

There are hundreds of fantastic courses out there to help you get started. Boot.Dev is a great example. It turns programming lessons into an RPG. You gain experience for completing lessons and earn new powers.

If you are really serious about becoming a game programmer, you might consider enrolling in a University or College course for game programming. This will not only teach you the skills you need, but will allow you to network with other game designers and game design companies. Plus, it will look great on your CV when you finally start applying to different companies.

Play Board Games

When you are designing a game there is always one key question you need to ask. And that is ‘Why isn’t this a board game?’ This philosophy is pivotal to the world of gaming. Board games were the precursor to video games. They are baked into the DNA of video games.

So to become a better game designer you should take some time to immerse yourself in the world of board games. Because they will teach you a lot about the fundamentals of both game design and game theory as a whole.

Board Games are a complex beast. They need to be perfectly balanced to ensure all players are having fun, but also have an equal chance at winning. They need to have rules that prepare for any situation that may arise within the bounds of the game. And they need to be replayable. This might all sound simple, but the reality is far from it.

We recommend you try a huge variety of board games. Take rigorous notes, much like how you studied video games. And then try your hand at making your own board game. You’ll be surprised at what you learn from the experience.

When it comes to ever-evolving work fields one of the most important over the past decade has been the one of technology. Whether we are talking about home appliance technologies military technologies or even video game and entertainment technologies the reality is that we are surrounded by more technological gadgets than we have ever been in the history of mankind. If you are somebody who is still in school and is looking for a field to possibly have a career it can be someone dizzying to see all of these technological fields crop up but let’s look at some of the best ones to break into and possibly make a great career in.

One of the fields that offers some of the best job opportunities as well as high salaries and great work advantages is the field of engineering. Engineering as it is is a very large field that encompasses very different areas of work and types of engineers. If you are studying to become a mechanical engineer or a dev OPS engineer you will find that there is work aplenty as skilled and trained labor is in short supply currently, especially in these ever-growing fields that are always on the lookout for new talent to include in their workforce. Engineering opportunities offer you jobs in companies such as Boeing or even Microsoft depending on the type of engineering you studied for and there are always new positions and possibilities of advancement for people who are strong-willed enough.

Now to talk about a very different field we are talking about a field that is more connected to the entertainment industry. If you are creative and want to work in a movie there are always opportunities. The opportunities to work in the entertainment industry are not limited to special effects people and trivia artists but they also offer jobs to many other people. If you know a little about our sets and how production is operated on movies and films you will know that whether we are talking about 3D artists from LA, special effects programmers from Texas, or electricians in PA the microcosm of movie production requires a lot of different jobs, especially in the growing use of technologies on the films. This can be attributed for example to the use of fully digital backdrops like the volume as used by Disney or the growing need for special and visual effects artists.

To go back to a more traditional view of technological fields we should address the constantly open field of software designers. Whether you are designing software for a vending machine or software for military computers the reality is that nowadays everything runs on software. You can find software designing jobs even when working for the government since nowadays all the government branches are using websites that require specific coding which means that software designer is a job in very high demand and there is a constant lack of workers in this field which means that to be able to attract people a lot of employers need to offer better advantages an better salaries which is good for you. If you are adept at coding breaking into software designing jobs is a great way for you to make a living.

When we talk about technologies and the field that are the most needed currently we cannot avoid talking about cyber security in the need for analysis of the security of systems. Even though most companies nowadays use digital and virtual office spaces or programs to help them manage their businesses they are certainly lacking in security. Over the past years, many people conducted surveys regarding cyber security. The findings were somewhat disturbing since it seemed that almost half of small businesses had no understanding of how to protect themselves from cyberattacks and only a measly 15% of businesses with a proper cyber security apparatus can mitigate cyber attacks. As we see the use of technology and online services for business grow so does the need for cyber security experts and analysts that can provide knowledge and services to businesses.

As you can see finding work in technological fields might not always be easy but the reality is that there are always openings for anyone interested no matter what field you are in. While to the untrained eyes, it might seem like the world has plateaued when it comes to technologies the reality is that technology is always evolving and so is the marketplace for it as technology evolves so does the need for a workforce in it. So if you are somebody who’s looking to break into a specific field of work in technology you should do your research and see what kind of benefits and salaries you can get from these jobs. So get out there and find the proper technological field that suits you and your studies the best.

Are you tired of the traditional 9 to 5 job routine? Are you looking for a more flexible and mobile career option? Well, you’re in luck because technology has made it possible to have a whole career from your phone! Yes, you heard that right. With just your mobile device and some innovative ideas, you can create a successful career right from the palm of your hand. In this post, we will explore 7 ways that you can build a career from your phone and become your own boss. Read on;

Social Media Management

With the rise of social media, businesses and organizations of all sizes are turning to social media platforms to promote their brand and stay engaged with their audience. Social media managers play a critical role in this process, as they manage multiple social media accounts, create content, schedule posts, and track analytics.

One of the biggest advantages of being a social media manager is flexibility. You can easily manage multiple accounts from your phone or computer, making it a great option for those who want to work remotely or freelance.

Freelance Writing and Virtual Assistant

Content is king, and businesses are always in need of quality writers. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr make connecting with clients easy and finding freelance writing jobs.

As a virtual assistant, you can perform various tasks for busy professionals, like scheduling appointments and managing email inboxes. With apps like Google Calendar and Trello, you can easily stay organized and keep track of tasks on your phone.

Online Tutoring

Another exciting opportunity that technology has made possible is online tutoring. With e-learning becoming increasingly popular, the demand for online tutors is also on the rise. Websites like Skooli and TutorMe have made connecting with students and scheduling tutoring sessions online easier than ever. All you need is a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a passion for teaching.

Graphic Design

Graphic design is a field that involves using visual concepts to communicate ideas or messages to a target audience. Graphic design has become increasingly important as companies aim to stand out in a crowded market.

Graphic designers create logos, websites, posters, packaging, advertisements, and other design elements that help businesses establish their brands. They use a combination of typography, color theory, and imagery to create designs that communicate a message or evoke emotion.

Podcasting

Podcasting is a popular and rapidly-growing industry that involves creating audio content, usually in the form of episodic series, available for streaming or download online. A podcast can cover virtually any topic, from pop culture and news to history and science.

Starting a podcast is a great way to build a career from your phone. With podcasting apps like Anchor, you can easily record, edit, and distribute your own show to a global audience.

Stock Trading

Stock trading is an exciting and dynamic industry that involves buying and selling stocks representing a share of ownership in a company. While it may not be for everyone, stock trading can be a great way to make a living and potentially earn a significant amount of money.

Thanks to trading apps like Robinhood and E-Trade, anyone with a smartphone can participate in the stock market. These apps allow you to manage your portfolio, track market trends, and execute trades from the convenience of your phone.

Social Media Influencer

Social media influencer is a relatively new and exciting career taking the world by storm. As a social media influencer, you’ll use your online presence and followers to promote brands, products, and services. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook are all potential avenues for building your following.

To start, you must figure out your niche and target audience. Once you’ve determined your audience, you must consistently create quality content that resonates with them. Whether it’s photos, videos, or written content, showcase your personality and be authentic.

As your following grows, so will your potential earnings. Brands are always looking for influencers to help them market their products to a targeted audience. You can earn money through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and brand collaborations. When starting, getting followers and organic likes can be challenging. If you are using Instagram, you can buy likes from platforms such as Feedfluencer, which can greatly boost your following and engagement.

Conclusion

Technological advancement has made it possible for us to do much more from our phones than ever before. With these seven ways, you can have a successful and fulfilling career, all done from the convenience of your mobile device. From being a social media manager to an online teacher or blogger, endless opportunities are available to us. With determination, motivation and some creativity, you can start and run a profitable career from the palm of your hand. So, start exploring these careers, use the necessary tools and take your time to learn.

When it comes to finding a mobile phone that has the processing capabilities to deal with high-quality gaming it is important to look at the phone specifications before you make a purchase, as this will help avoid buying a model that cannot keep up with your needs. Mobile gaming has come a long way with many games available that are similar in quality and length to some of the games you will find for consoles or computers. This is why it is so important that you find a mobile phone capable of processing and storing all of the required data for smooth and sharp gameplay.

For those of you that are in the market for a new phone and if you already know you will be using said phone for gaming, I would recommend that you conduct plenty of research and comparisons between models to ensure you find the best deal and phone for your budget. You should research before you visit the store to make sure you have all of the required knowledge to make the best decision rather than trusting a sales rep in the store. This list will look at some of the most popular models that are able to process high speeds, combating that of the most powerful processors found in computers and other larger technology pieces.

Moto Edge

The first phone on this list that is definitely suitable for high-quality gaming would be the latest Motorola edge model. This phone is not only fully equipped with everything that you need for day-to-day use but it is also fitted with a powerful processor that can deal with demanding gameplay and graphics. With a large screen that produces sharp and bright colors, you should be able to see everything you need for that extra immersive gameplay experience to keep you entertained for hours.

Sony Xperia 5

The next phone on this list would have to be the Sony Xperia 5, this latest release from Sony is capable of all of your media requirements including a large speaker and screen for added effect and boosted gameplay results. The Sony Xperia is installed with software capable of processing extra downloadable content for your games including any cheats you may find on veteran cheats. This popular website provides cheat codes for many games to help you progress past the boring parts as fast as possible, veteran cheats even has hacks for the pubg mobile version so if you think you will use this feature consider the Sony Xperia 5.

Apple iPhone 12

Apple is considered by many to be one of the biggest worldwide tech companies, so it should come as no surprise that their latest iPhone 12 model was worthy of a position on this list. The iPhone 12 comes fully equipped with enough processing power to manage games and multiple background activities without affecting the phone’s overall performance quality. Within a graphics card to match, you shouldn’t be let down by the high definition picture quality which is provided with this model.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus

The final phone that you should definitely consider purchasing if you are a big mobile gamer would be the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus, this phone combines everything that is great about the Samsung phones with it all being featured in a single device. The plus model comes with a larger screen and slight processor boost to ensure that your gameplay and other media viewing all run as smoothly as possible without significant bugs or running issues getting in your way while you are trying to play a game.