Advice for a youngster wanting to work in video game designing?

I have an under 10 year-old son who has shown interest in designing video games. I know that since he is so young that the aspirations could change. What I am asking for is things that he could do now to starting working toward that goal in video games or computers. He shows a talent for drawing and (of course) enjoys playing on his Gamecube, Nintendo DS and computer games (Club Pengiun, Toontown, Adventure Quest, etc.) I am thinking along the lines of typing lessons, art classes (cartooning), computer programs or other ideas. Thank you for your help!!Advice for a youngster wanting to work in video game designing?
Video game industry now is as developed as ever. It is like any other product we have on the shelves now. It goes through all phase of production as well, such as concept, deveopment, marketing and testing.





What you want to do is take notices in watching your son in his interests. Such as what does he like to do? As you have mentioned, he likes to draw, does he spent long hours drawing or just quick sketches here and there? Does his drawings show a lot of characters, or scenes and backgrounds?





There are many specialized positions in the gaming industries, like a full movie production. Some of the positions in the development team may include:





Character Artists


Storyboard Artists


3D Modelling Artists


Background Artists


Production Testing


Scenario Designers


Game Engine Programmers.





What you not want to do yet is to overloard your son with all these technical jargons. But to overlook him and steer him in the right direction, helping him gather information and researches in these topics. As you have said, he might change his mind down the road.





But for now, test the water. Just buy him for some beginner's book and see how he reacts to them, or purchase some titles like RPG Makers on consoles you have and see how it turns out.Advice for a youngster wanting to work in video game designing?
I would suggest some books on world mythology - Greek, Roman, African. Designing games starts with a good story, and most of the stories I've 'played' have their roots in the same world mythologies, the human stories, the grand tragedies, myths of gods/goddesses and heroes. There are books of this type geared toward younger readers, with great illustrations (I had a few in my childhood).





And if you are a reader, you may wish to read some of Joseph Campbell's works, which deal with the mythologies of many cultures. It will give you an eye-opening view on popular movies and culture.





Best journey to you both-


P.