Don’t Take That Video Game Controller Away Just Yet, Mom

Yes, we all know video games are evil and will rot your kids’ brains.

But Shawn Kohn, human resources manager of Firaxis Games, a Sparks video game development studio, asks parents to be open-minded if their kids express an interest in game development as a career.

“Parents probably get nervous because they don’t understand what goes into a game, what their kids would be doing,” Kohn says.

Founded in 1996, Firaxis, under the guidance of Director of Creative Development Sid Meier, has produced dozens of games for multiple platforms, including the popular Civilization series, a strategy game that has players building up their own empires. In 2000, Civilization was ranked #4 on IGN’s list of Top 25 PC Games of All Time.

“Here we do design, video, programming, art and production,” Kohn says. “It’s amazing the number of people who are involved in making a simple game.”

Firaxis employs 130 individuals who are involved in game development. Most of these are artists with degrees from MICA and programmers from UMBC. With flexible hours, catered meals and no dress code, employees enjoy many on-the-job perks.

Oh, and the actual job is to create and play video games.

“We try to make it fun. You’re making video games, how could it not be fun?” Kohn says. “When you consider what you’re doing, you enjoy your job.”

Firaxis has employees teaching at MICA and UMBC who recruit students to serve as the next batch of video game developers.

Adam Shook put his computer science degree from UMBC to use as a graphic designer at Casino Games. 

"I've always liked playing video games," Shook said. "My parents were always very supportive. They knew this is what I wanted to do."

Shook is now back in school earning a master's degree in computer science.

"Hopefully, I can use this to get back into the industry," he said. 

There are, however, several ways to break into the industry.

“We have a lot of people that start as testers, or internships sometimes,” Kohn says.

Firaxis and other video game development studios offer internships but the slots fill up quickly. Interested students can also email the human resources department to get in touch with a programmer, producer or artist to learn more about the job.

“If we have the ability, we do what we can,” Kohn says.

And what does Kohn have to say about the disturbing nature of some video games?

“It’s hard for me to say because our video games aren’t like that. But you are going to be exposed to that kind of stuff wherever you go," she says. "At least in the video game world, it’s fictional.”

Kohn further stresses the importance of parents being mindful of ratings and selecting age-appropriate options. Firaxis offers games for small children, and the Civilization series has been used as an educational tool in history classes.

Video games also offer an outlet for those looking to get in shape. 

"Obviously nothing replaces going outside and getting fresh air," Kohn says. "But there are also a lot of games out now that make kids active–like on the Wii Fit." 

And the industry isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

“You have millions of people playing Facebook games and games on their iPads. A lot of studios are getting into that. We have one coming up,” Kohn says. “It’s [the industry's] growing in a different way then we thought 10 years ago but it’s definitely growing."