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Video Game Designer

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AVG. SALARY

$76,630

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

Real-Life Activities

Real-Life Decision Making

The computer game industry is a highly competitive field. Computer game designers are constantly searching for that something special that will make their game the top-selling game of the season.

You're a computer game designer, and you're working on a game called Speedy Sam. It's a new PC driving game. You and a team have been developing this game for 10 months now, and it's in the final stages of development. The company is anxious to put the finishing touches on the program so it can be released in time for Christmas.

The game has some dynamite features, such as the ability to race 12 licensed super cars through seven international courses from Australia to Canada. Realistic graphics and rain, fog and snow effects give the illusion of really being there. The game will be the best-looking driving title on any system.

But just as the design team is finalizing the program and getting it ready to market, someone on the team suggests it can be improved by adding a new car, a Ferrari Maranello, and two additional racetracks.

You agree. No other racing game on the market boasts that kind of setup, and you'd love to see it developed. It could boost sales considerably. The game is your baby, and you want it the best it can be.

However, the changes would send the game back to the drawing board. In order to make those improvements, the game may not be ready for the Christmas shopping season. Plus, any additional time spent redeveloping the program will cost your company more money. The game already has a Ferrari F50 and seven international courses. Is it that important to add another car and two additional tracks?

What do you do?