Interested in becoming a game developer? A game degree is a major plus.

If you have dreamed of becoming a video game designer or programmer, you must read this interview with game veteran, Bill Roper.  Roper, who played a key role in the development of the seminal game Warcraft, recently discussed his career and the future of the industry with Gamasutra.

Several months ago, I covered the educational options for aspiring game developers and mentioned that there are a growing number of universities that offers courses and even college majors in game programming and design. Roper was clear in his interview that this educational background gives up-and-coming programmers a major leg-up in the hiring process.

[Those with a game degree] definitely have, I think, a higher level of understanding, a better vocabulary; they’re able to hit the ground running a lot better… There’s the possibility that they’re going to have just the higher degree of baseline knowledge. They have that step up to step in and do something at a starting level in the company.

If you are thinking about pursuing a career in game design and development, definitely check out the interview with Roper and visit the JobMonkey’s section on video game jobs.