Leveling Up: Passionate Hobbyist Turns Game Development Dream into a Career Path

The program is very flexible, especially as you get into advanced game development. The instructors are there to talk you through things and help you...create projects and assignments of your own.

By studying web design and computer game development at Lake Land College, Gage Hoene seeks to turn his hobbies into a rewarding career.

“I’ve always liked playing video games, and I figured it’s a pretty big industry to get into,” Gage said. “I’ve taught myself a lot over the years just because I’m always tinkering on my computer, but my understanding has really grown since I started here.”

During his time at Lake Land, Gage has developed his skills on industry-standard software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Unity and GameMaker Studio. He has used these programs to design dynamic logos, webpages and even a variety of video games from scratch. It all hinges on creativity and a little patience, and he is thankful for instructors like Brett Sawyer who provide students the freedom to dream big.

“The program is very flexible, especially as you get into advanced game development,” Gage explained. "That’s really important with something like game development, because you usually learn more when you’re having fun with new ideas rather than following something rigid.”

After he graduates from Lake Land in May, Gage is looking forward to exploring the wide range of options available with his education and skillset.

He is open to the idea of working with a large video game development studio, but his eventual goal is to use his knowledge to design and publish games of his own. He also notes that the program taught him advanced videoediting techniques that he enjoys using to document and share his adventures in game design.

“I made videos before, but I was in middle school and didn’t know what I was doing,” Gage said with a chuckle.

“Now I’m getting to really learn digital effects, and that’s been a big part of the program for me. I have a YouTube channel where I like to post videos about making games, so it’d be really cool to get that ball rolling even more.”

While Gage is eager for the next steps in his journey, he is also thankful for the time he spent at Lake Land. As prospective students make their educational plans, he encourages them not to overlook the many benefits of a local community college.

“I live in Mattoon, so you can’t beat the convenience and price of starting here,” Gage explained. “If you’re on the fence, just go for it. The campus is great and the environment you get with smaller classes is really nice."

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AREA OF STUDY

• Computer Systems

• Computer Technician

• Desktop Publishing

• IT – Computer Applications Specialist

• IT – Computer Game Development

• IT – Digital Media Specialist

• IT – Graphic Design

• IT – Network Administration

• IT – Programming

• IT – Technician

• IT – Web Design

• Information Technology Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in an Information Technology Area of Study visit LakeLandCollege.edu.