Have you ever been playing your favorite video game, noted a particularly cool 3D graphic effect or a really clever way to use the controller to move your character, and wondered in admiration, “How did they do that?” If so, you’re not alone–and those who look beyond the pure enjoyment of playing their games and start becoming interested in how games are created and developed have already taken the first step toward a career in gaming.

There are many different jobs associated with the gaming industry. The artistically inclined can become concept, texture and 3D artists. If you’ve got a talent for sound and motion work, you might fancy working on the animation and motion capture of today’s complex video games, or in recording voices and sound effects to bring their worlds to life. On the more mathematical, technological side of things are jobs in programming, testing and development. Whatever role you play, a career in gaming is bound to be varied, as no two games you help create will ever be the same.

A degree in computer science is very helpful in getting you into the gaming industry. Depending upon your role you’ll need to be trained in the most current software, coding languages and more, and formal classes are the best way to do this. You can go to college the traditional way or pursue one of a wide variety of online degrees available to you anywhere in the world. Gaming career training works perfectly with online education because you attend class online and your training is computer-related anyway.

Unlike many other career options today, a career in gaming is all but immune to economic recession. There is always a demand for new entertainment no matter what, and with a degree in computer science you can spend your time providing for that lucrative market while having a lot of fun doing it.