You are going to read an article about the Video game industry. For the following questions, choose the best answer which you think fits best according to the text.

A CAREER IN THE VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY?

Initially populated by computer scientists and the self-taught, the video game design industry used not to offer many routes into its midst. Often, perhaps unfairly, viewed as just a hobby for young enthusiasts, the video game industry is now being taken seriously. Surprised? Industry experts aren´t.

It´s not easy though. Video game spin-offs that rapidly follow any new movie require dozens of team members and months of incredible skill, perseverance and intricacies. As with almost every industry, it´s tricky to get into - but it is expanding. Jim Donelly, a spokesman for an online games magazine says: "It´s certainly very difficult to make much headway within big companies or to influence any of the really big mainstream games. But the truth is, the industry needs game designers more than ever. Not just director-level people who orchestrate an entire game, but the lower-level people, who design systems and individual set pieces."

So, how can you get into such a competitive industry? Although many companies prefer people to have a degree in computer science, Jim disagrees. "There is only one route: make games. The tools are there. You won´t get a job if you haven´t made something, and you won´t get anywhere independently if you are not making stuff. Game design is less a job than it is a way of life. Like any creative endeavour it must be done to be real." Another industry expert, John Field, sees other options. "There´s a lot to be said for "just doing it", but it´s really more complicated than that. There are lots of people who want to work in games, but few who measure up to the requirements of the industry these days; even fewer who have the creative talent, technical know-how, vision and entrepreneurial ability to really contribute to the ever-changing face of an evolving medium."

Can you do it on your own? "Perhaps, but it´s pretty tricky", says John. "However, a good postgraduate course in games can help, plus provide a year or two of top-level support and guidance. Most games designers start their careers as programmers, or artists, progressing their way up the ladder. They are interested in all forms of entertainment media, plus have a healthy appetite for all areas of the arts and contemporary culture. The may or may not have spent a few years in the working world post-graduation, but have realised that games are going to be their "thing". They are not merely fans, but are fascinated by the future possibilities of games, and are aware of the increasing breadth and diversity of the form. And finally, connections can help. This is often overlooked, but in order to get ahead in games - as in many other areas - you need to network.

The childish stereotype of the adolescent boy glued to his games console has long been replaced by the more accurate perception of a grown-up medium, grabbing our attention. Families frequently get involved on interactive consoles. Smartphones introduce a wealth of new games through apps, as well as social media. John believes there is plenty of room for expansion. "Games have become pervasive play-things for increasingly large audiences. They are also a great way to learn things and I see this already big area as an expanding array of possibilities and opportunities.