As a senior designer, Soucy works on projects in level designs, game play mechanisms and overarching story lines. He also helps the lead designer oversee all aspects of design by ensuring the design team's work is consistent with the overall vision of the fame.

Such attention to detail, he admits, also means being very critical. "My patience for video games has dropped," he says. "A game really has to grab me to keep me playing for more than a couple of [minutes]."

Got Game?
When it comes to preparing yourself educationally for a career in game design, it's all about keeping up on new technology and being open-minded, says Soucy. "It's a very diverse industry, and someone could find a job doing almost any kind of work in it" he advises, nothing you cold get into art, programming, design, or business/marketing. "Got to school, learn the necessary skills for your field, and get involved. Even if it's game testing, you'll make valuable contacts."

Good for you, the game design field is a win-win endeavor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to increase 68 percent between 2004 and 2014, ranking software publishers as the third fastest growing industry in the economy. And, since the game design industry is rumored to be a $10 billion dollar domestic market, the earnings are as exciting as the job's end result.

More and more of executives in the game design industry re mandating that its professionals obtain a college degree. There are opportunities to earn either an associate or bachelor's degree in game design from specialized schools. Find out more and edge closer to your dreams to transform your love for gaming into a great game design paycheck.