1

Ivan Soria
CST300
9/10/2023
Video Game Industry + Game Programming Analysis

The video game industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector within the

entertainment and technology domains. It includes the creation, marketing, and playing of

interactive video games. As of July 2019, the video game industry generated approximately

US$ 134.9 billion in global sales. However, it is essential to note that the landscape has

continued to evolve since then. The industry has grown manyfold in countries like the US and

UK (Johnson & Woodcock, 2019). According to a report by Anderson et al. (2018), the

industry is anticipated to grow by 26% from 2023 to 2030. Such major innovations as sound

cards, graphic cards, PhysX, CPUs, and 3-D graphic accelerators have been influenced by it.

Video games provide a wide variety of experiences, from immersive narrative and

competitive esports to instructional and leisure play, with a worldwide market size that

surpasses the film and music industries (Giammarco et al., 2015). Major game developers,

console makers like Sony and Microsoft, and the expanding mobile gaming market are

among the key stakeholders. The popularity of multiplayer online games, exemplified by

titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone, the widespread adoption of virtual reality with

products like the Oculus Quest 2 and PlayStation VR, and the growing emphasis on mobile

and cloud gaming platforms, as seen with services like Google Stadia and Xbox Cloud

Gaming, all highlight the current trends in the industry. These technologies are enhancing

immersive gameplay experiences and finding applications beyond gaming, such as in

education, healthcare, and training simulations.

Naughty Dog Studios, the company analyzed in this paper, operates in the video game

development industry, specifically in the subgenre of action-adventure games (Moriarty,

2013). The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, USA. While their primary

studio is in Santa Monica, they do not have branch offices but maintain a collaborative work
 2

environment at their main location. The company employs around 400-500 people (Naughty

Dog, 2023). They primarily focus on developing video games exclusively for Sony's

PlayStation consoles.

Naughty Dog Studios was founded in 1984 by Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin. Initially,

they created games for home computers, but their breakthrough came in the mid-'90s with the

release of Crash Bandicoot for the original PlayStation (Moriarty, 2013). In 2001, Naughty

Dog was acquired by Sony Computer Entertainment (now Sony Interactive Entertainment),

which helped solidify their reputation as a premier game developer for PlayStation platforms.

From its early days of creating platformers like Crash Bandicoot to creating narrative-driven,

theatrical experiences like the Uncharted and The Last of Us series, Naughty Dog has

substantially changed over the years. This change demonstrated their flexibility and

dedication to expanding the possibilities for narrative in video games (Naughty Dog, 2023).

Naughty Dog's exclusivity to Sony's PlayStation platforms has cultivated a loyal fan

base. Their games have become synonymous with PlayStation excellence, driving console

sales and solidifying Sony's position in the gaming market (Moriarty, 2013). This strategic

partnership has allowed Naughty Dog to focus on optimizing their titles for PlayStation

hardware, resulting in visually stunning and technically impressive games (Moriarty, 2013).

Numerous influential people have helped Naughty Dog Studios achieve success. A

well-known individual recognized for his contributions to the story and gameplay design of

The Last of Us and Uncharted series is Neil Druckmann, Vice President and Creative

Director (Naughty Dog, 2023). He graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a

Bachelor of Arts in Film Production (Naughty Dog, 2023). The popularity of Naughty Dog's

games was greatly aided by Bruce Straley, the studio's previous Director. Druckmann and

Straley collaborated on games like The Last of Us and Uncharted 2 (Naughty Dog, 2023).

The studio's reputation benefited greatly from their creative acumen.

 3

Druckmann and Strayley's efforts led to both Uncharted and Last of Us becoming top-

selling game series and the best-known Naughty Dog Studio games. Millions of copies of

Uncharted series, which centers on the exploits of charismatic treasure hunter Nathan Drake,

have been sold worldwide (Naughty Dog, 2023). Many video games, including Uncharted 2:

Among Thieves and Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, have been well-received by critics and sold

well. For The Last of Us series, while navigating a world decimated by a fungal epidemic, the

characters Joel and Ellie in this post-apocalyptic series explore their love. The storyline and

emotional effect of The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II have gotten much praise

(Naughty Dog, 2023). Sales and critical acclaim for Naughty Dog's games are typically

substantial. They have a devoted following and are frequently eagerly awaited by gamers.

Naughty Dog Studios is committed to providing immersive, high-quality gaming

experiences, which has helped the company build a solid reputation for its customer service

(Moriarty, 2013). Through social media, forums, and events, they interact with their audience

and help them feel a part of the community. Naughty Dog is regarded as one of the best game

production firms in the business to work at. They draw the best individuals in the industry by

providing attractive salaries and benefits packages (Naughty Dog, 2023). They have a

reputation for being an attractive workplace because of their collaborative work atmosphere

and commitment to narrative innovation.

One of the most significant trends shaping the industry is the rise of cloud gaming and

streaming services. As discussed by Johnson and Woodcock (2019), games featuring online

multiplayer and live services are becoming more popular, with Fortnite and Apex Legends

among the top examples. The emphasis of this movement was on sustained player

involvement and in-game revenue generation. Second, with the promise of accessibility

across numerous devices, cloud gaming services like Google Stadia and Microsoft's Project

xCloud hint to a future change in how games are distributed and played. Third, with the
 4

release of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, a new console generation with improved

visuals, processing power, and load times has officially begun. This has given game designers

like Naughty Dog the chance to explore the limits of game creation. Fourth, Naughty Dog's

work serves as an example of how narrative-driven games are becoming more and more

common. Many developers now recognize the importance of storytelling in creating

immersive and emotionally resonant gaming experiences. Players are drawn to emotionally

stirring and cinematic experiences more and more. According to Johnson and Woodcock

(2019), this development has the potential to democratize access to games, making them

more accessible to a wider audience.

The position I am interested in is gameplay programmer. The core classes that one

should undertake to be a gameplay programmer include: Media Tools, Design Fundamentals,

Human-Computer Interaction, Scripting for Multimedia, Visual Thinking, User Research and

Experience Design, Level Design, Character Animation, Web Scripting, Portfolio

Development, Business of Design., Race, Gender, Class in the Digital World, and

Communication Design Capstone (California State University Monterey Bay, 2023). The

Media Tools units is important because it can offer students the necessary knowledge to

create and integrate assets seamlessly into games. This will ensure that games come with

high-quality graphics, animations, and audio, which will enhance their overall experience.

Furthermore, the above units can streamline my production pipeline, which will reduce

development time and costs. They can offer learners with features for asset management,

version control, and collaboration, enabling them to work efficiently and meet deadlines.

Additionally, the units can facilitate adaptability, allowing developers to optimize assets for

various platforms and resolutions, ensuring a consistent and polished game across different

devices (California State University Monterey Bay, 2023). In essence, these units are the

backbone of visual and auditory excellence in game development.

 5

For my approach, I will work toward earning a bachelor's degree in computer science

or a closely related discipline. I will acquire crucial knowledge in software development,

programming, algorithms, and data structures thanks to my fundamental education. If one is

available, I will sign up for a course in game development or computer graphics at California

State University Monterey Bay. I will make an effort to comprehend the concepts underlying

rendering, 2D/3D graphics, and shader programming. For the creation of immersive gaming

experiences, this information is essential (Baxter et al., 2022). I will get a foundational

understanding of player interactions, game mechanics, and user experience design. It is

essential for a gameplay programmer to comprehend the fundamentals of game design (Zyda,

2022). I will work to improve my math abilities, particularly in areas like calculus and linear

algebra, which are crucial to graphics programming. To write strong and maintainable code, I

will hone my abilities in software design patterns, version control, and debugging strategies. I

will become an expert in cutting-edge data structures and algorithms so I can enhance game

performance and handle tricky programming problems. I will look at optional classes or

extracurricular pursuits in the field of game development, such as virtual reality, augmented

reality, or game engine architecture. I will try to improve my understanding of artificial

intelligence concepts, as AI plays a crucial role in creating engaging non-player characters

(NPCs) and game mechanics.

For my personal preparation, I will attempt to create personal game development

projects to showcase my skills. I will try to develop small games or game mods to

demonstrate my abilities in gameplay programming. This practical experience will help me

build my portfolio. I will also seek internships or entry-level positions in the game

development industry. This hands-on experience will provide me with valuable insights into

the professional world of game development and enhance your resume. I will look for

positions like junior programmer, QA tester, or internships at game studios or indie game
 6

companies. Furthermore, building a strong professional network is essential (Allen, 2016). I

will attend industry events, game developer meetups, and conferences like the Game

Developers Conference (GDC). I will also engage with my fellow developers, share my

work, and seek mentorship opportunities. Naughty Dog Studios may also have internships or

recruiting events; I will make sure to participate if possible. I will join online communities,

forums, and social media groups dedicated to game development and programming.

Platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and LinkedIn can be valuable for connecting with

professionals and staying updated on industry trends (Zyda, 2022). Lastly, I will maintain an

active GitHub profile where I can showcase my code, contributions to open-source projects,

and personal game projects. This will not only demonstrate my programming skills but also

highlights my commitment to the field.

In conclusion, Naughty Dog Studios has carved a prominent niche in the video game

development industry through its dedication to storytelling, high-quality graphics, and

immersive gameplay experiences. With a history of successful titles and a strong reputation,

Naughty Dog remains a respected and influential player in the industry. The company's

adaptability and commitment to innovation suggest a promising future as they continue to

shape the world of interactive entertainment. However, it is important to note that the gaming

industry is highly dynamic and persons getting into the gameplay programming industry need

to be wary of future developments. The developments discussed in this paper underscore the

dynamic nature of the video game industry, where innovation is constant, and opportunities

for gameplay programmers are abundant. Aspiring game developers, like myself, must stay

attuned to these trends and adapt their skill sets accordingly. Embracing cloud gaming,

mastering VR and AR technologies, and honing our storytelling abilities will be key to

thriving in this ever-evolving landscape.

 7

References

Allen, M. W. (2016). Michael Allen's guide to e-learning: Building interactive, fun, and

effective learning programs for any company. John Wiley & Sons.

Anderson, C. G., Tsaasan, A. M., Reitman, J., Lee, J. S., Wu, M., Steel, H., Turner, T., &

Steinkuehler, C. (2018, September). Understanding esports as a stem career ready

curriculum in the wild. In 2018 10th International conference on virtual worlds and

games for serious applications (VS-games) (pp. 1-6). IEEE.

Baxter, G., Hainey, T., McMahon, R., & Williams, A. (2022). A serious game to teach about

career pathways in the games industry. In C. Costa (Ed.), Proceedings of the 16th

European Conference on Games Based Learning (pp. 108-116). (Proceedings of the

European Conference on Games-Based Learning; Vol. 16, No.

1). https://doi.org/10.34190/ecgbl.16.1.744

California State University Monterey Bay. (2023). School of Computing and Design.

Retrieved from https://csumb.edu/scd/game-design-interactive-media/

Giammarco, E. A., Schneider, T. J., Carswell, J. J., & Knipe, W. S. (2015). Video game

preferences and their relation to career interests. Personality and Individual

Differences, 73, 98-104.

Johnson, M. R., & Woodcock, J. (2019). ‘It’s like the gold rush’: The lives and careers of

professional video game streamers on Twitch. tv. Information, Communication &

Society, 22(3), 336-351.

Moriarty, C. (2013). Rising to greatness: The history of Naughty Dog. Retrieved from

https://web.archive.org/web/20150401195807/http://www.ign.com/articles/

2013/10/04/rising-to-greatness-the-history-of-naughty-dog

Naughty Dog. (2023). About. Retrieved from https://www.naughtydog.com/company

 8

Zyda, M. (2022). How do I get a position in the games industry? The FAQ. Computer, 55(5),

102-108.