Five Star Gift Ideas

For your friend who is interested in video game development and design, there are several thoughtful and personal gift ideas that can cater to their passion. These suggestions will not only be meaningful but also contribute to their ongoing pursuit in this field.

1. Industry Books: Consider gifting your friend books that delve into various aspects of video game development and design, such as game programming, level design, or game art. Some popular titles include "The Art of Game Design" by Jesse Schell, "Unity in Action" by Joe Hocking, or "Game Programming Patterns" by Robert Nystrom. These books will provide valuable insights and techniques to help your friend enhance their skills and knowledge.

2. Online Courses/Subscriptions: Enrolling your friend in an online course or gifting them a subscription to a game development platform can greatly assist their learning journey. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, or Pluralsight offer a wide range of courses focusing on various aspects of game development, including programming languages, game design principles, and 3D modeling. This gift will provide your friend with structured learning resources and guidance from industry experts.

3. Game Development Tools: Help your friend take their game development projects to the next level by gifting them software tools or resources. Consider purchasing licenses for popular game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, which will provide a powerful platform for them to create and prototype their game ideas. Additionally, you can consider gifting resources like high-quality sound effects, graphics assets, or virtual reality equipment, depending on the specific areas your friend is interested in.

4. Mentoring/Networking Opportunities: Connect your friend with professionals in the video game industry who can guide them and provide valuable insights. Consider reaching out to local game development studios or contacting professionals on LinkedIn who might be willing to offer mentorship or networking opportunities. This will not only provide your friend with industry knowledge but also help them build important connections for their future career.

5. Game Development Conferences or Events: Purchase tickets for your friend to attend a video game development conference or event. These gatherings offer excellent networking opportunities and allow individuals to learn from industry veterans and pioneers. Attending such events can be an inspiration for your friend and expose them to the latest trends and advancements in game development.

6. Customized Gaming Gear: Show your friend that you appreciate their passion for game development by gifting them customized gaming-related merchandise. This can include personalized game-themed apparel, a specially designed gaming mousepad, or even a custom-made poster featuring their favorite video game characters or scenes.

7. Time and Support: Last but not least, offer your friend your time and support. By expressing genuine interest in their work, playing and testing their game prototypes, or simply having discussions about their ideas, you can provide an invaluable source of encouragement. This kind of support can go a long way in boosting their confidence and motivation.

Remember, the best gift is one that shows thoughtfulness and takes into account your friend's specific interests and goals. By choosing a gift that aligns with their passion for video game development and design, you're sure to make their birthday extra special.

Or you can get her/him a star map with the date when she/he was born.

Alice Dickinson says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“I made a map for my mums birthday and she absolutely loved it. Definitely buying another one soon, probably for another family member or friend”