Games are fun to play not only due to their uncanny ability for storytelling but also for the rules, strategies and outcomes that are defined by mathematical parameters.
Nidhi Nirwan, our next pathbreaker, Game Mathematician at Aristocrat Gaming, develops math models for slot games.
Nidhi talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about studying Math for both graduation and post graduation, and coming across this fascinating career that combined her interest in mathematics with gaming !
For students, as long as you do what you enjoy, the right opportunity will always come to you at the right time!
Nidhi, can you share your background with our young readers?
I grew up in Haryana, and did most of my schooling from Gurgaon. I developed an interest in Mathematics from an early age. Maths always seemed logical to me. My parents owned a business in Transport. I liked painting and interior designing. Currently, I’m working as a Game Mathematician at a well known firm.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
I studied Math for both graduation and post graduation, from DU (BS Mathematics) and NIT Rourkela (Masters in Mathematics) respectively.
What were some of the influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and unusual career in Game Mathematics?
I was very much interested in Maths and Combinatorics. My mother also played a huge role in my decision.
Also, I didn’t want to have a career in teaching, so I was looking for alternatives.
I did an audio video solution Internship in college which bored me so much that I started looking for something that I really enjoy.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path
When I completed my post-grad, I was getting teaching offers. I was sure I didn’t want to pursue that. So I immediately started looking for careers in Data Analytics.
One day I got a call from a recruiter to work as a Game Mathematician. I googled and liked it.
How did you get your first break?
Thankfully, I did a good job studying. I also worked hard to learn coding to get better opportunities in Data Science. But by chance I entered this Game Mathematics domain and I am liking it.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenge 1: Learning to code in a new language. I practised and got support from my seniors at work (they were very helpful )
Challenge 2: I still struggle with time management. I am still working on that.
Challenge 3 – I must keep learning. That’s crucial. I’m attending various workshops.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I work at Aristocrat Leisure Limited. I make math models for slot games. Different casino games provide money back to players if they win. So, game mathematicians design the math model for the house to know the details like how much money will be returned to the player in comparison to the amount he/she spent.
Game Mathematicians are required to prepare a math model for a casino game to get all data like hit frequency of a particular combination, average payout a machine gives, etc.
What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire the skills?
Probability and Combinatorics. I learned those in school and during my post-grad. I learned a programming language after joining the office.
What’s a typical day like?
If you like what you do, each day is fun.
What is it you love about this job?
I can be creative as much as I want and solve complex math designs.
How does your work benefit society?
I make games. People can enjoy themselves after a stressful day. Or can have a nice fun gaming session with friends and family.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
I completed a game from scratch to end. Really proud of myself after completion.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Do your best at what you are doing, the right opportunity will come to you.
Future Plans?
Be a game designer and eventually start my own gaming company.