While maths is at times used on the programming side of game-dev, I don't think that it's the biggest part of it.

I'd suggest that, before she settles on a path, she try a few tutorials for programming (especially tutorials geared towards game-dev) or for specific game-engines, and see how she takes to it.

If she takes to it well, then it might provide another option toward entering game-development. And if she takes to it only somewhat, then having picked up some knowledge of scripting might still be an advantage in entering the field. (Especially if she applies to smaller companies, where a secondary skill might be valued.)

I'm a games writer and have 28 years of experience in the industry. It's always best to have as wide a range of knowledge as possible in any kind of creative endeavour. Game writing is not just about writing stories but also understanding story logic, working with the designers and the rest of the team and knowing how an interactive story will unfold.

If you and she are interested, I recently released a book aimed at younger people - An Introduction to Game Writing. It takes the reader through the process and requires no previous knowledge. It can be ordered from local bookshops, online booksellers or directly from Amazon.

One Amazon review: “This is a great book. The author, who is hugely experienced in the video game industry, takes us through the process of putting together first an outline, and then a working version of a narrative game using Twine. He shows us the underlying narrative structure of one of his games (Broken Sword) and how to replicate it, giving a strong basis for whichever direction you want to take with your own ideas in the future. Great stuff!”

Well, I think the key take away is she's 12.

There are some people who know what they want to do at such a young age, but most do not.

If she can't do programming or art, music is another path, besides writing. Another path is business, management and psychology.

QA testing is usually entry level, and it may look like fun and games from the outside, but the reality of the job is anything but fun.

I understand you want to be supportive, but steering her down a singular path at this early stage would prematurely narrow her potential career options.

Your worrying about college majors when she is 12, think about that for a second.

A lot can change about a person as they grow up, and pigeonholing down a singular path that early in life can be detrimental.

If she likes to do creative writing, then tell her to just write. That is what all writers say.

Getting an appreciation of how traditional linear narratives work is critical, so later you can understand the differences in dynamic narratives.

Art and programming can be acquired skills, so trying those out would also be good.

Keep in mind also, that a degree is not the magic bullet that will land you the job. Or the career you want. She should be working on side projects and her portfolio when she can.

One critical thing to remember is to foster her passion, explore. She's only 12.

If she still says she wants to do this when she's 17 and 18 than seriously consider these degree options. Maybe she can be a freelance writer?

Ask her what she likes about games?

Ask her why she wants to do it as a career?

Ask her what she does on her free time?

If she just likes to play them, then that is different from actually making them.

If she is spending her free time writing narratives for fun for free, than you know her passion.

Saying you have a passion for games is like saying you have a passion for reading. Reading a book is different from writing a book.

Peevil said:
While I agree with most of what GeneralJist said, I think he comes in a little hot.

Maybe it's in my tone? My writing often comes off a different way then how i speak. In no way meant to be not supportive.

Being a game dev is the hot old trend, and almost everyone wants to be one. However, the simple fact is not everyone is good enough to be paid for it.

Under no circumstances invest in a game degree. Let her explore on her own. If she has the passion she will gravitate twords the right people and places all on her own.