Become a Video Game Designer
For all you gamers out there, why not turn your hobby into a lucrative income stream? There are a variety of colleges and schools that offer degrees in Game Design. You could be the creator of the next Grand Theft Auto!
What is Game Design?
Game Design is exactly what it sounds like. Imagine getting paid to create video and computer games for a ravenous gaming public. You will be working in high tech studios with the latest in cutting edge software. Turn one of your ideas into a playable format. Test it again and again. Tweak your new game until it has the perfect action. Then sit back as the public eats it up, eager for your next creation. The Game Design field is a creative, interactive industry that craves your ideas.
Opportunities in the Game Design Field
Without a doubt, the Game Design field is wide open for graduates of design programs. From computers to gaming consoles, cell phones to personal data assistants, Game Design professionals will experience record growth in the coming decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as the public demands more interactive gaming options, Game Design pros will see new markets open up to them. The trick to getting your piece of the pie is to know exactly what types of skills are required.
Desired Skills for Game Design Professionals
- Gaming Experience. Before you can create a game, you need to know how to play them. You probably have this one covered already.
- Computer Experience. Because Game Design is done on high tech equipment, some knowledge of computers is a big help.
- Creativity. You will be the one creating the characters and designing the story line. Creativity is a must-have skill in this business.
The Road to a Career in Game Design
From technical schools to traditional colleges, there are several degrees in the Game Design field that will prepare you for success. You can even finance your education while you are going to school.
Game Design Schools, Colleges, and Degrees
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What They Offer: Bachelor in Game Art & Design What You Learn: After studying drawing and perspective, students go on to learn 3D animation and texture mapping. They then learn to combine creative and technical skills to develop characters, plots, scenes and game environments. Need to Know: Even though most people think game designers develop computer and video entertainment, their skills are in demand for creating role playing and training games for the military, business, and more. |
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What They Offer: Bachelor degrees in Game Art or Game Software Development What You Learn: The Game Art program focuses on the esthetic design and animations used in video and online games. Key skills include animation, character development, game playability, and more. The Game Software Development program focuses on the software used to run the game. Coursework includes game engine design, 3D Game Programming, and Artificial Intelligence for Games. Need to Know: Not every campus offers both programs. |
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What They Offer: Game Development Certificate What You Learn: Content building using a variety of tools, includiing ZBrush and Adobe Creative Suite, along with professionalism and teamwork. Need to Know: Students have the opportunity to explore areas including programming, design and production to determine their area of specialization. |
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What They Offer: Associate and bachelor's degrees in Game Development and Simulation Programming What You Learn: Skills in software development combined with multimedia design. Students learn to program using C++, and learn how to use multimedia applications including Lightwave 3D and Flash. Need to Know: In as little as 18 months, students learn to design games for Nintendo, XBox, cell phones, and handheld devices. |
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What They Offer: Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development What You Learn: The program covers both the technical (software) and creative (modeling and design) aspects of computer game design. Students learn modeling and animation, programming, and the use of game design engines. The Buzz: The program also includes project management and communications skills that help graduates work as part of the design team. |
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Who They Are: The College of Westchester in White Plains, New York What They Offer: Associate degree in Game Design What You Learn: Students explore the process of creating a video or computer game, from concept to production. Among the topics covered are storyboarding, scripting, and marketing and sales of the finished game. Need to Know: Students create a working game prototype using tools including Flash and 3D Studio Max. |
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Who They Are: Collins College, in Phoenix, Arizona What They Offer: Bachelor - Game Design What You Learn: The complete process of putting together a video or computer game, from initial plot development and planning to character and level development, and finally to using tools such as 3ds Max and Artificial Intelligence to put the game together. Need to Know: If you already have an Associate degree in a related design field, you may be eligible to transfer your credits to this BA program. |
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Who They Are: DeVry University, in Phoenix, Arizona, Alhambra, Anaheim, Bakersfield, Colton, Fremont, Irvine, Long Beach, Palmdale, Pomona and Sherman Oaks California, Westminster, Colorado, Orlando, Florida, Alpharetta and Decatur, Georgia, Addison and Tinley Park, Illinois, Edina, Minnesota, Chesterbrook, Fort Washington and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Austin and Irving, Texas, Arlington, Virginia and Federal Way, Washington, plus online. What They Offer: Bachelor in Game and Simulation Programming What You Learn: Software engineering and programming skills related to developing games and simulations. The Game & Simulation Programming degree program covers the math and physics of games, along with designing massively multi-player online games. Need to Know: DeVry University helps with your schedule by offering day, evening, weekend, and online classes with instructors who are game systems experts. |
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What They Offer: Bachelor degree in Interactive and Graphic Arts, with a concentration in Game Development. What You Learn: Learn general design principles, plus specialized training in animation, sculpture, game development, and game programming. |
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Who They Are: International Academy of Design & Technology What They Offer: Bachelor degrees in Game Design, Game Design and Development, and Visual Communication (Game Design) What You Learn: Techniques used to develop and design 2D and 3D interactive computer games, including modeling and animation, along with project management skills. Need to Know: Degrees offered and specific courses vary by location. |
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What They Offer: Bachelor in Digital Entertainment and Game Design. What You Learn: Courses in this program offer a foundation in digital game design through the study of subjects such as gaming technology, game design process, animation, level design and general education coursework. Request a Brochure today to find out more! Need to Know: ITT Tech has over 100 campuses in 34 states. Not all locations offer Bachelor degrees. |
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Who They Are: Sanford-Brown Institute in Melville, Long Island, New York What They Offer: Associate Degree in Game and Web Design What You Learn: How to design the overall game environment, along with character development. Courses include 3D modeling and animation, web technologies, and web site management. The Buzz: This unique combination of design disciplines prepares graduates for entry-level positions designing games either for video or interactive games on the Internet. Sanford-Brown Institute does not guarantee employment or salary. |
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What They Offer: Bachelor degree in Simulation and Game Programming What You Learn: Computer programming and project management skills relating to game design, animations, and modeling. Students also learn 2D/3D animation, web design, and artificial intelligence theory. Need to Know: The program can be completed in less than three years, and includes an internship. |
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Who They Are: Minnesota School of Business in Richfield and St. Cloud Minnesota What They Offer: Associate Degree in Programming and Game Development What You Learn: How to develop digital games, from concept stage to completion. It combines training in programming and software development with courses in the fine arts, humanities, and reasoning skills. |
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What They Offer: Bachelor's degree in Game and Simulation Production What You Learn: Programming skills in C++, Story Design, 3D Graphics, Multiplayer Game Programming, and Artificial Intelligence. Need to Know: Specialty courses include Graphics Development with DirectX and Open GL and Practical Game Development with Lab. |
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What They Offer: Associate degree in Game and Web Design What You Learn: How to use software and technology to create interactive games for computers, the Internet, or game consoles. Students learn to use animation software and level editors to create game assets, and also learn basic programming skills. |
