Game Design - How a Game Design Degree Can Jumpstart Your Career

We will show you just what a games design degree is, how it can help you, how to get that degree, and helpful resources for exploring this career option.

So What Exactly is a Game Design Degree Anyways?

If you have a deep passion for video games, and would love to join the industry, a games design degree can help turn these dreams into reality, giving you the skills, knowledge, and creative inspiration to become a top-notch games designer in the rapidly expanding interactive entertainment industry.

Degrees in Games design prepare students to join the companies that create the games they love, such as World of Warcraft, Halo, and Half Life. If the design and creation aspect of video games intrigue you, then getting a game design degree is definitely an option you should explore, as it will allow you to join the industry that creates that which you are so passionate about.

What Will I Learn While Earning a Game Design Degree?

You will learn an understanding of the fundamentals of all aspects of creating video games, to include programming, art and design. You will also have the opportunity to specialize.

Programming is of course the foundation of creating games, so acquiring knowledge in this area is one of the many benefits a games design degree will provide you. Game programmers are in extremely high demand, and typically command salaries averaging from $65,000 to $100,000 a year.

Equally important to programming in creating video games is art and design - and becoming a Game Artist is another career option that will be explored in the next issue. The majority of games design programs have a strong emphasis on graphics, art and design. Game Designers learn to develop animation in 2D and 3D.

Besides Game Companies, Who Else Hires Those With a Game Design Degree?

Most graduates of a video games design program will find employment in the video game industry; however, there are other options and career paths that you can consider. The educational industry hires video game designers to help meet the need for modern interactive educational software; language programs, reading programs and programs that help students to learn in an immersive, interactive setting are becoming the new standard. Government agencies and large companies are also hiring game designers to design training software. Finally, internet advertising agencies are also hiring game developers, in order to create interactive and animated ads that are engaging and entertaining.

Is a Game Design Degree the Right Choice for Me?

If you have a passion for games and love the thought of designing them, then yes. Earning a degree in video game design will help you develop the skills needed to achieve success in this arena, as well as fine-tune your own talent and creativity. You will need to develop good programming and design skills, and a good game design program will help you achieve that. If this is something you dream about, then starting a career in game design will in all likelihood be a perfect fit.

Educational Programs in Game Design

There are now literally dozens if not hundreds of game design programs - something to meet every need. If you want to earn your degree completely online, you can do that. If you simply want a certificate in order to get your foot in the door in a more entry-level capacity, such as a game test-developer, you can do that too (some of the best programmers don't have full B.A. degrees; an AA or certificate is a valid option). Today, you can earn your degree online, at a local college or community college, at an institute that specializes in just game design, or a combination of all of the above.