Are you an avid gamer? Do you have an artistic eye and enjoy working with the latest computer technologies? If so, joining a degree program at one of the many top rated colleges for video game design could put you on the path to a rewarding, creative career in the gaming industry. See below for more information on video game design degrees and career opportunities, or start your search for game designing colleges using our simple search engine above.

As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, more and more colleges are offering gaming design programs. Most programs require four years of study to complete, and will require specialized courses in visual arts, design technologies, and advanced mathematics in addition to general education requirements. When deciding if a major in video game design is right for you, it is important to understand what courses will be required. Game designing colleges require coursework in several topics, including:

• Art History
• Drawing and Illustration
• Color Theory
• Computer-aided Design Technology
• Digital Animation
• 3-D Modeling
• Computer Graphics
• Cinematography
• Game Design Techniques

Because careers may be available in a variety of specialized areas, many programs require undergraduates to study many facets of computer-aided design techniques in addition to various sketching and modeling courses to develop a range of marketable skills. Computer programming courses will be required to ensure graduates have received quality training on the latest technologies and computer programs. Game design schools develop traditional artistic skills while providing the necessary training for technical expertise required for successful careers within the gaming industry.

Most entry-level positions within the gaming industry requires four year degrees from accredited institutions. Accreditation ensures that the training received meets industry standards, and employers favor individuals with accredited degrees versus non-accredited degrees. When choosing the right program for you, consider whether programs that offer traditional classroom training, online courses, or a combination of the two best fits your academic needs. Most top video game design schools also offer financial aid and internship opportunities. Internships provide practical work experience prior to graduation, and can provide an added advantage when entering the job market.

For more information on specific colleges for video game design in your area, use our simple search engine above.

Video Game Design Careers

Graduates with degrees from video game colleges are eligible for a variety entry-level positions within the gaming or graphic design industries. Some of the top careers for gaming graduates include:

• Digital Animators: Digital animators use the latest computer design technologies to bring characters to life. They may also provide 2-D or 3-D design models and may work as a member of a creative development team. Animators may also provide digital visual effects for film, television, or gaming media.
• Gaming Programmers: If you are interested in software development, consider a career in programming. Programmers plan and write the software programs that make video games fully functional. In addition to writing programs, other job tasks may include testing, debugging, and programming upgrades.
• Character Developers: Combine creativity and animation skills as a character developer. Video games can include a various list of characters with individual personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. Character developers typically work with a design team to bring video game characters to life.
• Texture Artists: As video games seek to create fascinating worlds and more realistic experiences, texture artists are needed to provide texture to gaming scenes. This specialized area of digital artistry can also lead to careers in film, website development, and television.
• Professional Testers: Before a game is released to consumers, publishers want to test how the game works, what areas need improvement, and what aspects of the game are successful. Professional testers play video games and provide feedback on game design, user experience, and design flaws.
• Level Designers: Level designers create the environments and scenarios for individual video game levels. Level designers work closely with gaming programmers to write, modify, and design software programming codes to create unique levels, situations, and puzzles. Level designing is an upper-level occupation, and will require background skills in programming, digital design, and game design.

The gaming industry can be highly competitive, but applicants with four-year degrees from accredited colleges for video game design are eligible for entry-level positions. Game design degrees may also lead to related careers in other media industries, such as film and television.