Where can I get into Game Design Careers?

There are plenty of schools, both online and on campus, that are dedicated to video game design. This degree will include learning programming, concept creation, idea adaption, modern gaming trends, animation, logical problem solving, and more. All of this will prepare you to enter the world of video game design, which is a highly competitive – but profitable – field.

How Much can I Earn with Game Design Careers?

According to a national survey, there is a median wage of $73,000 for video game designers. But if you are lucky enough to get on board with a project that really takes off, you could be looking at wages in the hundreds of thousands. Games like the Grand Theft Auto series, or World of Warcraft, have been bought an enjoyed by millions of people. It is success like this that is possible with game design careers.

What to Expect

Programs preparing you for video game careers are becoming more and more numerous. You can learn the basics of game design through a certificate degree program. However, more in-depth programs are available that will lead to an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in game design. Some colleges and universities now even have a masters program majoring in game design available on line.

While programs will vary depending on the university, usual instruction includes coursework in programming, logic and problem solving, prototyping, writing, and art. Beyond just learning about game graphics, you can learn about all the phases of game creation, from writing the design to marketing the final product. All courses are typically on line and require no campus visits.

Career and Salary Potential

Video game careers are thriving! The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that software publishing will be the third-fastest growing industry over the next decade. Earning a degree or certificate may open a variety of doors in the various video game careers. Some specific career paths include game programmer, artist, or analyst. Other positions include software tester or quality assurance specialist.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track video game designer salaries, but as with all industries, the higher your education and experience level, the higher the pay.  A survey conducted showed designers who have an associates or bachelors degree can expect to earn between $40,000 and $82,000 depending on their expertise.

If you enjoy video games and aspire to delve into one of the fast growing video game careers, earning your degree online can start you on the right path. With the number of programs available, you can complete your degree with minimal disruption to your current work and family commitments.

So what are careers in game design? How will you ensure that you get to have one of the top careers in game design? The primary thing that you can do is to study a game design degree online. There are many schools that offer game design programs through online or distance education. With their help, you can easily become one of the most qualified applicant to hold one of the top careers in game design today.

When you study game design, you can choose a level of education that fits you best. Some schools offer associate  and bachelor degrees in game design while others also have graduate programs. Enrolled in one of these programs, you will learn all about programming, animation for games, game play and level design, and other courses. As for career in game design, you can have your pick when you graduate.

Becoming a level programmer is one path that you can take for your career. With this position, you code the action of the game characters and other aspects of the game. Of course, you can also become a game designer. If you choose to be one, you will help create a game by writing storyboards and having input as to the looks and feel of the characters, the game environment, and others. Being a sound designer is also one of the top careers in game design that you can focus on. You will provide the sound effects and soundtrack of games. A degree in game design can help you become a game tester. With this job, you will play games for a living.