Educational Requirements Needed to Start Your Career in Game Design

Game design is such a fascinating career prospect that the idea of being a designer has likely crossed the mind of every gamer at one point or another. As a result, the field is extremely competitive, and only designers with the proper skill set will ever be considered for the positions they are seeking. Because of the high level of competition, aspiring designers should carefully consider the best colleges, courses, and degree types they need to seek to set themselves apart from the crowd. Colleges First of all, there are many colleges with courses that will lead to a degree in game design. However, not every college is created equally. A good education from a quality school is what will be necessary to learn all the nuances that make designing a video game challenging. Education is not something that should be compromised, and with that in mind, the schools that tend to be mentioned as the best place to study this type of degree are Ringling, Sheridan, and Full Sail. Search online for grants and financial aid if cost is an issue. Courses The classes required for a degree in Game Design will differ with each school. However, the core classes will be the same no matter where the student chooses to study. Math is essential; most colleges will require calculus and/or analytic geometry as a part of their program. Animation in 3-D, 2-D, and even 4-D will also be required. In addition, classes in computer simulation, as well as programming in C++ and other programming languages will be mandatory. Storyboarding is also required through digitization or fiction courses. Degree It is possible to receive an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree that will lead to a career in game design. Students interested in Game Programming careers should place a heavy focus on programming languages, whereas students more interested in creating game characters or concepts should have a degree emphasis on creative writing. Designing the world itself will require a degree that specializes in computer-generated graphics. It is a good idea to research the available fields before starting school. Landing a Career Since (generally) the reason for getting a degree in game design is with the hope of eventually finding a career in the field, it is essential to do things that will set you apart from the rest. The field is very competitive, so top grades are a must. Going to the best school is another way to distance yourself from the crowd. On top of this, minoring in another game related field is a good way to be well-rounded, and therefore chosen above other candidates. It's also not a bad idea to supplement the degree with classes in scriptwriting, and possibly even in the Japanese language. Gamers everywhere love the idea of a career in the field of gaming. Video Game Testing is a popular avenue, but if gamers want to go beyond beta testing and into a real career, they will have to be serious about their education. While having a passion for playing games is important, getting a rewarding career in game design will require students to be a cut above the competition. Careful preparation and planning can lead to the best education and ultimately help to land that dream job.