How to Become a Video Game Designer
Overview & Salaries
Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply at.
Those looking for an entry position will likely need a bachelors degree in multimedia art, visual art, video game programming or video game design from an accredited program. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a master’s degree along with intern experience can help you stand out in the hiring process.
Start your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started as a video game designer.
How Much Does a Video Game Designer Make?
$61,370 (national median salary, to see salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)
Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+68,900 additional people employed
Specialization Options:
Concept artist, storyboarding, counsel game design and computer game design
(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Multimedia Artist page)
The Best Places to Become a Video Game Designer
According to video game industry publication Game Job Hunter, the top North American cities for game development jobs are:
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Los Angeles
- Seattle
- Austin
- Toronto
Employment and Salary Information by State for Video Game Design
Use our interactive map below to find out which areas of the United States are currently experiencing the greatest amount of growth and job availability for graduates looking for a career in Video Game Design Our detailed employment information is pulled from the 2012 Bureau of Labor Statistics, a highly credible government website.
Employment and Information Data for Video Game Design
Why Become a Video Game Designer?
Once blamed for everything from failing school systems to a national obsession with violence, the video game industry has come a long way. While it still draws attention for its often aggressive games, it also draws attention as one of the biggest growth industries in the United States. In fact, the video game industry now pulls in as much money per year as Hollywood. Pretty amazing considering its relatively short existence.
According to the Entertainment Software Association, in 2009, the video game industry had sales in excess of $10 billion and employed more than 32,000 people in 34 states. These wunderkinds are responsible for created, developing and selling the most popular form of entertainment for kids 18 and under.
Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Video Game Designer
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Database Management
- Operating System Development Platforms
- Python and C++
- Java, HTML, PHP and Perl
- Structured Query Language (SQL)
- ata Structures in C++
- XML Programming
- J2EE Application Development
- Software Development and Program Design
- Computer Architecture
Degree Options to Help You Become a Video Game Designer
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Computer Engineering focus on the understanding of hardware and software interface so imporant in gaming design.(see other gaming design majors below)
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Sound Design
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Game Design
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Design
Master’s Degree
The graduate degree in Computer Science program provided deep dive training in 3D computer graphics, animation and modeling techniques, artificial intelligence algorithms – all key elements in video game design.