Game Design Schools

Attending a game design school can help students acquire specialized skills and knowledge in the fields of animation, graphic arts and computer programming. The rapidly-growing field of game design and 3D animation has created a strong demand for skilled game designers, and today’s students can advance their educational careers all the way through to a master’s degree or certification in a specialized branch of design.

Courses available at game design schools may include prototyping, project management, artificial intelligence and 3D design technologies. This guide offers an in-depth look into the world of game design, from programs and degrees to career paths and specializations.

Game design means learning all facets of the industry, from story-telling and project management to programming and game prototyping. Depending on the degree level a student hopes to achieve, they may choose to attend a vocational school or community college, or pursue a more advanced degree at a university. We’ve taken a look at game design programs – both on-campus and online – across the country and have ranked them based on factors like total cost, available financial aid and graduation rate. Level up your career at one of the top-ranked institutions below.

Responsible for all aspects of project managing a game – from initial design to the finished project – game designers are the architects of this field, creating blueprints the rest of the team will use to flesh out entire virtual worlds. Strong computer skills are an absolute necessity, as are people skills, since game designers must work closely with a team of other designers, artists and programmers. Building a game involves several levels of development, including character design, world settings, storyboarding, puzzle creation and dialogue writing. The role of a game designer may vary from mechanics designer to leading an entire design team, depending on one’s skills and experience.

Game design schools equip aspiring game designers with the specialized skills and training they need to excel in this rapidly-changing field. Many colleges and universities provide programs that focus exclusively on the development side, while others provide more comprehensive programs that teach training in areas of project management, computer engineering and computer science. Advanced degree programs can help students take on leadership or managerial roles throughout their careers, or move into even more specialized areas such as video design and technology or game prototyping.

Students can complete a game design program at a vocational school, community college or a degree-granting educational institution – online or offline. Online programs in game design may require completing some courses on campus.

Students can complete a certificate program in game design at a vocational school. Some schools offer both online and campus-based degree programs in software development and technology, and in computer and electronics technology. Some schools offer advanced programming courses and training in widely-used software programs and suites in the industry; these may be available in both campus-based and online settings. Other vocational schools may offer certification or diploma programs in game programming, game art and design, or character animation for games. Programs available at vocational schools may be one to two years in length.

Community colleges offering game design programs can offer the flexibility of both online and campus-based formats for students that are currently working full-time or who require more flexibility in their schedules. Typically two years in length, these programs provide students with an associate’s degree upon completion of courses in digital arts, video production and interactive media. Some also offer certificate programs in interactive web design or digital media production. Students may complete an Associate of Science in Video Game Design and Development, a Video Game Design Technology Associates Degree or an Online Associate Degree in Video Game Design.

Many large-scale game development companies require at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the field of game design. Students can choose from a variety of game design and development degree programs at accredited colleges and universities across the country. A bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art, or a related field coupled with a strong portfolio can be attractive to many employers in this increasingly competitive field. Four-year schools typically require students to take courses in computer programming, game production processes, level design and character sketching. Students may complete a Bachelor of Science in Game Art and Design or a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design. Many colleges and universities offering 4-year programs also offer master’s degree programs in game design, visual arts and similar fields.

Though many game design programs will have similar elements to other degree programs, there are a few key features that prospective students should look for specific to this particular field of study. As students search out programs and create a short list of school possibilities, they should check that each institution they’re considering offers the following:

Students interested in a career in game design can complete a 2-year degree program, 4-year degree program or a certification program from an accredited school. Two-year programs typically include introductory courses in animation, digital video and programming, and many schools require students to complete a portfolio project as well. Some schools offer 2-year tracks in areas such as game development and simulation programming or basic video game design.

The curriculum for 4-year degree programs are more comprehensive in scope and may include specialized courses in character sketching, game economics and usability. Certification programs can be completed in addition to a bachelor’s degree to give students in-depth training in areas of 3D gaming, design principles, game architecture and artificial intelligence. These programs may range between 10 and 15 credits and up.

An Associate of Science in Game Design or Associate of Arts in Game Development can prepare students for a career as a game designer, character designer or animator. Students with a 2-year degree may be able to secure entry-level jobs and complete on-the-job training to advance in their careers. An associate’s degree can also serve as a foundation for a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in the field.

In an associate’s program, students study game theory and simulation programming, commuter programming and animation, all the while building their portfolios. They are introduced to game design processes and learn how to work within a team of designers and other professionals. The game design school may also give students a chance to develop 2D and 3D graphics using digital media. Graduates of these programs can apply for jobs as junior game designers or junior animators. Courses offered in an associate’s degree program may include:

A 4-year degree in game design may be either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree program of up to 160 credits. Students enrolled in this type of program learn how to apply computing and software engineering techniques to the digital media world. Some game design schools offer the opportunity to specialize in a certain area, such as animation, computer science or digital arts.

Students develop strong skills in a number of areas, including character design, game architecture and computer programming. These programs cover a range of topics in technology, psychology, narrative, audio and digital arts to help the designer bring characters to life. Completing a bachelor’s degree in game design can prepare students for a successful career as a game designer, system designer or technical designer. Courses available in a bachelor’s degree program may include:

Computer programmers, graphic designers, game developers and entrepreneurs interested in breaking in to the field of game design may be able to complete a game design certificate program to round out their professional career. These programs expand upon the principles and foundational skills of modern game design so that professionals can gain hands-on experience in game development.

Completing a game design certificate program can help students develop specialized skills to develop both digital and non-digital games for various markets. Certification programs may be nine months to a year or more in length, depending on the school. Courses may be completed online or on a campus setting. Examples of certification courses may include:

Graduate students interested in exploring managerial or leadership roles in the field of game design can complete a master’s degree program at game design school. These programs are typically up to 40 credit hours and cover a range of topics and in-depth study of human behavior, computer game editing, simulations and game production. Students may take a set of core courses and concentration courses to specialize in a certain area.

Completing a master’s degree in game design prepares students for higher level jobs in graphics, computer science and game development. Courses may be a mixture of theory and applied practice to prepare students for the modern game design industry. Examples of courses offered for master’s degree programs may include:

Completing your education at an accredited game design school will help you acquire several specialized skills and receive the hands-on training needed to succeed in this ever-evolving industry. Even though many game development companies provide employees with on-the-job training to create games for a target market, students attending game design schools can gain valuable knowledge and expertise that serves as a foundation for their career. Completing an internship during school, developing a strong portfolio and completing a certification program are a few ways to enhance the educational experience. Here are some essential skills any game design school student should work to level up:

Many schools give students the option to specialize in a certain area of game design, completing advanced courses and gaining the hands-on training needed to succeed in their careers. In today’s evolving industry, game designers need to have specialized knowledge and skills using certain types of software and applications in the workplace to help them keep on top of new technological trends. Specialization tracks may include:

Students who complete a 2- or 4-year program at game design school, or pursue a certification program, can look forward to an exciting and rewarding career as a video game designer or programmer with a game development company, software company, educational company or even an entrepreneurial venture.

Possible job titles for those who have completed training at an accredited game design school include: 3D artist; 3D animator; game designer; mobile app artist; concept artist; multimedia author; mobile gaming specialist; lighting artist; texture artist; production coordinator; artificial intelligence programmer; simulation artist; and production artist.

Game designers are responsible for many different elements of game design, from in-game mechanics, to level design, to story. In advanced career levels, they may run entire teams, project managing the process of building a game from start to finish. This production-oriented career spans the gaming industry from console to computer games, and from hand-held to mobile apps.

Median Salary: $82,340
Median Hourly: $39.59
Est. Growth: 3%-7%
No. Employed: 206,000
Minimum Education: Associate’s degree

The day-to-day activities of a multimedia artist or animator may include storyboarding, drafting design elements or coming up with new in-game content. This creative career combines artistic talent with graphic technologies to allow those employed in this sector the ability to digitally create in-game art.

Median Salary: $61,370
Median Hourly: $29.50
Est. Growth: 6%
No. Employed: 68,900
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree

Programmers are an essential part of creating a game. Not only do they write the code that becomes the virtual world, they work to bring to life the ideas and concepts of artists and designers. Game programming can include a number of specialties and subfields, including tools programming, network programming and graphics programming.

Median Salary: $74,280
Median Hourly: $35.71
Est. Growth: 8%
No. Employed: 343,700
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s

It can be a very tough and brutal industry but at the same time can also be one of the most fun and rewarding industries. Be willing to always listen and learn, and take critiques and advice. Above all, be a team player! One of the biggest mistakes people make is they burn bridges with coworkers and companies along the way. Remember that this is a VERY small industry — everyone knows someone that knows someone that will know you, and if you’re labeled as ‘hard to work with,’ you will find it VERY hard to stay in this industry. If this is something you really want to pursue, never give up, keep training and learning and applying. Someone is always in need of a hard worker! The hardest part is getting your foot in the door. Once you do that, it’s up to you to take the lead on your career. Best of luck!

Jon O’Neal, Lead Environment Artist for Crowfall