Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Well said, Confucius! Was he talking to YOU? Did you play video games as a child? Or, do you still play them as an adult? Who knew you could turn your childhood casual pastime activity into a genuine career. The good news is… you certainly can!
Video game designers are artistic and creative dreamers. They are also technologically savvy and can make a great living. According to CareerExplorer.com, salaried game professionals can range from around $47,400 to $172,100 per year, with an average of around $90,270 annually based on years of experience in the field. Beginning with game descriptions which include plot, character, and gameplay, video game designers work with programmers and artists, collaborating in groups to create exciting video games from beginning to end.
After the best game concepts are chosen, different design teams work on the individual components of a game. Having an online Bachelor’s degree in Video Game Design can equip you to work in any of these specialized groups depending on your specific interest. The field is open, and the gamers are out there waiting for new games and your artistic talent.
If you are interested in locating the best online game programming schools in the U.S., take a look at our selections.
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Check out our “Frequently Asked Questions” section below!
- What is a Video Game Designer? What do they do?
- Do I need a degree to be a Game Designer?
- How long will it take to earn an online Bachelor of Game Design degree?
- How do I earn an online Bachelor of Game Design degree?
- Which degree is best for game design?
- What are the best game design online courses to take?
- Is a degree in game design worth it? How’s the job growth outlook for video game designers?
- What can I do with an online Bachelor of Game Design degree?
- What are some related career options with an online Bachelor’s degree in Game Design?
- Can game designers be self-employed and work from home?
- Do I need to be an expert gamer and know programming languages to be a Game Designer?
- What are the differences between game designers and game developers?
- What are the benefits of becoming a videogame designer?
- Are there any disadvantages to being a game designer or developer?
- Fun Facts
Helpful links:
Best Online Schools for Associates in Graphic Design
Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Web Design Degree Programs
Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Graphic Design Degree Programs
Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Game Design Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY:
Each of the bachelor’s online game design degree programs on our list has its own unique qualities and specialties and is available completely online. In addition, we have chosen to list them randomly… so you can find a degree program specific to your needs and interests.
Check out our list of the Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Game Design degree programs. This ranking was researched and composed according to the following components:
- 100% Online Availability, providing convenience and flexibility,
- Proper Accreditation pursuant to video game programming schools online,
- Programs offering innovative and cutting-edge technology in Game Design,
- Promotes creativity to deliver quality, exciting and imaginative virtual game designs and experiences,
- Prepares students for entry-level positions in Game Design upon graduation,
- Encourages artistic abilities and academics in Game Design Management,
- Provides Financial Aid options.
If you would like to learn more about how we selected these online game development schools, please see our Methodology page.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE
Online BS in Information Technology – Gaming Design
Program Standouts:
This game design school’s online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Gaming Design at Liberty University Online is offered through Liberty University’s School of Business. The degree program is delivered entirely online through a virtual classroom experience that is flexible, personal, and challenging. This gaming degree online will equip students with technical skills that are necessary for success in the video game industry. The topics studied by students in the Gaming Design degree program range from interactive game development to C# programming, digital imaging, and 3D graphics.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Types of Aid: As of 2020, financial aid includes: federal loans, scholarships, and institutional loans. Not all students qualify for financial aid and/or grants.
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 55.5%
- Graduation: 33.8%
Admission Requirements:
- Apply online or download an application for admission
- 50.00 deferred application fee
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts
Program Options and Requirements:
- Optional 3 credit hour internship is available
- 120 total hours are required
- 30 hours must be taken through Liberty University
- 50% (30 hours) of major must be taken through Liberty University
Degree Outcomes:
“As a graduate of the gaming design program, you will be prepared to take on challenging real-world projects in this rapidly growing field.”
Potential fields for the Gaming Design degree at Liberty include:
- Video Game Designer
- Creative Director
- Graphics Director
- Mobile User Interface Designer
- Software Programmer
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – GAMING DESIGN DEGREE PROGRAM
FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY
Online BS in Game Design
Program Standouts:
The Game Design Bachelor of Science Degree program at Full Sail University is offered completely online and can be completed in 32 months. The program is designed to enhance students’ abilities to work in a game studio environment and is comprised of high-level game design and production courses that will take students “deep into the game development pipeline.” The key concepts covered will range from aesthetics and immersion to usability and game economics. Other basic topics covered will be exciting topics such as storytelling and character development. Career Development advisors and services are available for the students not only throughout their education but also through their entire game design career path. Project and portfolio courses are threaded throughout the curriculum and are dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive learning experience.
Campus Location: Winter Park, Florida
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Types of Aid: As of 2020, financial aid includes: federal loans, scholarships, and institutional loans. Not all students qualify for financial aid and/or grants.
Qualified online students at Full Sail University in the Game Design Bachelor of Science Degree Program can receive up to $20,000 with the Momentum Scholarship.
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 100%
- Graduation: 49.1%
Admission Requirements:
- Application and $40 fee
- Documentation of high school graduation or equivalent
- Government-issued photo ID
- Verification of English proficiency if the primary language
- Interview with Admissions Representative
- Minimum foundation in Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Trigonometry
- Technology orientation and assessment
- Online education readiness evaluation
Sample Courses:
- Creative Presentation
- World Building
- Psychology of Play
- Historical Archetypes and Mythology
Degree Outcomes:
“You’ll learn how to apply your artistic talents to modern design tools, technology, and production processes.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GAME DESIGN BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM AT FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART DESIGN
Online BA in Interactive Design and Game Development
Program Standouts: The Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development at Savannah College of Art Design is offered on campus or entirely online. The top online game art schools teach students who will be on the leading edge of human and machine interaction. The popular presence of gaming on Internet-connected devices requires game designers to understand the experience that users expect of their devices. The online degree helps students to do this. Students will continuously be discovering new ways for users to understand the material and virtual worlds. The interactive design and game development program at Savannah College of Art Design has won the top prize in the E3 College Game Competition for two years in a row. It has also elicited praise from The Princeton Review and Animation Career Review. This is one of the best online colleges for game design.
“From participation in professional conferences to opportunities to collaborate with industry giants, our students have every chance to capitalize on their passion for interactive design.”
Campus Location: Savannah, Georgia
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Types of Aid: As of 2020, financial aid includes: federal loans, scholarships, and institutional loans. Not all students qualify for financial aid and/or grants.
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 70.3%
- Graduation: 65.5%
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- $40 application fee
- Official SAT or ACT scores
- Evidence of English proficiency
- Official high school diploma
Program Options:
Students may choose to pursue a double major or related minor at Savannah College of Art Design.
Related minors to this degree:
- Interactive design and game development
- Concept art for games
- Character technical direction
- Storyboarding
- Technical direction
Degree Outcomes:
“At SCAD, we give students the tools they need to excel in the most fast-paced workplaces, in the most prestigious roles.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART DESIGN’S BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERACTIVE DESIGN AND GAME DEVELOPMENT
ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
Online BS in Game Development
Program Standouts: The School of Game Development at the Academy of Art University offers an online Bachelors of Science Degree in Game Development. The School of Game Development gives students the skills to pursue a career as a game designer by offering hands-on experience creating a professional-quality art and game design or programming portfolio, as well as opportunities to work with other students in the production of artistic and conceptually challenging video games. The Game Programming BS curriculum integrates the engineering and programming techniques used in game creation. Emphasizing math and objective-oriented programming through the use of complex algorithms, students develop strong problem-solving skills, learn to write efficient code, and collaborate with artists and designers to provide the optimal solutions for game design. Graduates of the Academy of Art University’s School of Game Development have been hired by numerous gaming companies including Sony, Riot Games, Telltale Games, Crystal Dynamics, Blizzard, and others.
Campus Location: San Francisco, California
Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation; Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 100%
- Graduation: 3.8%
Course Samples:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Programming for Game Graphics
- Scripting Languages
- Power of Myth and Symbol
Program Options:
Academy of Art University also offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Game Development
Degree Outcomes:
Undergraduate students will meet the following performance criteria:
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Proficiency with Technology Related to Contemporary Game Programming
- Implement, Design and Develop Game Engines, Games and Development Tools
- Produce a Professional Portfolio
“As a game designer, you’ll balance gameplay elements and in-game economy to keep games engaging. You will also improve systems, contribute to features, as well as participate in testing to create immersive worlds and evoke emotions.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN GAME DEVELOPMENT AT ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
Online BFA in Video Game Art
Program Standouts:
The Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Video Game Art which focuses more on the artistic vision that goes behind the game making. Online video game design schools offer a strong foundation in creative and analytical skills. Building on this foundation, the BFA at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design assists students in diving into the many technical and artistic aspects of Game Art. Online game design programs allow students the opportunity to develop their own vision and style while providing strong visual narratives and creative landscapes that are of such importance to video games and gamers. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design uses industry-standard production software to teach students the nuts and bolts of game design while professors work with students to impart their creative knowledge to the purpose of innovating games of the future. Professors at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design are practicing industry professionals who are highly skilled at refining the expertise of students’ ability to be both technical and creative.
Program highlights include:
- Scriptwriting
- 3D modeling
- Character generation
- Level design
- Character rigging
- Lighting and texture
- Production
- Business ethics and copyrights
Campus Location: Lakewood, Colorado
Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation; North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
Types of Aid: As of 2020, financial aid includes:
- Student Loans
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Work-Study
- Federal Aid
Not all students qualify for financial aid and assistance.
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 89%
- Graduation: 37.9%
Admission Requirements:
- Interview with an Admissions Counselor
- Submission of portfolio, artist statement, and admissions application
- Submission of the current year’s FAFSA and other Financial Aid documentation
- Submission of official high school and college transcripts (for transfer students)
Program Course Samples:
- Game Creation Fundamentals
- Digital Sculpting
- Game Thesis
- Life Drawing
- Topics in Color
Degree Outcomes:
“From 3D sculpting and modeling to the strategy and psychology of gaming, you’ll come away from the program with a holistic view of the video game art process and be ready to contribute to the exploding creativity of this exciting industry.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN VIDEO GAME ART AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE OF ART.
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
Online BS in Information Technologies – Game Design and Development
Program Standouts: Southern New Hampshire University’s Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technologies Game Design and Development helps students to mastermind the creation and behind-the-scenes business of video games. The concentration in Game Design and Development combines a foundation in advanced IT curriculum and video game design online courses with creativity and the process of game development to give students a competitive edge and usable skills in the real world. Combining a core knowledge of Information Technology and game development programming, Southern New Hampshire University assists students in growing a career in game development or in other industries that use gaming and simulation, such as education, healthcare, and public policy. Game genres explored and mastered throughout the game design degree online program are interface design, game theory, game marketing, e-collaboration, and e-commerce. Through SNHU’s online game development degree programs, you will learn from the best!
Campus Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Types of Aid: As of 2020, financial aid includes: federal loans, scholarships, and institutional loans. Not all students qualify for financial aid and/or grants.
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 72.8%
- Graduation: 44.2%
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate Application
Course Sample:
- Website Design
- Cyberlaw and Ethics
- Design of Virtual Game Environments
- Interactive Animation
- Leadership
Degree Outcomes:
“The BS in Information Technologies equips you with business knowledge that transcends any one career path, so it will prepare you well for a career in game design and development as well as other fields within the IT industry.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES – GAME DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT AT SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY.
BAKER COLLEGE ONLINE
Online BS in Game Software Development
Program Standouts: Are you looking for a game designer school online? Look no further… Baker College Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Software Development. In these types of online video game design programs, students are given the tools to produce games that are played on computers, video consoles, arcades, the Internet, mobile phones, and other devices. Working alone or with a team of other game developers, they learn how to apply their skills and creative gifts to design the game’s look, story, and how it plays. Once the framework is developed, they add in the animation, audio, and programming, test and debug and finally, produce the game. Baker’s unique Game Software Development program is based on the guidance of employers in the industry. It is updated regularly so that students can learn what it is that the industry actually needs. The curriculum guides students through software engineering, with an emphasis on animation and game development, and gives them a strong base knowledge of programming technologies. As part of the education process, students learn the entire development process from game modeling to animation and programming, to the final senior design project. Baker College is one of the best online video game schools, without a doubt!
Campus Location: Flint, Michigan
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Types of Aid: As of 2020, financial aid includes: federal loans, scholarships, and institutional loans. Not all students qualify for financial aid and/or grants.
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 53%
- Graduation: 19%
Admission Requirements:
Baker College has a “right-to-try” admission policy which means that:
- All students who have earned a high-school diploma or GED are accepted
- Neither the ACT or SAT are required for admission
An Application and $30 fee are required for admission.
Program Sample Courses:
- Database Fundamentals
- Introduction to Programming
- Game Console Design
- 3-D Character Design
- Game Scripting
- Discrete Mathematics
Degree Outcomes:
“As a graduate, you’ll have both creative and technical experience, and be ready to make an immediate contribution to any game development team.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN-GAME SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AT BAKER COLLEGE ONLINE.
FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY
Online Bachelor of Interactive Media Design
Program Standouts: Founded in 1902, Franklin University has developed into a school that educates over 10,000 students a year. Franklin’s bachelor’s degree in Interactive Media Design is offered on-site or completely online. The online options at Franklin University are very flexible with either six, 12 or 15-week courses, evening classes, and multiple start dates. The Interactive Media Design degree program educates students in developing mobile apps, websites, and video games. Including both the technical and non-technical aspects of interactive development, Franklin’s Interactive Media Design major aims to equip its students to deliver solutions throughout the entire development lifecycle of their projects. The online game design degree programs at Franklin University combines project management expertise with solid design and technology skills. At Franklin University, students will use popular software and technologies such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, HTMS, CSS, and JavaScript to create a variety of interactive solutions, including mobile interfaces for iPhone and Android.
Campus Location: Columbus, Ohio
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Types of Aid: As of 2020, financial aid includes:
- Federal Aid
- State Aid
- Institutional Aid
- External Aid
Not all students will qualify for financial aid.
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 100%
- Graduation: 33.2%
Admission Requirements:
A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:
- A graduate of an accredited high school
- Passed the GED
- Passed a State High School Equivalency Examination
- Completed homeschooling at the secondary level
- Earned a certificate demonstrating a passed examination as the equivalent of a high school diploma
- Has 24 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Has an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution
Program Options:
Franklin University’s Interactive Media Design program is specifically designed for transfer students. Interactive media, 3D graphics, or visual communication courses can be transferred up to a total of 24 technical credits or up to 94 semester hours.
Degree Outcomes:
- Graphic Design
- Web Design
- Rich Media
- Mobile Design
- Interaction Design
- Concepting
- Project Management
LEARN MORE ABOUT FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN INTERACTIVE MEDIA DESIGN PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY
Online BA in Game Design
Program Standouts:
The University of Advancing Technology offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Game Design. Since its beginning in 1995, the University of Advancing Technology has been frequently named as one of the top game design programs in the world. The BA in Game Design at UAT is the only fully accredited game design program that connects to a full continuum of game development degrees which include:
- Game Design Degree
- Game Art and Animation Degree
- Game Programming Degree
- Serious Game Simulation Degree
The unique aspects of the BA in Game Design at the University of Advancing Technology are the specialized categories from which the student can choose when he embarks on his line of study. Students must take the time to explore all of the game design specialties offered in order to discover which they enjoy most. Many students at the University of Advancing Technology start out as Game Design majors but end up graduating with dual gaming degrees from UAT’s prolific suite of game degree programs. If you are searching for game design schools online, check out the University of Advancing Technology!
Campus Location: Tempe, Arizona
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Types of Aid: As of 2020, financial aid includes:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Federal Loans
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance Rate: 82.7%
- Graduation Rate: 29.9%
Admission Requirements:
For undergraduate admissions, factors considered by the Admissions Committee include, but are not limited to, high school academic achievement, leadership experience, community and extracurricular involvement, awards/honors, technology involvement and experience, and career achievements and aspirations. All students must have a high school diploma from an accredited institution or a GED prior to beginning their first semester at UAT. All applicants are encouraged to submit ACT or SAT scores and college transcripts for review. Other criteria apply as well.
Program Sample Courses:
- Game Testing and Analysis
- Casual Game Design
- Intermediate Drawing
- The Solar System
- Green Technologies
Degree Outcomes:
- Prototype and create original games
- Create and implement game elements
- Demonstrate best practices of effective game design
- Demonstrate the ability to evaluate game designs for a variety of situations
- Create game design documentation
- Establish collaboration, mentorship and professional skills
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN GAME DESIGN DEGREE PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY.
RASMUSSEN COLLEGE
Online Bachelor in Graphic Design – Animation & Motion Graphics Specialization
Program Standouts: What’s the best degree for game design? Rasmussen College offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design – Animation and Motion Graphics. The degree seeks to help students to launch or advance their careers in the fast-growing field of Animation and Motion Graphics. Students develop skills and creativity with online courses that include real-world design scenarios. The Bachelor’s Degree students at Rasmussen College can choose a Flex Choice option which allows them to combine traditional courses and self-directed assessments. This helps students to save time and money while pursuing a degree on their own schedule. The Animation and Motion Graphics specialization can help students to pursue careers in digital design, award-winning advertising, video game design, or even 3D forensic animation and special effects movie graphics. To enhance their resume further, students at Rasmussen take the Adobe Certified Associate: Visual Communication certification exam in Adobe Photoshop, with an opportunity to obtain two certifications at no additional cost.
Campus Location: Maitland, Florida
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
Types of Aid: As of 2020, financial aid includes:
- Loans and Grants
- Flex Choice learning option
- Loans and Grants
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Corporate and Military Discounts
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 100%
- Graduation: 34%
Admission Requirements:
Entrance requirements at the Rasmussen College School of Design vary depending on the program. Rasmussen does not require enrolling students to submit standardized test scores; however, every entrant must have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Program Course Samples:
- Advanced Color Theory
- Graphic Design History
- Advanced 3D Modeling
- Motion Graphics
- 3D Animation
Degree Outcomes:
- Proficiency in your craft
- Specialized coursework
- Insight from experienced faculty
- Relevant industry software
- Hands-on experience to prepare for your career
LEARN MORE ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF GRAPHIC DESIGN – ANIMATION AND MOTION GRAPHICS SPECIALIZATION DEGREE PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Video Game Designer? What do they do?
If you’ve ever played a video game on your TV or computer, no doubt… it was created by a video game designer. They skillfully use computer software to create games that use innovative technology and are interactive experiences for the player. They incorporate animation through special visual effects to make the game fun, competitive, and immersive for the player.
You, as the designer, developer… or both, will be responsible for creating the game’s overall design, coding and implementing the program, in addition to, the demo and testing of the product. On occasion, you will work in teams.
Do I need a degree to be a Game Designer?
To be competitive in the gaming world, you will want to earn a game design college degree online. Many programs are available at the associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree level through the online distance learning format.
Generally, with a certificate or associate degree under your belt, you can obtain an entry-level job as a game tester, writer, or designer. To up your game (pun intended), a bachelor’s degree will give you the competitive edge you need to excel in game design.
How long will it take to earn an online Bachelor of Game Design degree?
Bachelor of Game Design degree programs usually takes four years to complete. Online video game design schools will help you gain the knowledge you need for a successful career!
How do I earn an online Bachelor of Game Design degree?
What a great way to earn a living, right? If you’re a gamer, pursuing a career in this fun topic is a dream for most people. But, if you’re willing to get the proper training, you can earn an online Bachelor of Game Design degree to land your dream job!
A bachelor’s degree in the field of game design is the preferred degree for most employers in this market. You can learn how to create a storyline and develop a game, as well as, use your imagination to create picturesque settings, exciting characters, and original theme music.
Which degree is best for game design?
The best degree to earn if you are interested in game design is any of the following:
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Design
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design
- Bachelor of Science in Game Design/Development
- Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Entertainment
It’s advisable to research each one to be sure it offers the online coursework you desire.
What are the best game design online courses to take?
An online video game college offers this degree in a myriad of titles, either through its business school, IT or computer science schools, or art and design schools. The degree name will depend on the school’s program; however, typically, common courses include:
- Programming languages
- Animation
- Writing for interactive media
- Designing special effects
- Game playability and analysis
- 2-D and 3-D game engine architecture
- Architecture of game design
- Storyboarding
- Technology of game development
- Sound design
- Hands-on skills
- And… much, much more!
Is a degree in game design worth it? How’s the job growth outlook for video game designers?
Any college degree that you have worked hard to pursue is worth it. For many, it depends on what you choose to do with it; however, the BLS designates game designers in the category of “Multimedia Artists and Animators,” stating a positive job growth rate of 4% between 2019 and 2029. An increased demand in video graphics experts is contributed to the excessive use of electronics such as smartphones and video games, as well as skills needed in the production of television and movies.
What can I do with an online Bachelor of Game Design degree?
Within the field of game design, many career options are available, for each aspect of development can become a career focus. Some positions to consider include becoming a Lead Designer, Content Designer, Game Mechanic Designer, Level Designer, or Writer to get into the nuts and bolts of each new game design.
If you are creative, but find your interests leaning more toward programming, a Video Game Degree can land you a job as Lead Programmer, Artificial Intelligence Programmer, Graphics Programmer, Network Programmer, Tools or Interface Programmer.
Are you an artist who loves video games? Choose a career as Art Director, Lead Artist, Concept Artist, Modeler, or Animator. Other occupations that become available with this degree are Audio Workers, Executives, Producers, or Quality Assurance Testers.
What are some related career options with an online Bachelor’s degree in Game Design?
It’s true that sometimes the best laid plans culminate or lead you down a different path. With an online bachelor’s degree in game design, there are several similar occupations that you may consider, such as:
- Graphics Designer
- Computer Programmer
- Web Developer
- Art Director
- Film and Video Editor
Can game designers be self-employed and work from home?
Game design freelancers are able to work at their convenience according to their deadlines; however, to open your own business, it may take a while to establish a good reputation and following.
To begin, you will want to get hired on by the right company for you, gain valuable experience, and develop your portfolio of work.
Do I need to be an expert gamer and know programming languages to be a Game Designer?
Since game design involves a multitude of people or teams, you may or may not need to know all of the programming languages to excel in the field. Designers often work in tandem with programmers; however, if you are familiar and do learn the most popular programming languages, such as Java, C++, and HTML5, perhaps it will serve you well and put you a cut above the rest of your competitors vying for the same job.
As you combine your computer science abilities with your creativity, your game designs will reflect the quality of education you will receive through your online Bachelor of Game Design degree program. A good gamer creates a good game design. Typically, most designers have been playing video games all of their lives. Video gaming clubs are great ways to hone your skills, to learn what people like, and to give you interesting and exciting game designing ideas.
If you wish to become a game designer, consider which portion of the game interests you the most. Choose a career path that will let you enjoy your work. As your degree program comes to completion, an impressive portfolio of your work will help you gain valuable experience. Internships will also help you get the job of your dreams!
Would you like to continue your education in the world of game design? Are you ready to take your passion for gaming to the next level? After you earn an online bachelor’s degree, master’s degree programs are readily available to help you earn a career advancement or management position.
What are the differences between game designers and game developers?
Although they are connected and often used interchangeably, the titles game developers and game designers have different responsibilities.
- Game designers are the creative drive behind a game as they focus on a storyline, characters, and atmosphere of the game.
- Game developers are responsible for the actual implementation of the game, such as its needed technical aspects like programming.
While you may choose to “do it all,” others may choose to concentrate on one aspect of producing a video game.
What are the benefits of becoming a videogame designer?
Becoming a videogame designer sounds like fun, right? As exciting as it sounds, it may be harder than you think. It takes hard work and dedication; however, the benefits are numerous.
You can use your creativity, make a career out of your hobby or passion for gaming, and design and make your own games. In addition, you can earn a lucrative living, work in a casual setting with like-minded gamers, and be a part of a growing industry.
Are there any disadvantages to being a game designer or developer?
Not many; however, you may find that the competition to get your foot in a reputable company may be tough, at least at first. In addition, the work environment will include mostly desk/computer work, as well as stressful deadlines to meet.
If coding is not your forte, you may not appreciate the excessive amount of it that will be required. With that said, the true gamer who is dedicated to their craft, won’t see any of the above as a disadvantage… only a privilege.
Fun Facts
Who is the most successful video game designer?
- Shigeru Miyamoto
What games did Shigeru Miyamoto design?
- Super Mario 64
- Donkey Kong
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
What are the most popular video games of all time?
- Tetris – It’s been released for almost every type of video gaming device!
- Minecraft
- Wii Sports
- Grand Theft Auto
- Super Mario Brothers
Who holds the record for longest play time of a video game?
An Australian by the name of Okan Kaya holds the Guinness World Record for the longest videogame marathon. He played Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. For how long? 135 hours and 50 minutes in 2012.
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