How to Become Video Game Designer

Video game design is a field that requires artistic talent, computer skills, and knowledge of physics and engineering. And it never hurts to be a video game junkie! If you have this rare combination of talents, becoming a video game designer is a good career choice for you.

There are many ways to get the training needed become a successful game developer. Many have graduate degrees in graphic design, drafting, or computer engineering. Others hold degrees from video game design colleges. This guide will explain different training options, and help you get on the track to becoming a vidio game creator.

Video Game Designer Job Listings

Education and Training

The first step is to earn a high school diploma or GED. This is required for most higher education programs, technical academies, or video game design schools.

To see what the typical education requirements are for game designers, browse job listings for game developers. Keep in mind there are many different aspects of video game design. Companies need artists who can render realistic 3-D images, computer animation specialists, and engineers who assist with technical aspects. Usually, game designers have degrees in graphic design, programming, and related areas from a traditional 4-year university. Some may have certification from a video game art and design school. The higher your level of education, the more job opportunities there are.

Research technical institutes that offer programs in video game development. There are 2-year Associate's programs, and 4-year Bachelor's programs in game design. These schools usually have good job placement programs so that you can find a position quickly after graduating.

Research univerisitiest that have strong programs in art, design, engineering, programming, and computer assisted animation. Talk to a course advisor about selecting courses that will prepare you for a career in video game design. Although most tradional universities do not offer a degree in video game design, specifically, they will offer foundational classes needed to create animated games.

Choose a university or technical design school that offers the courses and degree program you want. Video game design is a popular career field with lots of competition for job openings, so it is important to maintain good grades in all your courses, no matter which school you attend. In addition to taking classes in game development and design, you should also take business and marketing courses.

While pursuing an education, look for work as a video game tester. Video game testing is a great way to get your foot into the door, make industry contacts, and gain exposure to many styles of game production. You can also get involved in small computer animation projects, or intern at a video game company.

When you finish your education, send out your resume. Video game designers can find work in many fields besides creating entertainment products. For example, computer animation specialists may work with the military and government to design soldier training modules, they can work at security firms, or they can work in Hollywood as special effects engineers. With a degree in video game development, you can also teach at design schools.

© Had2Know 2010