Studying Game Design

Have you ever been playing a computer game and thought to yourself, "I wish people were playing in MY world"?

Game design programs teach you to think logically through level progression, character design, and prop design. Think about your background and goals when deciding on a course of study in game design.

Do you prefer to create the concepts and the characters, or would you rather help to bring another's vision to life? Do you like to draw and design scripts, or would you rather work with programming languages?

Before you decide on a program, you need to decide whether to focus your degree on the technical (programming) side or the character and game concept side (design). Character concepts are more art related than computer related, but a basic knowledge of programming is still required, even in the conceptual stage: it helps you make important decisions about what can and can't be done in the game you are designing. With story-boarding and scriptwriting included, design programs develop skills in writing as well as drawing and digital animation.

Classes in game design programs include combining your artistic and digital skills, modeling and animating artwork, scripting, production, storyboarding, and other conceptual skills to create an outstanding game.

When you complete most degree programs, you will have a portfolio to take with you to job interviews and the skills to excel at positions in most animation, design, and testing fields. Jobs then available to you include game designer, quality assurance tester, character designer, and many more!