Besides College, what can I do right now that will teach me how to be a video game designer?

Ethan, I'd suggest putting together your own learning path. I'd start with looking at degree requirements at a school of your choice offering said degree. You can see if those classes are offered on MOOC sites like Coursera or EDX. Many times course books are listed as well as suggested readings. Dive into what interests you and I think overtime you'll have developed an understanding and skillset unique to you that you can leverage into your dream job/company.

Hi Ethan,

Adding to Nisha’s answer you can also check out Udemy or skillshare. Both have been great resources for me in the past. In regards to connecting with professionals, I would start working on an early portfolio to figure out the areas you are really interested in video game design (combat, world design, AI, etc.). Professionals in the industry are more inclined to give feedback and connect if they can actually see what you are passionate in. Networking is hugely important in landing a job in the video gaming industry.

I would also start looking at companies you are interested in working for in the future and see what they are looking for in designers. Looking at job boards can help mold what you study and focus on in college and your personal time.

Lastly play games and keep up on the newest tech. I have always been able to tell people that want to work on games but don't actually play games and to me the ones that still keep up on the gaming industry always have a leg up on the ones that don't.

Hopefully that helps. Please keep in contact once you start to lock in on your passion and start to create a portfolio. I will do my best to connect you to some of the designers that I know to get you more information.