4 answers
Kianna
Student
Waimea, HI
3
Questions
Asked
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If I wanted to be a video game designer, what kind of college course should I take and what kind of coding classes are best for this?
I am a freshmen who is interested in this career and I'm trying to find out which career is best for me to take.
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4 answers
Dixon Cheung
Game Designer, Narrative Designer, Creative Lead (Advertising)
7
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Dixon’s Answer
It depends on which city you are at. There may be some college courses that teach game design as part of their program, but unfortunately, you won't be able to land on a job by doing a course in game design. Game design is one of the weird job titles where the industry will demand senior or AAA experiences with rare occasional recruitment for junior positions. I know this sounds harsh, but with over 7000 layoffs this year (2023), majority of the people who gets to stay are programmers. If you truly want to become a game designer, I suggest learning Unreal Engine if you want to get into PC and Console game studios, and Godot Engine if you're going into mobile game. Either way, you will need to know how to do visual scripting and level design, with actual game levels playable as your portfolio to even get your foot in the door. Your best bet is to find someone to work on an indie game together, or start making your own game, create game mods and use those for your portfolio. Expect managers wanting "Senior Game Designer" experience as the minimal entry point. With the current situation in the game industry (over 300 applicants to a single game design position is the norm right now), it will take at least a few years before things settle down. Make use of this time and equip yourself, and aim for 3 years from now.
Lenzy Schneider
Game Designer
5
Answers
Ventura, California
Updated
Lenzy’s Answer
Most large studios will actually separate Design and Development. You can certainly do both but most people will specialize.
Game Designers work out the how and why of things. How high the character jumps, how much damage a weapon does, how many bad guys are in the room, how much gold is in the chest. This role is often math heavy but is really about creative thinking and problem solving.
Game Developers, or Engineers usually write the code that makes it work. This is most common code languages currently are C#, C++, JAVA, and Python. This does also rely on a lot of problem solving skills.
The other main path to the industry is as an Artist. Both 2d and 3d artists and modelers are needed for every game.
Game Designers work out the how and why of things. How high the character jumps, how much damage a weapon does, how many bad guys are in the room, how much gold is in the chest. This role is often math heavy but is really about creative thinking and problem solving.
Game Developers, or Engineers usually write the code that makes it work. This is most common code languages currently are C#, C++, JAVA, and Python. This does also rely on a lot of problem solving skills.
The other main path to the industry is as an Artist. Both 2d and 3d artists and modelers are needed for every game.
Debbie Morton
Business Consulting
68
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Hi Kianna!
Education
Special effects artists and animators typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, animation, fine arts, or a related field.
Bachelor’s degree programs in computer graphics often include courses in computer science in addition to art. Programs in animation often require classes in drawing, animation, and film. Programs in fine arts may include courses in painting, drawing, and sculpture. Schools also may have specialized degrees in topics such as interactive media or game design.
Employers usually prefer to hire candidates who have a good portfolio and strong technical skills, both of which students may develop while earning a degree.
Advancement
Special effects artists and animators who show strong teamwork and time-management skills can advance to supervisory positions, where they are responsible for one aspect of a visual effects team. Some artists might advance to leadership or directorial positions, such as an art director or producer or director.
Other Experience
Skills in graphics and animation can be honed through self-study. Special effects artists and animators can develop these skills to enhance their portfolios, which may make it easier to find job opportunities.
Education
Special effects artists and animators typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, animation, fine arts, or a related field.
Bachelor’s degree programs in computer graphics often include courses in computer science in addition to art. Programs in animation often require classes in drawing, animation, and film. Programs in fine arts may include courses in painting, drawing, and sculpture. Schools also may have specialized degrees in topics such as interactive media or game design.
Employers usually prefer to hire candidates who have a good portfolio and strong technical skills, both of which students may develop while earning a degree.
Advancement
Special effects artists and animators who show strong teamwork and time-management skills can advance to supervisory positions, where they are responsible for one aspect of a visual effects team. Some artists might advance to leadership or directorial positions, such as an art director or producer or director.
Other Experience
Skills in graphics and animation can be honed through self-study. Special effects artists and animators can develop these skills to enhance their portfolios, which may make it easier to find job opportunities.
Melinda Bailey
Game Design
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Melinda’s Answer
Hi Kianna,
As a narrative game designer, I think the best course I took in college was Screenwriting ( a class where we were tasked with writing a full-length movie). It taught me two things - 1. how to communicate what my characters should be doing in my setting and 2. how to stick to a strict format. When I started game writing and then narrative design (and more recently with game design), I found that I frequently pulled from that experience more often than just about anything else I learned in school. The creative side of my job requires me to imagine where my characters are and what they're doing. The not-so creative side of my job (i.e. implementing my designs into the game) requires sticking to a strict format.
All this to say that if you have creative inclinations, lean into them. They might help you more than you know. Especially theater, creative writing and screenwriting.
Lots of luck!
Melinda
As a narrative game designer, I think the best course I took in college was Screenwriting ( a class where we were tasked with writing a full-length movie). It taught me two things - 1. how to communicate what my characters should be doing in my setting and 2. how to stick to a strict format. When I started game writing and then narrative design (and more recently with game design), I found that I frequently pulled from that experience more often than just about anything else I learned in school. The creative side of my job requires me to imagine where my characters are and what they're doing. The not-so creative side of my job (i.e. implementing my designs into the game) requires sticking to a strict format.
All this to say that if you have creative inclinations, lean into them. They might help you more than you know. Especially theater, creative writing and screenwriting.
Lots of luck!
Melinda