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Video Game Designer

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AVG. SALARY

$66,060

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Information Technology cluster Information Support and Services pathway.

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree

Educational requirements for digital designers range from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as web design, digital design, or graphic arts.

Insider Info

Additional Information

A university education in computer science is one way to start your career. "The best way to get a job designing computer games is to go to a good university and study computer science," says game designer Naomi Kokubo. "You can't beat that."

Almost every university or college in the United States offers courses in computer science.

However, a university education isn't always required. "Anyone could be a game designer if they wanted to," says Kokubo. "The hard part is finding a job. With a computer science degree under your belt, you can probably get a job at a game company and work your way into a design position."

Contrary to common belief, "quite a few games require a strong aptitude for math," says game designer John Cooper. "Any polygon-based game requires a very good understanding of trigonometry and geometry. A good understanding of math is a key element to success."

Game designer Rick Marazzani says most people can learn how to operate computers; he believes creativity is the most important part of your education. "Nurture your knowledge and creativity," he says. "Be sure to read voraciously, and gain a broad-based liberal arts education in life and at university."

The general consensus is that the broader your education is, the more prepared you will be for the job. Because designing computer games involves so much creativity, arts and applied arts are very beneficial. Almost any subject can be applied to this career.

Fine arts can make your game beautiful (or not, depending on the game). History can provide plots and stories, while philosophy can help with the themes and ideas. Psychology can give you inspiration for your characters.

Contact

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  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.