Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Video Game Design
Majors Overview September 20, 2014Bachelor’s degree programs in video game design can be offered as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Graphics Design, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Video Game Design and Programming, or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Game Art and Design. Each program will provide students with the computer and animation skills needed to develop video games.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Video Game Design
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in video game design are provided with the creative abilities and technical skills needed for creating, developing, and producing video games. Coursework in such a program is devised to assist students with sharpening their art abilities, utilizing the technology needed for creating moving worlds and characters, and creating game play storylines and strategies. Training in video game programming is also provided by numerous video game design programs; these include the production and coding elements of the field.
An important goal of a bachelor’s degree in video game design involves encouraging students to build their individual portfolios that can be employed in securing jobs after they graduate. Consequently, students enrolled in a video game design program enjoy access to studio time and computer lab experiences that augment seminars and classroom lectures.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Students would also be required to possess strong drawing skills and are often required to submit a sample of their work or portfolio before they are admitted into a video game design program. Some level of technological skills, including working knowledge of Flash, Illustrator, and Photoshop software, is also required.
Coursework
Coursework within a video game design program is a combination of both technological design courses and artistic courses. Core coursework may include the following topic areas:
•3D modeling
•Character modeling
•Digital storytelling
•Scene layout and design
•Color theory
•Game design and game play
•Storyboarding for animation
•Interface design
•Game development
•Game design project management
•2D animation for game art
Career Choices
Driven by the rapid growth of the video gaming industry, there is an increasing availability of the following job positions in the field:
•Character builder
•Illustrator
•Game programmer
•Game writer
•3D conceptual artist
•2D conceptual artist
•3D object modeler
•Interactivity designer
•Background artist
Job and Wage Outlook
In 2012, video game designers banked an average annual wage of $61,370 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). A slower than average job growth has been predicted for these workers over the 2010 – 2020 decade.
Continuing Education Choices
Schools offer various master’s level programs in the field of video game design, such as Master of Arts (M.A.) in Game Design and Master of Arts (M.A.) in Interactive Design. These programs allow students to delve into advanced artistic and technological methods in game design and build advanced portfolios. These programs focus on growing aspects of the video game design field, including community games, advanced role playing games, and interactive games.
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