Program Summary: Associate Degree Program in Game Design
Majors Overview April 20, 2013Video game designers use programming, animation, and graphic design skills to create video games. Vocational schools and community colleges offer an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Video Game Design and Development degree to individuals who are interested in pursuing this career field.
A.S. in Video Game Design and Development
Video game design and development associate degree program usually provide practical training in the methods and skills, which make up the game designing profession. Students will learn how to create ideas for video games through video game scriptwriting, storyboarding, and digital animation courses. Through practical courses in computer programming, students will learn how to put those ideas into reality.
Students who enrolled in a two-year associate degree program in video game design and development will learn how to manage different technologies and tools in the field, such as computer scripting languages, 3D technologies, and animation software. Often, students are asked to complete a capstone project where they are required to develop and design a video game of their own creation.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria related to video game design and development programs offered at a technical school or community college require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or high school diploma. Placement tests in math or English are required to be taken by incoming students before they can begin taking their core courses.
Program Course Topics
The majority of video game design and development associate degree program courses are taught through hands-on computer laboratory sessions and classroom lectures. Some course topics may include:
•Capstone project
•Game texture mapping
•Storyboarding
•Game scriptwriting
•Level design
•Photo animation and editing
•C++ programming
•Modeling
•3D animation
•2D illustration
Career Options
Students will be able to earn various positions within the gaming industry, if they have an educational background in video game design and technology. Some of these positions may include:
•Storyboard artist
•Game interface designer
•Animator and character artist
•Level designer
•Video game programmer
Continuing Education
Individuals who want to learn more about video game design and technology should pursue advanced degree programs. Colleges and universities offer both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in computer game technology, graphic design, video game design, or similar fields. Students who are interested in the creative side of the industry should consider pursuing advanced degree programs in art, animation, or illustration.
