Do You Have What it Takes to Be a Video Game Designer?

The video game design industry is highly competitive, and only the most skilled designers succeed. The right education can help you bridge the gap between loving video games and becoming qualified to make them.
Creating a video game requires a process that is similar to making a feature-length movie. Writers and storyboard artists sketch initial concepts, a mix of technical and creative talent comes together to produce the work, and expert editors fit it all together into a finished product. At every step of the process, high levels of skill and professionalism are required.

Finding Your Niche as a Game Designer

Video game designers are generally expected to come to the interview with an established portfolio. But if you have never worked in the industry, it may seem difficult to develop a body of work. A video game design degree provides the opportunity to create your own portfolio.
Video game designers are essentially specialized software engineers. They must be familiar with certain hardware, software packages, and code. Through in-class instruction and hands-on assignments, online game design training provides a truly interactive environment for aspiring game designers.

Getting Into the Video Game Industry

Even trained game designers must work their way into the business. Many game designers begin their careers in the QA department, testing and documenting games for potential bugs. QA workers stay relevant by keeping up with design standards and trends, and are often considered when job opening becomes available internally.
While no video game design school can guarantee a particular career or salary, it can help give you the necessary basics to begin your career.

Amelia Gray is a teacher and freelance writer in San Marcos, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University.