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2023 Best Online Game Design Degrees

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 5/5/2023

ON THIS PAGE

Overview Courses Careers Worth It?
2023 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Video Game Design Badge

With technology continuously evolving, video games are becoming more creative and advanced. For video game lovers, an online bachelor’s in video game design can be a stepping stone to a lucrative career in the gaming industry. An online bachelor’s in video game design can provide students with communication, design, tech, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Examples of online bachelor’s courses in video game design include 3D Game Development, Digital Imaging, and Elements of Scripting. In some online programs, students must complete a capstone course, an internship, a portfolio, or a collaborative project. Students who graduate with an online bachelor’s in video game design may pursue careers like software developers, mobile game developers, and user experience designers. 

View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU. If you want to investigate a similar degree to an online bachelor’s in video game design, check out our list of the most affordable online art design degrees.
2023 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Video Game Design Badge
Find an Online Degree:

Online Video Game Design Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In

Southern New Hampshire University Online

Annual Tuition: $9,600

3 Programs (view all)

Learn More

Full Sail University

Annual Tuition: $25,687

4 Programs (view all)

Learn More

Southern New Hampshire University Online

  • Annual Tuition: $9,600
  • Locations: Manchester (NH)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU Online) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Game Art & Development. Totaling 120 credit hours, this online degree typically takes full-time students around four years to complete. SNHU accepts 92% of applicants, with 36% graduating on average.

At SNHU, online students complete coursework delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on D2L Brightspace. In this program, students gain learning experience with 3D and 2D graphics software. The program’s courses are Interactive Animation, Environment Design, and 3D Character Animation. In addition, students are required to complete a capstone course before graduation. Prospective careers include game designers, 3D artists, and computer programmers.

Liberty University

  • Annual Tuition: $11,700
  • Locations: Lynchburg (VA)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

At Liberty University (LU Online) — a private, nonprofit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Gaming Design requiring 120 credit hours. On average, it can take up to 3.5 years to complete this program. LU Online’s acceptance rate is 99%, with a 36% graduation rate.

LU Online facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Canvas. This software program helps students develop the technical skills to pursue a career in gaming design. Sample courses include Object-Oriented Programming, Interactive Game Development, and Digital Imaging. An internship is required for graduation. Potential career options include game testers, graphic designers, and systems designers.

Purdue Global

  • Annual Tuition: $14,436
  • Locations: Indianapolis (IN)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Purdue Global is a public university that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Game Development equaling 180 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to complete this program in approximately four years. Purdue Global’s acceptance rate is 100%, with 27% of students who end up graduating.

At Purdue Global, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on D2L Brightspace. Students gain technical, critical thinking, and creativity skills in this game development program. Some of the courses are Game Design and Mechanics, Game Programming, and Game Art and Animation. Graduates often pursue careers like software developers, computer network architects, and computer and information systems managers.

DeVry University

  • Annual Tuition: $17,488
  • Locations: Multiple Locations
  • Accreditation: HLC

DeVry University (DeVry) is a private, for-profit institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems - Web Game Programming totaling 124 credit hours. Students may complete this program in 20 months or more. The university accepts 46% of applicants, and it has a 20% graduation rate.

At DeVry, online students use Canvas to complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously. The web game programming concentration, in particular, teaches game development, interactive web page scripting, and logic and design. Sample courses include Fundamentals of Cloud Computing, Programming with Objects, and Web Interface Design with Lab. Potential careers are website designers, back-end Java programmers, and mobile game programmers.

Full Sail University

  • Annual Tuition: $25,687
  • Locations: Winter Park (FL)
  • Accreditation: ACCSC

At Full Sail University (Full Sail), a private for-profit institution that has two online bachelor’s in game design: a (1) Bachelor of Science in Game Art and a (2) Bachelor of Science in Interactive Technology - Game Design. With each degree totalling 120 credit hours, prospective students should plan to complete either one in at least four years if they maintain a full-time courseload. Full Sail’s acceptance rate is 100%, and it has a 70% graduation rate.

Full Sail facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning. These programs are designed to help students develop sought-after game design skills. Example courses are Game Characters, Environment Art, and Engine Development. Both programs require a portfolio, project, and career readiness course. Prospective careers include game programmers, CAD drafters, and level designers.

University of Cincinnati

  • Annual Tuition: $27,932
  • Locations: Cincinnati (OH) (and 1 other)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Cincinnati (UC) is a public university that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Game Development & Simulation, requiring 120 credit hours. Future students can expect to spend five years finishing this program. The university accepts 85% of students, with 68% graduating.

At UC, online students complete coursework that is delivered asynchronously on Canvas. The game development & simulation concentration explores the programming, development, and production of games. Sample courses include Game Design and Society, Implications of Information Technology, and System Analysis & Design. Prospective careers include game testers, 3D artists, and art directors.

Academy of Art University

  • Annual Tuition: $25,424
  • Locations: San Francisco (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

The Academy of Art University (Academy) is a private, for-profit institution offering an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Development that requires 132 credit hours. It generally takes four years with a full-time schedule to complete this degree program. The Academy has an open admissions policy, which means all applicants are accepted. However, although it's easy to get in, only 28% graduate on average.

At Academy, online students complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats. The game development program emphasizes 3D modeling, animation, and lighting techniques in game design. The courses include 2D Tools for Game Development, Game Engines, and Elements of Scripting. In addition to the regular courseload, students must complete a portfolio, an internship, and a collaborative project throughout the program. Graduates may pursue careers like FX artists, AI programmers, and game designers.

Baker College Online

  • Annual Tuition: $12,420
  • Locations: Cadillac (MI) (and 8 others)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Baker College Online (Baker Online) is a private, nonprofit institution with an online Bachelor of Science in Game Software Development totaling 120 credit hours. This program can take four years to complete at a full-time pace. Baker’s acceptance rate is 41%, and it has a 22% graduation rate.

Baker Online delivers virtual courses in asynchronous and synchronous formats through the platform Canvas. A bachelor’s in game software development prepares students to pursue game design or software development careers. Example courses are Database Management and Design, Artificial Intelligence, and Project Management. Potential career options for graduates are environment artists, gameplay animators, and game illustrators.

Lamar University

  • Annual Tuition: $18,482
  • Locations: Beaumont (TX)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

At Lamar University, a public institution, students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Development, equaling 120 credit hours. It may take four years to complete this program with a full-time schedule. While Lamar University’s acceptance rate is 88%, it has a graduation rate of 41%.

Distance learners at Lamar University complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Blackboard. Throughout this program, students will create their own 3D animated game. The program’s courses are Computer Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, and Mobile Computer Game Development. Graduates may go on to careers like video game programmers, multimedia programmers, and user experience designers.

Davenport University

  • Annual Tuition: $20,964
  • Locations: Grand Rapids (MI)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Davenport University (Davenport) is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Gaming and Simulation, which requires 120 credit hours in total. Prospective students can expect to spend four years completing this program. Davenport’s acceptance rate is 98%, with a 38% graduation rate.

At Davenport, online students complete coursework asynchronously on Blackboard. This online degree program includes computer science core courses, with a program sequence in gaming and simulation. Sample courses include 2D Game Development, Computer Vision, and Differential Equations with Modeling. Graduates may pursue careers like mobile developers, video game designers, and computer programmers.

List Of Accredited Online Video Game Design Schools

School Online Enrollment Annual Tuition
Southern New Hampshire University Online 116,225 116,225 $9,600 $9,600
Liberty University 34,799 $11,700
Purdue Global 32,313 $14,436
DeVry University 22,453 $17,488
Full Sail University 19,640 $25,687
University of Cincinnati 4,382 $27,932
Academy of Art University 2,894 $25,424
Baker College Online 2,657 $12,420
Lamar University 2,571 $18,482
Davenport University 1,662 $20,964
Find an Online Degree:

Overview of an Online Game Design Degree

So, is there a degree for video game design? Yes, game design schools online are widely available and are effective ways to learn the necessary skills to launch a career as a developer in the growing video game industry. These programs usually require four years of full-time study and students can complete them in 100% online learning environments.

The video game design bachelor's program teaches students how to develop digital graphics and leverage interactivity to draw players into a game. Students utilize digital tools and processes to create unique, immersive virtual environments and generate highly interactive characters. An online game development degree teaches skills in animation, illustration, programming, and visual effects.

Program Requirements

Applicants typically need a high school diploma or GED to apply; programs may also require baseline technical skills and the submission of an art portfolio, which can be achieved through an associate degree in web design or graphic design as well as game development courses. This will bolster your chances of being accepted into one of the many online video game design degree programs.

Once accepted into one of the best online degree programs for video game design, students are required to take core courses in a variety of subjects in computer programming, artificial intelligence, digital storytelling, and digital marketing.

Can You Get a Game Design Degree Online?

Yes, online game design degree programs are readily available from universities with robust art and technology departments. Much like similar degrees in web design, art design, and graphic design, game design programs online utilize learning management systems and software tools for their coursework. This enables professors to effectively teach and interact with their students in remote environments.

Before commiting to one of the many game design schools online, it's important to consider their accreditation. This is the process that the U.S. Department of Education uses to ensure that a school's program is effective and legitimate.

All of OnlineU's video game design programs come from accredited institutions.

Game Design Courses

Video game design classes cover a wide variety of subjects, including 2D and 3D digital design, computer graphics, video game programming, storyboarding, project management, and computer game analysis.

Students learn about the overall structure of a successful video game, as well as the details of creating digital graphics for various computer and console systems.

Along with technical graphics and animation skills, students also learn about the methods for working with teams of animators and bringing a large project to completion. Many programs require students to work on a large game design project during the final semester of the degree; in some cases, students work in teams to develop a complete game.

Below are some examples of core courses found in game design bachelor's programs:

Game Production

This course provides an overview of the games industry as a whole and the foundational development processes that are used to make games. Students explore the different roles and their responsibilities as well as how project managers lead teams of developers.

Visual Communication for Game Design

Visual communication encompasses the environmental, aesthetic, and interactive components of game design. Students look at both the technological and creative principles of visual communication and their importance in a player's overall experience.

Python Programming

Python is a programming library used in game development. Here, students will discover its engine and all its available tools used to create interactive games. This course also looks at the basics of programming as a whole, including the history of computing, memory and variables, and mathematical operations.

Creativity and Computation

In this course, students learn software literacy and gain valuable coding experience. Computational and systems thinking, quantitative reasoning, creative problem solving, and generative visual aesthetics will also be explored in this class.

VR/AR Game Development

The worlds of augmented reality and virtual reality are becoming more and more important, which is why this course is commonly found in game design programs. Students learn the skills and processes for developing VR and AR games as well as their related applications for headsets and smartphones.

Storytelling

Aside from technical computer literacy, students need to take a storytelling course to better understand narrative design and interactivity. This class covers the different types of media used in story strategies and how to build deeper connections to a player's experience.

Level Design

A course in level design teaches students how to create the settings based on a game designer's vision. This includes the style and content of each individual level and how it advances the story in a meaningful and effective way.

A Career as a Game Designer

A bachelor's degree in video game design — or a related creative-technical subject — is required to land entry-level positions in game design, multimedia design, or animation. Bachelor's graduates with a strong portfolio of game design work will have the best chances of landing a job in this highly competitive field. Video game designers work in software development, computer systems design, motion picture and film production, and advertising.

Game Designer Salary

Video game designers can expect a higher-than-average salary when compared to other occupations. According to O*Net, the average game designer's median annual salary is $79,890.

In 2020, there were 199,200 professionals working in this role. While that may seem like a crowded field, it's important to note that the projected growth of game designers is 10% to 15% — higher than other occupations, with nearly 18,000 new jobs expected by 2030.

Different Roles in Video Game Programming

Within the field of video game design, there are many categories and specializations. Some people work behind the scenes coming up with concepts, fleshing out the story, and writing dialogue. They then pass these elements onto the team that will build the functional elements of the game. This team consists of designers and programmers who are skilled in various elements of video game development, and they bring ideas to life.

Below is an overview of some of the job titles you might hold if you earn a degree in video game design. (Keep in mind that you may want to be able to perform several of these tasks after you graduate in order to ensure your marketability.)

AI Programmer: The player characters are important, but so are the non-player-controlled characters (NPC), which need to be programmed with Artificial Intelligence (AI). NPCs need to behave naturally and in a way that makes sense or they become distracting.

Background Artist: Background artists build the world in which the game will take place. As a background artist, you need to have a keen understanding of the atmosphere and tone of the game as a whole, and specifically, the concept that should be conveyed at various times.

Character Artist: Becoming a character artist takes creativity, attention to detail, and a dedication to storytelling. A character's movements and gear must be realistic and facial expressions true to the world it is a part of.

Game Engine Programmer: This is one of the most vital job categories within the video game industry. Game engine programmers come up with the basic software for a game.

Level Designer: These professionals build the different levels of a game's environment for players to explore. Successful level designers must have strong skills in art, math, and design.

Physics/Environment Programmer: This aspect of video game programming focuses on the physical properties of the game world, and makes sure objects interact in a consistent way. Some programmers even develop “physics engines,” which set the rules for how everything in the world operates: how fast things fall, or what happens when two objects bump into each other.

Script Writer: Although not always considered a technical part of game design, writing is key to developing a video game. A video game writer works with the design team to come up with the dialogue and text that happens between characters. They will also write the text that video game players see as they complete levels or reach certain goals.

Sound Programmer: These designers create a game's score and sound effects. In musical games, or games where the sound effects change based on the player's proximity to them, sound designers have a very challenging job.

Tool Programmer: Game creation tool programmers design software that enables other people to create and make changes to a game. Modern games typically use several tools from the beginning to end of a project.

Can You Be a Game Designer Without a Degree?

Yes, it's possible to become a game designer without holding a bachelor's degree. Those with certificates in UX Design or computer programming may be able to secure an entry-level role. The most important consideration for employers, however, is that an applicant has a robust portfolio of computer game projects. Keep in mind, portfolios are much easier to achieve with a bachelor's degree in game design.

According to O*Net, 57% of professional game designers reported their employers required a bachelor's degree.

Certifications for Game Designers

While no certifications are officially required to become a game designer, there are many that can be helpful when starting a career in the field. Even if you take game design courses and earn an online video game design degree, having a certificate in C# Programming can have a positive impact on your employability. This certificate covers the C# programming language for the Unity game development platform. Other useful certificates include Computer Science for Game Development and any certificates you can earn that cover Python and PyGame modules.

Is a Video Game Design Degree Worth It?

Earning an online game development degree is worth it for many aspiring professionals. As mentioned, bachelor's degrees often require students to create portfolios, with most programs asking for a capstone project featuring a completed game. This experience will give students a leg up when it comes to applying for a role at a major game studio.

Below are some of the pros and cons of earning a video game design degree:

Potential Benefits

Join one of the fastest growing industries in the world. According to the Newzoo Global Games Market Report 2021, the industry will grow by 8.7% between 2019 and 2024 to become worth over $218 billion.

The work of a game designer blends creativity with technical know-how. Game design is one of the rare professions that requires the application of both artistic and analytical skills.

Take advantage of an independent work environment. Game designers don't have to work for major AAA studios. In fact, VG Insights reports that indie games make up 40% of all games sold on the Steam marketplace.

Potential Drawbacks

Some game designers have to endure "crunch." Crunch is a controversial work style that some game studios utilize. This approach requires their development team to work extremely long hours to complete projects very quickly.

Toxicity is a problem for some major game studios. The 2022 State of the Game Industry Report showed that 38% of professionals said their employer reached out regarding toxicity in the video game industry, but 62% said their company did not act on their concerns.

Game designing can pose health risks. Sitting in front of a computer screen for long periods of time can increase a person's risk of back and spin issues, heart disease, and weight gain.

Resources

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and supporting professional game developers. They offer membership opportunities for recent graduates of online game design degree programs that include access to software discounts and a network of fellow professionals to engage with. They have a game showcase which allows developers to promote their creations and a mentorship program that provides help to aspiring professionals.

There's also the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), an advocacy group that promotes research and collaborates on video game policy. They offer members access to the latest industry research as well as discounts and early access to the annual E3 conference.

Bottom Line

Video game designers are privileged to work in accordance with their passion. They create artistic works through computers that millions of players around the world can enjoy. The coursework required to earn a degree can be challenging due to the complexity of computer languages and game development platforms. Once understood, however, the knowledge and skills gained in these programs can provide many opportunities to join professional games studios and earn higher-than-average salaries.

Overview of an Online Game Design Degree

So, is there a degree for video game design? Yes, game design schools online are widely available and are effective ways to learn the necessary skills to launch a career as a developer in the growing video game industry. These programs usually require four years of full-time study and students can complete them in 100% online learning environments.

The video game design bachelor's program teaches students how to develop digital graphics and leverage interactivity to draw players into a game. Students utilize digital tools and processes to create unique, immersive virtual environments and generate highly interactive characters. An online game development degree teaches skills in animation, illustration, programming, and visual effects.

Program Requirements

Applicants typically need a high school diploma or GED to apply; programs may also require baseline technical skills and the submission of an art portfolio, which can be achieved through an associate degree in web design or graphic design as well as game development courses. This will bolster your chances of being accepted into one of the many online video game design degree programs.

Once accepted into one of the best online degree programs for video game design, students are required to take core courses in a variety of subjects in computer programming, artificial intelligence, digital storytelling, and digital marketing.

Can You Get a Game Design Degree Online?

Yes, online game design degree programs are readily available from universities with robust art and technology departments. Much like similar degrees in web design, art design, and graphic design, game design programs online utilize learning management systems and software tools for their coursework. This enables professors to effectively teach and interact with their students in remote environments.

Before commiting to one of the many game design schools online, it's important to consider their accreditation. This is the process that the U.S. Department of Education uses to ensure that a school's program is effective and legitimate.

All of OnlineU's video game design programs come from accredited institutions.

Game Design Courses

Video game design classes cover a wide variety of subjects, including 2D and 3D digital design, computer graphics, video game programming, storyboarding, project management, and computer game analysis.

Students learn about the overall structure of a successful video game, as well as the details of creating digital graphics for various computer and console systems.

Along with technical graphics and animation skills, students also learn about the methods for working with teams of animators and bringing a large project to completion. Many programs require students to work on a large game design project during the final semester of the degree; in some cases, students work in teams to develop a complete game.

Below are some examples of core courses found in game design bachelor's programs:

Game Production

This course provides an overview of the games industry as a whole and the foundational development processes that are used to make games. Students explore the different roles and their responsibilities as well as how project managers lead teams of developers.

Visual Communication for Game Design

Visual communication encompasses the environmental, aesthetic, and interactive components of game design. Students look at both the technological and creative principles of visual communication and their importance in a player's overall experience.

Python Programming

Python is a programming library used in game development. Here, students will discover its engine and all its available tools used to create interactive games. This course also looks at the basics of programming as a whole, including the history of computing, memory and variables, and mathematical operations.

Creativity and Computation

In this course, students learn software literacy and gain valuable coding experience. Computational and systems thinking, quantitative reasoning, creative problem solving, and generative visual aesthetics will also be explored in this class.

VR/AR Game Development

The worlds of augmented reality and virtual reality are becoming more and more important, which is why this course is commonly found in game design programs. Students learn the skills and processes for developing VR and AR games as well as their related applications for headsets and smartphones.

Storytelling

Aside from technical computer literacy, students need to take a storytelling course to better understand narrative design and interactivity. This class covers the different types of media used in story strategies and how to build deeper connections to a player's experience.

Level Design

A course in level design teaches students how to create the settings based on a game designer's vision. This includes the style and content of each individual level and how it advances the story in a meaningful and effective way.

A Career as a Game Designer

A bachelor's degree in video game design — or a related creative-technical subject — is required to land entry-level positions in game design, multimedia design, or animation. Bachelor's graduates with a strong portfolio of game design work will have the best chances of landing a job in this highly competitive field. Video game designers work in software development, computer systems design, motion picture and film production, and advertising.

Game Designer Salary

Video game designers can expect a higher-than-average salary when compared to other occupations. According to O*Net, the average game designer's median annual salary is $79,890.

In 2020, there were 199,200 professionals working in this role. While that may seem like a crowded field, it's important to note that the projected growth of game designers is 10% to 15% — higher than other occupations, with nearly 18,000 new jobs expected by 2030.

Different Roles in Video Game Programming

Within the field of video game design, there are many categories and specializations. Some people work behind the scenes coming up with concepts, fleshing out the story, and writing dialogue. They then pass these elements onto the team that will build the functional elements of the game. This team consists of designers and programmers who are skilled in various elements of video game development, and they bring ideas to life.

Below is an overview of some of the job titles you might hold if you earn a degree in video game design. (Keep in mind that you may want to be able to perform several of these tasks after you graduate in order to ensure your marketability.)

AI Programmer: The player characters are important, but so are the non-player-controlled characters (NPC), which need to be programmed with Artificial Intelligence (AI). NPCs need to behave naturally and in a way that makes sense or they become distracting.

Background Artist: Background artists build the world in which the game will take place. As a background artist, you need to have a keen understanding of the atmosphere and tone of the game as a whole, and specifically, the concept that should be conveyed at various times.

Character Artist: Becoming a character artist takes creativity, attention to detail, and a dedication to storytelling. A character's movements and gear must be realistic and facial expressions true to the world it is a part of.

Game Engine Programmer: This is one of the most vital job categories within the video game industry. Game engine programmers come up with the basic software for a game.

Level Designer: These professionals build the different levels of a game's environment for players to explore. Successful level designers must have strong skills in art, math, and design.

Physics/Environment Programmer: This aspect of video game programming focuses on the physical properties of the game world, and makes sure objects interact in a consistent way. Some programmers even develop “physics engines,” which set the rules for how everything in the world operates: how fast things fall, or what happens when two objects bump into each other.

Script Writer: Although not always considered a technical part of game design, writing is key to developing a video game. A video game writer works with the design team to come up with the dialogue and text that happens between characters. They will also write the text that video game players see as they complete levels or reach certain goals.

Sound Programmer: These designers create a game's score and sound effects. In musical games, or games where the sound effects change based on the player's proximity to them, sound designers have a very challenging job.

Tool Programmer: Game creation tool programmers design software that enables other people to create and make changes to a game. Modern games typically use several tools from the beginning to end of a project.

Can You Be a Game Designer Without a Degree?

Yes, it's possible to become a game designer without holding a bachelor's degree. Those with certificates in UX Design or computer programming may be able to secure an entry-level role. The most important consideration for employers, however, is that an applicant has a robust portfolio of computer game projects. Keep in mind, portfolios are much easier to achieve with a bachelor's degree in game design.

According to O*Net, 57% of professional game designers reported their employers required a bachelor's degree.

Certifications for Game Designers

While no certifications are officially required to become a game designer, there are many that can be helpful when starting a career in the field. Even if you take game design courses and earn an online video game design degree, having a certificate in C# Programming can have a positive impact on your employability. This certificate covers the C# programming language for the Unity game development platform. Other useful certificates include Computer Science for Game Development and any certificates you can earn that cover Python and PyGame modules.

Is a Video Game Design Degree Worth It?

Earning an online game development degree is worth it for many aspiring professionals. As mentioned, bachelor's degrees often require students to create portfolios, with most programs asking for a capstone project featuring a completed game. This experience will give students a leg up when it comes to applying for a role at a major game studio.

Below are some of the pros and cons of earning a video game design degree:

Potential Benefits

Join one of the fastest growing industries in the world. According to the Newzoo Global Games Market Report 2021, the industry will grow by 8.7% between 2019 and 2024 to become worth over $218 billion.

The work of a game designer blends creativity with technical know-how. Game design is one of the rare professions that requires the application of both artistic and analytical skills.

Take advantage of an independent work environment. Game designers don't have to work for major AAA studios. In fact, VG Insights reports that indie games make up 40% of all games sold on the Steam marketplace.

Potential Drawbacks

Some game designers have to endure "crunch." Crunch is a controversial work style that some game studios utilize. This approach requires their development team to work extremely long hours to complete projects very quickly.

Toxicity is a problem for some major game studios. The 2022 State of the Game Industry Report showed that 38% of professionals said their employer reached out regarding toxicity in the video game industry, but 62% said their company did not act on their concerns.

Game designing can pose health risks. Sitting in front of a computer screen for long periods of time can increase a person's risk of back and spin issues, heart disease, and weight gain.

Resources

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and supporting professional game developers. They offer membership opportunities for recent graduates of online game design degree programs that include access to software discounts and a network of fellow professionals to engage with. They have a game showcase which allows developers to promote their creations and a mentorship program that provides help to aspiring professionals.

There's also the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), an advocacy group that promotes research and collaborates on video game policy. They offer members access to the latest industry research as well as discounts and early access to the annual E3 conference.

Bottom Line

Video game designers are privileged to work in accordance with their passion. They create artistic works through computers that millions of players around the world can enjoy. The coursework required to earn a degree can be challenging due to the complexity of computer languages and game development platforms. Once understood, however, the knowledge and skills gained in these programs can provide many opportunities to join professional games studios and earn higher-than-average salaries.

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