HOW TO BECOME A
GAME DESIGNER
What it’s like to design games and the pathways you could take to pursue this career
WHAT
DOES A GAME DESIGNER DO?
Crafts the game look, feel, and layout
Creates graphics, animation, and visual effects (
CGI)
Builds 2D and
3D models and animation
Researches projects for game realism
HOW MUCH CAN THEY
EARN?
Nationwide annual wage data* for multimedia artists and animators, according to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Since 2009. the number of women hired by game companies has tripled
In
1989, women made up less than 3% of the video game industry workforce-now, they makeup 11%
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A GAME DESIGNER?
EDUCATION:
Step1
Graduate high school
Step 2:
Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art, ora related field such as animation
Some schools also offer specialized degree programs in interactive media or game design
Build a portfolio of work and strong technical skills through on-the-job training
DRIVE:
+ You have a passion for bringing your original ideas to life -“What a fantastic Tie -1 want to leam how to do that!”
+ You're a people person, not just a game person
+ You can handle long hours, tight deadlines, and other high-pressure situations gracefully
Comprehensive - understanding of game-play theory
Talent for thinking imaginatively and creatively
Ability to work collaboratively and independently
Good communication and presentation skills
Strong storytelling and narrative development skills
Proficiency in math and programming
UNDERGRADUATE
VIDEO GAME DESIGN PROGRAMS
(According to the
Princeton Review)
1)
University of Southern California
Interactive Media Division &
Computer Science (
Game Development)
2)
University of Utah
Entertainment Arts &
Engineering
3)
DigiPen Institute of Technology
Game Design
4)
Art Institute of Vancouver
Game Art & Design,
Visual &
Game
Programming,
Animation &
Games
5)
Michigan State University
Specialization in Game Design &
Development
More rolls to play:
•
Sound engineer/designer
•
Composer
•
Audio programmer/engineer
•
Game designer
•
Lead designer
•
Level designer
Producer
Project manager
Game tester
•Programmer
•
Graphics/special effects
programmer
•
Artificial intelligence
programmer
•
Multiplayer networking
programmer
2D and 3D artists (various)
Level builder
Art director
Business &
miscellaneous
•Administratois/managers
•Marketing/publlc
relations staff
•
Sales representatives
WHERE COULD YOU
WORK? COMPANIES?
NINTENDO EAD Founded in
1983 Best known for:
•
Super Mario Bros.
•
The Legend of Zelda
•
Metroid
•
Brain Age
•
Wii Sports
ZYNGA
INC Founded in
2007
Best known for:
•CityVille
•
Zynga Poker
•FarmVille
•
Words With Friends
•
Indiana Jones Adventure World
•
Mafia Wars
SEGA Company origins date back
to
1940: entered home
console market in
1982
Best known for:
•
NHL’94
•Sonicthe
Hedgehog
•Streetsof
Rage
•
Gunstar Heroes
•
Mortal Kombat
•
Vectorman
•
X-Men
KONAMI Founded in
1969
Best known for:
•
Castlevania
•
Metal Gear
•
Silent Hill
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, game
designer salaries are highest in CALIFORNIA ($83,730)
NEW YORK ($70,670) WASHINGTON ($67,
140) MASSACHUSETTS ($64,960) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ($64,710)
Earnings depend on many factors including the coursework completed, geographic location, and career options available.
Nothing on this infographic guarantees results for individuals.
Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlock Handbock, 2012-13 Edition, Multimedia
Artists and Animators, httpi/Awvwbis.gox/ooh/arts-and-desigiVmultimedia-artists-and-animators
.htm
B is. gotfoes/current/oes271014.htm
International Oame Developers
Association, Awvw.igda.org/
International Oame Developers Association,
Source
1/ archrves.igda.org/bredringin/
2/ Gamespot.com/features/so-you-wanna-be-a-game-designer-6129276
3/
Ign.com/top/video-game-makers
4/ Ea.com/about
5/ Company.zynga.com/about/
Sega.com/games/
Gamedegree.com/careers_skills
.asp
- published: 07 Oct 2014
- views: 48510