Common questions about how to become a game designer asked by our readers:
While some exceptional game designers may obtain a position without a degree, most employer’s prefer to hire designers with a bachelor’s degree or higher in game design, computer science, game design and development, or related field. For positions above entry-level, several years of experience may be required as well.
Most employers prefer to hire game developers with a degree in software engineering or development, computer science or a related field. For positions above entry-level, several years of experience may be required as well.
Most employers prefer to hire game programmers with a degree in computer science, computer programming, software engineering or development, or a related field. For positions above entry-level, several years of experience may be required as well.
Game artists typically have a degree in fine art, animation, illustration, drawing, or other related area. For entry-level positions, a two-year degree, minor or certificate may be enough for some exceptional game artists. However, for advanced positions, most employers prefer to hire artists with a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience.
While MIT does not have a formal game development or game design degree program, the MIT Game Lab helps MIT students who are interested in games create their own program of study. By their nature, games require an interdisciplinary approach to their study. However, approaches can vary depending on what the student wants to do with games. For example, students who are interested in the design and history of games and how people play and learn with games may focus in game design and game studies through the MIT Game Lab’s parent department, Comparative Media Studies.
Some of the most popular programming languages used in game design, game development and game programming are C++, C#, Python, Java, JavaScript, HTML5, SQL, Unrealscript, LUA and Rust.
Some game designers need to code, while most designers need to understand how code works, at the very least, to be able to communicate with other members of the team such as programmers and developers. If you are an aspiring designer, it’s a good idea to learn how to code. This will also help you stand out in the competitive field of game design.
Video game testers don’t just play video games. They have to find bugs, glitches, and code that doesn’t work. While the requirements to become a video game tester vary, typically, employers prefer to hire testers with a degree in computer science, computer programming, software development, game development, game programming, or other related technical field. Many employers also prefer to hire testers with at least two years’ experience in video game development.
Game artists typically have a degree in fine art, animation, illustration, drawing, or other related area. For entry-level positions, a two-year degree, minor or certificate in any of these areas may be enough for some exceptional game artists. However, for advanced positions, most employers prefer to hire artists with a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience in these areas.
Aspiring game designers should aim for a bachelor’s degree or higher in game design, computer science, game design and development, or related field.
While some exceptional game designers may obtain a position without a degree, most employer’s prefer to hire designers with a bachelor’s degree or higher in game design, computer science, game design and development, or related field.
The computer science degree is fast becoming a popular choice for aspiring game designers. This degree prepares students for positions in the games industry as well as dozens of other sectors from technology and finance to retail and government. While most would agree that both degrees are excellent options for aspiring game designers, the computer science degree opens the door to more employment options.