Introduction:
As the world of video games continues to evolve and expand, the demand for skilled game designers is on the rise. For those looking to break into this exciting field, choosing the right college is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 10 colleges that offer programs in video game design, taking into account their reputation, curriculum, faculty, and job prospects.
1. Carnegie Mellon University:
Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute is known for its excellence in video game design. The university offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program in Video Game Design, which covers everything from conceptualization to programming. Graduates of the program have gone on to work at some of the biggest names in the industry, including Microsoft, Sony, and Ubisoft.
2. Rhode Island School of Design:
The Rhode Island School of Design’s Game Art and Design program is another top choice for aspiring game designers. The university offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program that covers the entire process of creating video games, from storytelling to programming. Graduates of the program have worked on titles such as “Assassin’s Creed” and “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.”
3. University of California, Santa Cruz:
The University of California, Santa Cruz offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Game Design and Production. The program covers everything from game mechanics to programming, and includes courses on topics such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Graduates of the program have worked on titles such as “Portal” and “Half-Life 2.”
4. Savannah College of Art and Design:
The Savannah College of Art and Design’s Game Arts program is known for its focus on storytelling and narrative in video games. The university offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program that covers everything from game design to writing and animation. Graduates of the program have worked on titles such as “Tomb Raider” and “The Last of Us.”
5. DigiPen Institute of Technology:
DigiPen Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Game Production. The program covers everything from game mechanics to programming, and includes courses on topics such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Graduates of the program have worked on titles such as “Mass Effect” and “StarCraft II.”
6. Fullerton College:
Fullerton College offers an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Game Design. The program covers everything from game mechanics to programming, and includes courses on topics such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Graduates of the program have worked on titles such as “Hearthstone” and “Starcraft II.”
7. Art Institute of Chicago:
The Art Institute of Chicago offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Game Design. The program covers everything from game mechanics to programming, and includes courses on topics such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Graduates of the program have worked on titles such as “Portal” and “Half-Life 2.”
8. Rochester Institute of Technology:
The Rochester Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Game Design. The program covers everything from game mechanics to programming, and includes courses on topics such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Graduates of the program have worked on titles such as “Assassin’s Creed” and “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.”
9. University of Maryland Baltimore County:
The University of Maryland Baltimore County offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Game Development. The program covers everything from game mechanics to programming, and includes courses on topics such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Graduates of the program have worked on titles such as “Fortnite” and “Overwatch.”
10. South Carolina School of the Arts:
The South Carolina School of the Arts offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Game Design. The program covers everything from game mechanics to programming, and includes courses on topics such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality.