Introduction
The video game industry is growing rapidly, and it’s not surprising that more and more people are interested in pursuing careers as video game designers. However, becoming a successful video game designer requires more than just creativity and passion. It also requires specific knowledge and skills that can only be acquired through education.
Education Needed for Video Game Designers
Before diving into the specific education needed for video game designers, let’s first understand what a video game designer does. A video game designer is responsible for creating the content, mechanics, and overall experience of a video game. They work closely with other members of the development team, such as artists, programmers, and producers, to bring their vision to life.
Formal Education
Formal education is typically obtained through a college or university program in game design, interactive arts, or a related field. These programs typically last between two and four years and provide students with a comprehensive education in all aspects of video game design. Some examples of universities that offer these programs include the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC), and the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC).
During these programs, students will learn about various aspects of game design, such as game mechanics, level design, character modeling, animation, and programming. They will also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and collaborate with other students and professionals in the field. Upon completion of a formal education program in game design, graduates may be eligible for entry-level positions at game development studios.
Informal Education
While formal education is a great way to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a video game designer, it’s not the only option. Many successful video game designers have come from non-traditional backgrounds and have gained their education through informal means. For example, some people may choose to learn game design through online courses or tutorials, while others may gain experience by working on personal projects or participating in game jams.
There are many benefits to pursuing an informal education in video game design. For one, it’s often more affordable than formal education programs. Additionally, it allows students to learn at their own pace and focus on the specific areas of game design that interest them the most. Some examples of online courses and tutorials that can help you learn game design include Udemy, Pluralsight, and LinkedIn Learning.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Successful Video Game Designers
Now that we’ve discussed the different types of education needed for video game designers, let’s look at some real-life examples of successful video game designers who have pursued different paths to achieve their career goals.
Formal Education
1. Shigeru Miyamoto – Shigeru Miyamoto is a legendary game designer best known for creating the Mario and The Legend of Zelda franchises. He received a degree in industrial design from Kyushu Sangyo University in Japan, but he also has a strong background in fine arts. Miyamoto’s success in the video game industry can be attributed to his ability to think creatively and outside the box.
2. John Carmack – John Carmack is the co-founder of id Software and the lead developer behind the Doom and Quake series of games. He received a degree in computer science from Southern Methodist University in Texas, but he also has a strong background in programming and game development. Carmack’s success in the video game industry can be attributed to his technical expertise and ability to write efficient code.
Informal Education
1.