As one popular gaming character would say, “You’d better believe it!” Gaming design is a very serious business. Since the introduction of Pong to shopping malls barely three decades ago, computer and video games have turned into an almost-recession proof, billion dollar industry, and the designer is king. With the objective of entering this field in mind, many are participating in degree programs online and on campus.
Actually, becoming a game designer takes an interesting mix of degrees. A designer needs to go to school and take a combination of both Computer Science and some form of Business Administration. Whether they do it from a brick and mortar campus or through an online college is becoming almost superfluous. A game designer has to have a lot of hands-on skill with computers anyway.
The reason is, on the business side, a good designer has to suss out hot ideas or properties that can be turned into games. He or she also has to decide what format (such as Microsoft’s X-Box, Sony’s Playstation, the Wii, or the Internet) would be the best way to deliver the game. From there, the designer has to find the right mix of programmers, animators and marketing people to put the entire package together and get it to market.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career path is extremely hot. The Bureau anticipates that 30% more game designers will be needed by 2018. For the record, the average job is doing well if it exceeds 11%.
Like the rest of the world, the current recession did slow the gaming industry a little, but it looks like it’s turning around rapidly. While consumers may not be buying video games like they used to, they made it up by going to places to rent them. Then there’s the introduction of such new devices like the smart phone and the iPad. It seems that staying on top and reacting quickly to the latest business trend is another good designer skill, and has made the industry nearly bullet proof.
As for affording an education, the field has avenues most would not think of. As the profession does involve computer science, it is not only eligible for standard Pell and state grants, but also one can go to the National Science Foundation and apply for S-STEM scholarships. Many private corporations, such as Microsoft, also have set up their own financial aid programs to help budding designers. As such, it’s a good idea to do a little research through search engines such as Google, as well as talk to a college financial aid officer.
If one needs further proof that creating games is a serious business, one need only look at the perks. The Bureau reports new designers usually start at slightly over $37,000. The average salary for an experienced designer is over $60,000. With possible benefits as health insurance, retirement and investment packages as well as potential profit sharing, the compensation could add up to the $100,000 range.
Those participating in their distance degree and attending traditional classes should find out the requirements of those in this field. Earning your science degrees for sure, some hands-on, as well as business, are all smart steps in the right direction. If this area of study is of interest and you would like more information about your associate of science degree, check the internet.