The gaming industry, still a fairly new but growing field, has experienced substantial growth, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and increased accessibility. From esports to mobile gaming, the gaming industry is well-positioned to remain a major force in the entertainment landscape.
Specialized education in game design is becoming increasingly relevant as the technical skills needed continue to advance. By understanding the ins and outs of game design, you'll build a foundation in skills such as programming, 3D modeling, and animation. You'll also enhance your creative process, grow your network, and build a portfolio to help you advance your career.
At West Virginia University, we offer a Master of Arts in Game Design program that gives students a unique and immersive educational experience. This program is designed to equip students with the technical skills, creative mindset, and industry knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic world of game development.
So, while you consider your career options, let's look at some career opportunities in the industry.
Career Paths in Game Design
Game Designer
National Average Salary: $85,000
Game designers are the creative visionaries behind video games. They conceptualize, design, and develop the overall gameplay experience, including the rules, mechanics, and narrative. They work closely with other members of the development team to ensure the game meets the desired vision.
Game Developer
National Average Salary: $80,000
Game developers work on various aspects of game development, from programming and art to design and testing. They may specialize in a particular area but often collaborate with other team members to create a cohesive game.
Game Artist
National Average Salary: $75,000
Game artists are responsible for creating the visual elements of a game, including characters, environments, and user interfaces. They use various digital tools to design and produce high-quality graphics.
Game Animator
National Average Salary: $70,000
Game animators bring characters and objects to life by creating movement and expressions. They use specialized software to design and implement animations that enhance the gameplay experience.
Game Programmer
National Average Salary: $90,000
Game programmers are responsible for writing the code that brings games to life. They develop the underlying systems and mechanics that govern gameplay, ensuring the game functions smoothly and efficiently.
Level Designer
National Average Salary: $70,000
Level designers create the individual stages or environments within a game. They plan the layout, challenges, and objectives of each level, ensuring a balanced and engaging gameplay experience.
Sound Designer
National Average Salary: $75,000
Sound designers create the audio elements of a game, including music, sound effects, and voice acting. They work to enhance the atmosphere and immersion of the gameplay experience.
Writer
National Average Salary: $70,000
Writers are responsible for creating the narrative and dialogue of a game. They develop the story, characters, and world that players will experience.
Producer
National Average Salary: $95,000
Producers oversee the entire game development process, ensuring that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards. They coordinate the efforts of the development team and manage the project's resources.
Quality Assurance Tester
National Average Salary: $60,000
Quality assurance testers play a vital role in ensuring the quality of a game before its release. They test the game for bugs, glitches, and other issues, providing feedback to the development team.
Skills and Qualifications
A successful game design career requires a unique blend of creative, technical, and interpersonal skills. Here are some of the most essential qualities:
- Creativity: Game designers must be able to think outside the box and come up with innovative game concepts, mechanics, and narratives.
- Technical Proficiency: A strong understanding of game development tools, programming languages, and 3D modeling software is key to creating high-quality games.
- Teamwork: Game development is a collaborative process. Strong teamwork skills are essential for working effectively with other members of the development team.
- Communication: Effective communication skills are necessary for collaborating with team members, communicating with stakeholders, and presenting game concepts.
WVU’s online M.A. Game Design Program Equips Students with These Skills
WVU’s online M.A. in Game Design is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed for a successful career in game design. Through a combination of coursework, hands-on projects and industry collaborations, students develop:
- Creative Thinking: Students learn to generate innovative game ideas and explore different creative approaches to game design.
- Technical Expertise: The program provides in-depth training in game development tools, programming languages, and 3D modeling software.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Students work in teams on various projects, fostering teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Effective Communication: Students learn to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
By developing these essential skills, WVU’s M.A. in Game Design program prepares students to excel in the competitive world of game design.
Explore the M.A. in Game Design and request more information today.
Game Design, M.A.
Turn your game ideas into reality. Develop your own playable game prototype while learning design, theory and production to deepen your game design knowledge with real-world application. Learn more about our online program.
Request More InformationMeet the Author
Stefanie Moore
Marketing Manager
Stefanie is a marketing manager in the Marketing Communications Online Programs through the College of Creative Arts and Media at West Virginia University. She is an alumna of WVU's M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) and has been working in marketing for over 6 years after beginning her career in the newspaper business. She's a marathon runner and she recently ran a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon.