Game Design Degrees & Certificates

Game Design Courses

Game designers are responsible for crafting the story and rules of a video game. They also create the characters and universe in which the game takes place. A college degree in game design should include the following subjects:

• Technical and creative writing inc. storytelling and storyboarding
• Character design using classic archetypes, philosophy and mythology
• World design including the creation of levels, maps and puzzles
• Game mechanics including pacing, conflict resolution & reward systems
• Project management, leadership and effective communication skills
• Coursework in physics and math (especially algebra) will be useful

Game Programming Courses

Game programmers take the elements of a video game and turn them into the computer code that makes it all work. Curriculum in a game programming degree will include coursework in:

• Desirable programming and scripting languages for game development inc. Java, C++, JavaScript, C#, SQL & Python
• Mobile app development using Java or Kotlin (for Android games) & Objective-C or Swift (for iOS games)
• Game engine programming, algorithms, and physics system development
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) programming

Game Art Courses

Game artists create the visual elements of a video game, from the way a character looks to a tree waving in the breeze in the background and everything in between. The course curriculum in a game art degree should include:

• Strong foundation in visual arts, 2D drawing and multimedia design
• Graphic design using popular software like Adobe Creative Cloud
• 3D computer animation including modeling and texture design
• Motion-capture shooting, tracking, enhancement and correction
• Exploration of shading, lighting, reflection, mood & atmosphere

Certificate in Game Design

Game design certificates provide career-focused training in the fundamental principles of video game design. These programs, which typically last three to six months, tend to focus on essential skills in one of the three aspects of game design: game art, game design, or game programming.

Some game design certificates will cover multiple knowledge domains, however, due to their brevity, certificate programs may lack depth in the theory and intricacies of video game design. They are geared towards career changers, hobbyists aiming to turn a passion into a profession, or anyone interested in acquiring a basic understanding of the field.

Associate Degree in Game Design

A game design associate degree is a more intensive course of study that usually takes two years to complete as a full-time student. Depending on its area of focus, this program will feature coursework in areas like programming, 3D modeling, character development, and narrative design.

An associate degree in game design provides students with a stronger grasp of the nuances of the field than a certificate program, cultivating artistic creativity alongside technical prowess. This program should include hands-on game design projects and portfolio development, both of which are essential for job applications and further study.

Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design

A game design bachelor’s is a four-year program that dives deeper into the world of video game creation. This in-depth program covers an array of topics such as game theory, digital media, storyboarding, game programming, multimedia design, video game project management and more.

Bachelor's degrees in game design typically offer specializations, allowing students to focus on niche areas like 3D character animation, puzzle creation, virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR). Game design bachelor's programs often include training in valuable soft skills for game designers like critical thinking, collaboration and creative problem solving.

What college degree do you need for game design?

Though not always mandatory, most game design roles require a bachelor’s degree. Desirable majors for game designers include computer science, game design, game development, software engineering, and computer animation.

How long does it take to earn a game design degree?

A bachelor’s degree in game design typically takes four years to complete as a full-time student. Some schools offer accelerated online game design programs that can be completed in as little as 2.5 years. A game design associate degree typically lasts 2 years, while a game design certificate can be completed in a year or less.

Can I earn a game design degree online?

Yes, you can earn a game design degree 100% online. Many of the top schools for game design offer distance learning programs that provide the expertise to succeed in this field. Online game design programs cater to students who need flexibility because of location, work commitments, or other constraints. But not all online game design degrees are created equal - it's essential to research and choose a reputable school with a game design curriculum that aligns with your goals.