What to Expect At Video Game Design Schools?
The video game industry and associated technology is evolving
rapidly to the point where it is becoming difficult to keep up.
Many video game enthusiasts are drawn to a career as a video game
designer as a result of their love of video games. But the skills
required to enter into this industry have never been higher. This,
coupled with the high popularity of video game jobs, only
strengthens the need for the advanced training provided by video
game schools.
Video game design schools are found at various universities.
Students take general education courses and then learn the
fundamentals of level design, animation, gaming technology and the
game design process.
Game design schools will also help students understand concepts
such as usability, which are essential when designing game rules
and mechanics.
Good game design schools will have students working with the
same software and hardware that is used by game designers to create
video games. These tools include CryENGINE, Unreal Engine 2,
Microsoft XNA, Unity and Valve. Users will also master software
programs that are not only used by video game designers, but are
also harnessed by various businesses. For example, many video game
design companies use Adobe Photoshop and Flash Professional.
One area where students can acquire the skills needed to become
video game designers is in a traditional and digital art program.
Video game companies hire artists to create concept art and design
the overall look of the game. Many video game companies will hire
concept artists and then promote them to higher positions.
Digital and traditional art provide the foundations for game
designers to learn storyboarding, animation, 2D and 3D modeling,
texture mapping and lighting effects.
While many students at video game design schools will go on to
have successful careers as game designers, the skills taught in
these programs can be applied to other professions as well. Many of
the software tools taught in game design schools are also useful in
marketing agencies, print shops and various other businesses. The
usability skills taught in video game design schools are helpful
when engaging in web design.