Online Game Art and Design Schools and Degree Programs

A Game Art and Design Degree

A small number of schools offer the new degree program of Game Art Design. Students focus on learning the artistic side of game design (vs. mathematical modeling or computer programming sides) in this program. Before learning the craft of game design, students may first study the basics of graphic design and art. In the later stages of this degree students may study subjects such as game environment creation, character development, and design of game play. With this degree, graduates can pursue work as a 3D object modeler, 3D character builder, 2D conceptual artist, interactivity designer, background artist, or at other entry level jobs.

Game Art Design Schools and Degrees

• DeVry University
  • Bachelor of Game and Simulation Programming
  • BCIS - Web Game Programming
• Full Sail University
  • BS - Game Art
  • BS - Game Design
• International Academy of Design and Technology
  • BFA - Game Production
• Southern New Hampshire University
  • MS Information Technology - Game Design/Dev

People who graduate with a degree in Game Art and Design typically spend much of their time designing games for console and handheld video game systems. From now until the year 2018, the demand for all graphic artists is expected to grow at a rate of 13 percent annually. This figure was published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2008 and also includes video game artists and designers. A study conducted two years earlier by the BLS indicated that slightly more than 60 percent of all people employed under the general heading of graphic artist are self-employed. The salary range for all skill levels of graphic artists averaged just over $67,000 in 2008.

Education Required to Work as a Game Artist and Designer

In order to find work in this field, a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree is required. The student may choose whether he or she wishes to focus on video game development, information systems, computer science, graphic design or a math-related career. Students who opt to study video game development can expect a curriculum that focuses on programming, software development, graphic design, advanced writing skills, storyboard designing and general art skills. After enrolling in a Game Art and Design program, students typically have the opportunity to choose whether they want to focus on the artistic side of game design or the programming skills that are necessary for game development.

Since video game production is such a hands-on career, students at the Bachelor Degree level can expect to complete coursework that is very interactive. These may include completing group projects, interactive design work, game analysis, animation skills and much more. Students who chose to focus more on the programming aspect of this degree will complete courses in programming language in addition to the general course requirements. Since this is a highly competitive field, some students opt to earn a Master's Degree before seeking employment as a Game Artist and Designer.

Types of Schools Where Students Can Earn a Degree as a Game Artist and Designer

Because this field is highly specialized, many students choose to attend a formal art school rather than a traditional college. Art schools tend to appeal to students who can fit college in around other obligations, such as work or raising a family. This is due to the fact that many courses can be completed online according to the student's schedule. Several art schools offer a combination of both online and in-person classroom learning. Students who choose to complete most courses online need to keep in mind that they will have to budget time at the end of their program to complete a hands-on internship.

Personal Skills Required to be Successful in the Field

Obviously, people who pursue a career developing video games should have a passion for video games themselves. They should enjoy playing video games, and know intuitively what makes a video game stand out from the rest. Beyond that, people entering a degree program for Game Art and Design should have excellent problem-solving skills in order to deal with the bugs that are inevitable in early releases of video games. Prospective students should also be able to manage changing priorities and work well under pressure.

Career Possibilities for People with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Game Art and Design

In a field where the greatest percentage of people are self-employed, people who graduate with a degree in Game Art and Design need to weigh their options very carefully. Some of the career choices that may be available upon graduation include conceptual artist, background artist, character development, interactivity designer and game tester. People who tend to have the most successful obtaining employment in this field are those who have practical experience through and internship as well as a strong portfolio. Students should update their portfolios continually while in college in order to be prepared to show a potential employer exactly what they can do.

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