Start A Career In Designing Video Games With Your Online Degree Education!
Three decades or so ago, the first video game, Pong, started sucking quarters out of kids pockets at every shopping mall in the U.S. Since then, computer gaming design has become a multi-billion dollar business that is almost-recession proof. Because of this, making fun has become a very serious business and the video game designer is king. Every day students working degree programs online and on campus are taking the classes they need to work in this area.
Considered a form of software publishing, gaming design involves the merging of two different skill sets. A good designer gets an education in both computer science and business administration if he or she really wants to succeed. Because this career involves a lot of hands-on computer experience, getting a degree from an accredited online college can actually work in a student’s favor, too.
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%.
Some more recent reports find that growth might have been stunted due to the current recession. Others have shown that the industry is rapidly adapting to meet current demand. One thing that’s helping the industry grow is game rentals through such organizations as Blockbuster or Netflix, as opposed to family gamers out-and-out buying product. New tech, such as Apple’s iPad, is expected to also have an effect, although at this moment it’s way too soon to tell.
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.
One thing that proves how serious a business game designing has become is the salary. The Bureau reports a designer fresh out of school usually starts at $37,000, and the average salary for experienced personnel is over $60,000. With such possible benefits as health insurance, retirement and investment packages and possible profit sharing, the total packages can go into the $100,000 range.
Those participating in their college degrees and attending traditional classes should find out the requirements of those in this field. Earning your STEM degree 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 online it degree, check the internet.