The video game industry has been experiencing high-speed growth over the last few decades, fueling demand for professionals talented in all aspects of game design. Aspiring video game designers are turning to a plethora of education options to gain the knowledge they need, ranging from online programs to traditional degree courses. One of the key steps for entering the industry is through a visual design school.
The Building Blocks
In order to create a compelling video game, it is essential to have a mix of various skills such as programming, storytelling, character development, and of course, visual design. Building a foundation in these areas can start much earlier than a bachelor’s degree, even during high school. Students can start to experiment with simple game design programs, learn basics of programming, and explore artistic aspects of game creation.
Visual Design School
The role of a visual design school within a video game designer’s education is pivotal. It is where the would-be designers learn the principles of art and design and how to apply them to the development of video games. They cultivate knowledge in a range of topics like color theory, graphic design, 3D modeling, and animation. As games become more and more visually complex, having strong visual design skills has become non-negotiable for those seeking to break into the industry.
Bachelor’s Degree
Building on top of their visual design skills, many aspiring video game designers choose to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Courses such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a specific Game Design degree provide relevant learning. Besides the technical side of programming, these degrees often incorporate aspects of character development, storytelling, and often project management; all of which are essential to the process of creating a successful video game.
Further Education
Depending on the career aspirations and specialization desired, further education after the Bachelor’s degree might be pursued. This could be a Master’s degree or a doctorate, specialized in video game development or an advanced degree in visual design. However, formal education is rarely the end of the journey. In the gaming industry, the learning is ongoing. Keeping up with advancements in technology, software, and user preferences is crucial to stay competitive in this dynamic field.
Online Learning
In this era of the internet, online learning platforms have grown massively. They offer a flexible option for learning. Many sites offer courses that focus on specific aspects of video game design, often at a much cheaper rate than traditional education. These can be an excellent option for those already taking a formal course to deepen their knowledge, or for those who want to focus on specific aspects of video game design.
Internships and Work Experience
Finally, there’s no replacement for practical experience. Many companies offer internships or junior positions that give aspiring designers the chance to work on real projects and learn the ropes. This is a valuable opportunity to apply the skills learned in a visual design school or university, acquire practical experience, and start networking within the industry. These tend to be highly competitive, so having a strong educational background and a portfolio of independent work can be beneficial when applying.
In conclusion, while there are several paths to becoming a video game designer, the importance of a solid education, particularly in visual design, cannot be understated. A mix of foundational learning through a visual design school, alongside a higher degree and practical work experience, can equip a hopeful video game designer with the skills and knowledge they need to create the games of the future.