Computer programmers, graphic designers, game developers and entrepreneurs interested in breaking in to the field of game design may be able to complete a game design certificate program to round out their professional career. These programs expand upon the principles and foundational skills of modern game design so that professionals can gain hands-on experience in game development.
Completing a game design certificate program can help students develop specialized skills to develop both digital and non-digital games for various markets. Certification programs may be nine months to a year or more in length, depending on the school. Courses may be completed online or on a campus setting. Examples of certification courses may include:. This course covers foundational topics such as the history of gaming, interface design, writing narratives for games and social game interaction.
The course may also include the basics of writing a game design document. Students learn how to apply project management skills to the field of game design and work on a prototype with a team.
They learn how to work within the constraints of a business model, design a user interface, and manage activities such as storyboarding, plot and character development, and visual design. This course covers the basics of systems design, social games, and business models for different types of games. Students learn what it takes to make a game successful using different production methods and platforms.
These programs are typically up to 40 credit hours and cover a range of topics and in-depth study of human behavior, computer game editing, simulations and game production. Students may take a set of core courses and concentration courses to specialize in a certain area. Courses may be a mixture of theory and applied practice to prepare students for the modern game design industry. Students explore software architecture and computer games engineering in depth. They may study frameworks for game development, techniques for managing resources, and different gaming platforms.
One of the most essential components of a computer game, students learn how to implement artificial intelligence components to a game using different types of algorithms. This may include the study of neural networks, decision trees and script-driven game object behaviors. This course covers the fundamentals of multiplayer game development, including architecture, design techniques and databases.
Completing your education at an accredited game design school will help you acquire several specialized skills and receive the hands-on training needed to succeed in this ever-evolving industry.
Even though many game development companies provide employees with on-the-job training to create games for a target market, students attending game design schools can gain valuable knowledge and expertise that serves as a foundation for their career. Completing an internship during school, developing a strong portfolio and completing a certification program are a few ways to enhance the educational experience. Here are some essential skills any game design school student should work to level up:.
Students should learn programming languages, the basics of game architecture, game development processes and procedures, and skills to succeed in the modern game design industry. Some schools also offer professional development courses where students learn how to prepare a resume, perform at a job interview and present an attractive portfolio — all vitally important to landing that dream job. Students must become well-versed in all aspects of both the hardware and software programs necessary to create games.
By graduations, students should be proficient in Windows programming, DirectX, OpenGL and use various types of scripting tools to write applications. Machine architecture classes prepare students to develop games for different platforms. Hardware training typically includes Apple or Hewlett-Packard workstations Windows-based programs and a motion capture system. Internships can provide valuable hands-on experience and assist students in building a strong portfolio upon graduation.
Certification can provide students with a stronger skill set in very specialized areas and be an attractive addition to the resume. Continuing education courses in game programming, animation, iOS app development and other specialized topics are available at many colleges, universities and technical schools around the country. These can bring graduates up-to-date on the latest techniques and programs used in the industry, and provide students with advanced skills and training with certain types of software and design programs.
The U. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than 50 percent of multimedia artists and animators are self-employed. CNN named video game designer jobs as one the best jobs in America in , based on careers with big growth, attractive pay scales and high job satisfaction rates.
Many schools give students the option to specialize in a certain area of game design, completing advanced courses and gaining the hands-on training needed to succeed in their careers.
Specialization tracks may include:. Studying the effects of video game design on the interactive media industry as a whole. Students learn advanced project management skills to lead a team and take courses in programming, sound, quality assurance, art and design, amongst others.
Training focuses on the game production cycle and development processes. This educational track zeroes in on programming languages and developing games for both mobile and console applications. Students gain advanced skills and knowledge in script development, visual arts, concept design, and animation and rigging. Simulation designers, or simulation artists, have advanced skills and training in the areas of 3D modeling and rendering, animation and simulation game development.
They learn how to create lifelike animations using specialized industry software and techniques. Courses in physics, psychology, sociology and interactive digital media may be components of this program. Specializing in video game artificial intelligence means the programmer will learn how to build games with AI simulations and apply AI techniques to make games that are very lifelike in nature.
This track may include advanced courses in specialized programming languages. Students who complete a 2- or 4-year program at game design school, or pursue a certification program, can look forward to an exciting and rewarding career as a video game designer or programmer with a game development company, software company, educational company or even an entrepreneurial venture. Possible job titles for those who have completed training at an accredited game design school include: 3D artist; 3D animator; game designer; mobile app artist; concept artist; multimedia author; mobile gaming specialist; lighting artist; texture artist; production coordinator; artificial intelligence programmer; simulation artist; and production artist.
That is why we make sure to deliver relevant course content through a dynamic and progressive learning environment. As an online student, you will get the same quality education as your in-campus counterparts.
Apart from having the same set of instructors for both on-site and online, the School of Game Development provides live workshops covering a wide variety of interesting topics, and maintains an internal resources page that is constantly updated with helpful tutorials. All of these resources are at the tip of your fingertips when you join the program online.
Be part of our vibrant, creative community. Earn your game development degree online at your own pace, in your own time. The Academy provides the coursework—including beautifully produced videos, narrated slideshows, digital documents, interviews with experts, livestreams and more. Online courses at Academy of Art University are offered in 7. Visual, interactive and dynamic. All tailored to make your online education rich and engaging.
Along the way, you can participate in student organizations and industry events and form professional connections that could benefit you down the road. Opportunities for a supervised internship in the gaming field, classes that involve collaborating with industry partners, support in creating a portfolio to showcase your skills to employers—our programs are designed to prepare you for the professional world.
Ai LIVE is an online mix of communication, entertainment, and instruction that builds upon your education with a library of fun, informational, industry-relevant shows about creative careers. Read More.
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