What Type of Formal Training Do You Need for Game Design?

With the right talent and training, you could be a video game designer.

Video game designers are highly trained computer programmers and artists who perform complex tasks. While a knack for playing video games is a bonus, you'll need training and experience to become a designer.

College or Trade School

A degree is helpful, but you need a stellar game portfolio.

According to the Tech News World website, there's more than one route to becoming a game designer. You could get a trade school degree in game or graphic design, or you could major in computer programming or art at a university. While a degree is helpful, potential employers will be more interested in your game portfolio.

Internship

Working as an intern under the guidance of experienced game designers is invaluable.

Many aspiring designers seek internships with game-design companies either while still in school or after graduation. This type of on-the-job training is invaluable and may result in a permanent position with the company, or at least help you build your portfolio.

Other Routes

Game design is the type of job in which a formal education is not always required. Some people make their own version of an existing game or team with a programmer and design a game to pitch to a company. You can also become a game tester or other design company employee and work your way up.

References

• Tech News World: So You Want to Be a Game Designer, Part 1

Resources

• Game Dev: General Game Design