Gaming enthusiasts can learn create games in college game design programs.
Video game designers create the concepts and characters for games that are played on computers, gaming consoles and cell phones. College programs in game design have emerged to teach aspiring designers the artistic and technical skills needed to create challenging and enjoyable video games for consumers. Game design majors learn create compelling narratives and also learn the computer skills necessary to turn those narratives into fully functioning games.
Full Sail University
Based in Winter Park, Florida, Full Sail University offers a bachelor's degree in Game Design that can be completed entirely online. The program consists of 32 courses, each of which takes about four weeks to complete. Full Sail game design majors develop storyboards and learn create characters and write dialogue; complete case studies of games already on the market; and collaborate with programmers to troubleshoot games and fix any design-related or technical problems. Students can also utilize the university's career development department and alumni network to pinpoint internship and employment opportunities.
Full Sail University
3300 University Boulevard
Winter Park, FL 32792
888-993-7338
online.fullsail.edu
George Mason University
George Mason University's College of Visual and Performing Arts is home to its BFA (bachelor of fine arts) program in Computer Game Design. Students take courses in digital arts, computer gaming platforms, game design animation and online file sharing. Required courses are supplemented with electives such as typography, drawing and photography. Seniors complete a case study of a computer game of their choice as well as an internship. George Mason game design majors also meet the university's general education requirements of 42 to 43 liberal arts credits out of 120 required for graduation.
George Mason University
College of Visual and Performing Arts
4400 University Drive, MSN 3E6
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-993-9037
cvpa.gmu.edu
Ringling College of Art and Design
Ringling College notes on its website that game design is a $10 billion industry. The college notes that its bachelor's degree program in game art and design teaches students by way of courses in the history of gaming, traditional and computer animation and programming. Seniors collaborate on a game prototype and take a portfolio course where they prepare a professional quality reel of work for submission to future employers. Ringling College's innovative notebook program gives all students at Ringling College a free notebook computers to use while enrolled at the college. Computers are pre-loaded with email, word processing and creative software programs. Ringling College notes that game design majors can go on to careers as character animators, storyboard artists and lighting designers.
Ringling College of Art and Design
2700 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234
800-255-7695
ringling.edu
Tags: design majors, Full Sail, game design, George Mason, Ringling College, Full Sail University