4 answers
Jamie
Student
San Bernardino, California
1
Question
Asked
1127 views
What major/college courses should I take to become a video game designer/engineer?
I'm planning for college (in my not-so-distant future). What college courses should I take, and/or what major should I choose, if I'm interested in becoming a video game designer/engineer?
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4 answers
Olufemi Joseph
Water technician
14
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Olufemi’s Answer
Hello Jamie!
It's inspiring to see your interest in becoming a video game designer or engineer! To pursue this exciting career, there are several major and college courses that can set you on the right path.
First, consider majoring in Computer Science or Game Design. A Computer Science degree provides a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, and software development, which are essential skills in game engineering. Alternatively, a Game Design major focuses more on the creative aspects, including game mechanics, storytelling, and user experience.
In terms of specific courses, foundational classes in programming languages such as C++, C#, or Java are vital, as these are commonly used in game development. Courses in mathematics, particularly linear algebra and calculus, are also important, as they help with graphics programming and physics simulation in games.
Additionally, taking courses in game development frameworks and engines, such as Unity or Unreal Engine, will be beneficial. These tools are widely used in the industry and provide hands-on experience in building games. Learning about 3D modeling and animation can also enhance your design skills, so consider courses in digital art or graphic design.
Don’t overlook the importance of project management and teamwork, which are crucial in the game development process. Courses in communication, collaboration, and even business can help you understand how to work effectively in teams and manage projects.
Lastly, participating in internships or game design clubs can provide practical experience and networking opportunities. Building a portfolio of your work, including any games or projects you’ve created, will be essential when applying for jobs in the industry.
With the right courses and experience, you'll be well on your way to a rewarding career in video game design or engineering. Keep pursuing your passion, and you'll find great success in this creative field!
It's inspiring to see your interest in becoming a video game designer or engineer! To pursue this exciting career, there are several major and college courses that can set you on the right path.
First, consider majoring in Computer Science or Game Design. A Computer Science degree provides a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, and software development, which are essential skills in game engineering. Alternatively, a Game Design major focuses more on the creative aspects, including game mechanics, storytelling, and user experience.
In terms of specific courses, foundational classes in programming languages such as C++, C#, or Java are vital, as these are commonly used in game development. Courses in mathematics, particularly linear algebra and calculus, are also important, as they help with graphics programming and physics simulation in games.
Additionally, taking courses in game development frameworks and engines, such as Unity or Unreal Engine, will be beneficial. These tools are widely used in the industry and provide hands-on experience in building games. Learning about 3D modeling and animation can also enhance your design skills, so consider courses in digital art or graphic design.
Don’t overlook the importance of project management and teamwork, which are crucial in the game development process. Courses in communication, collaboration, and even business can help you understand how to work effectively in teams and manage projects.
Lastly, participating in internships or game design clubs can provide practical experience and networking opportunities. Building a portfolio of your work, including any games or projects you’ve created, will be essential when applying for jobs in the industry.
With the right courses and experience, you'll be well on your way to a rewarding career in video game design or engineering. Keep pursuing your passion, and you'll find great success in this creative field!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Jamie
Karan Bokade
Software QA Engineer
3
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Karan’s Answer
Hello,
Game development is a very broad field and there are multiple avenues to become a part of it. Please note that while programming will definitely benefit you, they aren't entire necessary. This is especially true for those who don't find coding interesting. While there are exceptional games developed entirely by one person, mostly, game development is a team effort, and several expertise are needed for a smooth execution. Apart from core programmers, there are artists (concept, world, level, character), animators, engine technicians, program and project managers, directors, producers, scrum masters, QA testers. Such team even need support from other areas such as build engineers, IT and network technicians, HR, admin, finance, etc. Although the later are not directly involved in game development, they do get to work in the same multi-talented and energetic environment while contributing at the same time.
Now, if you are interested in being directly involved in game development, there are still quite a few options. If you are more inclined towards the
technical aspects, as mentioned by Eric and Joseph above, C++ and C# are vital. You may also want to look into some networking courses since the most popular games these days are multi-player and cross-platform and requires intensive support on that side.
Game design is a completely different area and these are the people who define the rules of the game. They are not heavily code dependent but rather need a deeper understanding of how different system work and interact. The balancing of various aspects such as character progression, player rewards, combat balance, economy falls onto these guys. These are jack of all trades so requirements may change based on what aspect of the game's system is being designed (ex. finance/economy, combat, etc)
If you are more of an artist, there are still several options such as concept artist, character artist, level artist, User Interface and so on. Expertise in 3D development tools like blender is a must. Another aspect to look into is narrative design and dialogue writing. Of course, these are also equally important in the development of a memorable gaming experience.
Regardless of any of the above areas, knowledge of how a game engine works is a must. Unity (mostly for mobile platforms) and Unreal (mostly for consoles and PC gaming) is a common expectation these days. At the minimum, you should understand 'blueprinting' thoroughly.
Don't forget that apart from coders and artists, we do have actors (who are required for motion capture), Voice Actors and also music composers because which great game doesn't have an enticing soundtrack?
If anyone is interested in a brief overview of different expertise/technicians involved in game development, do let me know and I'll be glad to clarify.
Game development is a very broad field and there are multiple avenues to become a part of it. Please note that while programming will definitely benefit you, they aren't entire necessary. This is especially true for those who don't find coding interesting. While there are exceptional games developed entirely by one person, mostly, game development is a team effort, and several expertise are needed for a smooth execution. Apart from core programmers, there are artists (concept, world, level, character), animators, engine technicians, program and project managers, directors, producers, scrum masters, QA testers. Such team even need support from other areas such as build engineers, IT and network technicians, HR, admin, finance, etc. Although the later are not directly involved in game development, they do get to work in the same multi-talented and energetic environment while contributing at the same time.
Now, if you are interested in being directly involved in game development, there are still quite a few options. If you are more inclined towards the
technical aspects, as mentioned by Eric and Joseph above, C++ and C# are vital. You may also want to look into some networking courses since the most popular games these days are multi-player and cross-platform and requires intensive support on that side.
Game design is a completely different area and these are the people who define the rules of the game. They are not heavily code dependent but rather need a deeper understanding of how different system work and interact. The balancing of various aspects such as character progression, player rewards, combat balance, economy falls onto these guys. These are jack of all trades so requirements may change based on what aspect of the game's system is being designed (ex. finance/economy, combat, etc)
If you are more of an artist, there are still several options such as concept artist, character artist, level artist, User Interface and so on. Expertise in 3D development tools like blender is a must. Another aspect to look into is narrative design and dialogue writing. Of course, these are also equally important in the development of a memorable gaming experience.
Regardless of any of the above areas, knowledge of how a game engine works is a must. Unity (mostly for mobile platforms) and Unreal (mostly for consoles and PC gaming) is a common expectation these days. At the minimum, you should understand 'blueprinting' thoroughly.
Don't forget that apart from coders and artists, we do have actors (who are required for motion capture), Voice Actors and also music composers because which great game doesn't have an enticing soundtrack?
If anyone is interested in a brief overview of different expertise/technicians involved in game development, do let me know and I'll be glad to clarify.
Thanks for the help.
Jamie
Mark Terrano
Game Designer
9
Answers
Spokane Valley, Washington
Updated
Mark’s Answer
The best and most versatile designers have the ability to create and prototype their own designs - basics of software engineering and scripting are pretty essential not just in making designs but knowing how SWE's think about problems. Fundamentals of graphic and traditional arts - adobe creative suite, storyboarding, sketching and the ability to make game assets is a skill you can gain or teach yourself. Statistics is something you will use in both engineering and design. Interactive storytelling. C# & Javascript. Overall you want all the skills you need to be able to make an indie game - with specialization in an area you are passionate about - that might be 3D modeling, environment concepting, software engineering, music and sound. Download a game engine like Unreal or Unity and give it a try - study the examples and how they work. Make changes and customizations. Study your favorite games, mods for them and the people who created those games. Join a local game jam or indie development discord - find the community near you, they are everywhere. Try as many things as you can *before* picking your major - you might find an unexpected love for something, or enjoy organizing the game jam and go into production. The game field is diverse and reshaping right now: We are in very competitive times and finding the post-AI number of FTE positions that can be supported. If you have the skills to make your own indie games for fun you will be set up for success with or without much help from the larger industry. Games as a medium will continue to be relevant worldwide - games jobs will likely be risky through at least 2030.
Download the Unreal or Unity game engine and their developer series of lessons/courses (most free online). Find game development materials that interest you on Youtube Investigate other reasonably priced coursework - look for sales as they are often discounted.
Connect with a local indie game community discord / game jam discord. Participate in regional and global game jams.
Try to make a game yourself and see what skills you need and identify your key interest areas.
Mark recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much!
Jamie
Art Cab
3D Modeler
4
Answers
West Covina, California
Updated
Art’s Answer
Hello!
You will want to major in Game Design, but the college or university may call it something else. It could fall under computer animation, 3d animation, computer graphics, gaming etc. Depending on your focus you can also do a major or minor in computer science if you want to go into the technical side of gaming.
As for college courses, it will also depend on how they are offered at your college or university and how they are taught. Typically, you will take a course in 3d modeling in Maya (introduction), 3d animation, possibly intermediate 3d modeling, a course using Zbrush, environmental modeling, character modeling, and rigging. Some colleges may offer Houdini courses. Other courses may be about unreal engine or unity, or self-guided courses closer to graduating. You may even want to consider being a TA for one of these classes as a supplement towards the end of your schooling!
If you want to take a look at the programs you may be using, the ones you will mostly be using are Autodesk Maya (modeling, animation, rigging), Zbrush(sculpting), Unreal Engine (game engine), Substance 3D Painter(texturing). As you continue down this path you may find you are gravitated towards certain areas such as characters, environments, rigging, texturing, etc. From there you will most likely focus in on that area and even use other programs to help in that area (for example, environment artists can use speedtree).
You will want to major in Game Design, but the college or university may call it something else. It could fall under computer animation, 3d animation, computer graphics, gaming etc. Depending on your focus you can also do a major or minor in computer science if you want to go into the technical side of gaming.
As for college courses, it will also depend on how they are offered at your college or university and how they are taught. Typically, you will take a course in 3d modeling in Maya (introduction), 3d animation, possibly intermediate 3d modeling, a course using Zbrush, environmental modeling, character modeling, and rigging. Some colleges may offer Houdini courses. Other courses may be about unreal engine or unity, or self-guided courses closer to graduating. You may even want to consider being a TA for one of these classes as a supplement towards the end of your schooling!
If you want to take a look at the programs you may be using, the ones you will mostly be using are Autodesk Maya (modeling, animation, rigging), Zbrush(sculpting), Unreal Engine (game engine), Substance 3D Painter(texturing). As you continue down this path you may find you are gravitated towards certain areas such as characters, environments, rigging, texturing, etc. From there you will most likely focus in on that area and even use other programs to help in that area (for example, environment artists can use speedtree).