Perhaps you have always wondered, “How do I become a video game designer?” This career gives you the opportunity to play video games all day and get paid at the same time. In addition to testing out the latest graphic design features on video games, you will also be responsible for adapting video games to the latest gaming systems and technology.
What’s it like to be a video game designer?
People enjoy working as video game designers due to the immense freedom that they have. If you are self-employed as a video game designer, then your success is up to you. You can work as little or as much as you like. Some people choose to take on multiple freelance projects with major companies, while other video game designers are out there attempting to make the next iPhone app that becomes a huge hit. If you design to join a design team for a company, then you can expect to work normal hours. You may also have to devote extra time to your position during holiday seasons when a company may be releasing a new game.
As a video game designer, there are plenty of different roles that you can take on in this industry. You may enjoy the more aesthetic aspect of designing characters for video games. You may enjoy creating the special effects that are shown in video games. If you are able to pick out a specific niche and excel at it, then this will increase your chances of receiving a particular job with a company. You will have marketable skills that are attractive to companies.
Education Requirements
To become a video game designer, there is no formal education required. If you work for a company, then the company may prefer to see that you have a computer science degree and understand coding language for software programs. There are plenty of successful video game designers who are highly intelligent and have not pursued a college degree. You can still find plenty of opportunities with companies if you have a solid knowledge of video games and do not possess a college degree. Also, it is easier now to become a freelance video game designer and use your own time to create an iPhone app or online game. As a freelance video game designer, you do not have to answer to any supervisor or other authority. You will be the only one who is responsible for marketing your video game.
Salary & Job Opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average salary for a video game designer is about $58,000 a year. Freelance video game designers may be able to make substantially more for their income if they are able to create the next top-selling video game. There are plenty of video game designers who earn six-figure salaries due to their success in creating internet games that have taken the world by storm. If you want to become a video game designer, think about whether you want to work independently or for a company. If you do want to work for a company, you will have a more stable income and stable hours in your career.
Conclusion
Being a video game designer can be a very satisfying career for individuals who have a passion for video games. You can also put your knowledge of video games to use by choosing a career in this industry. People who enter this career field do it because they love earning money for living out their own passion in life.
Sources: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm