Video game development involves the process of producing a video game. A video game developer is an educated and trained professional who is educated in creating video games. They may work independently or as part of a large organization with other video game developers. Their responsibilities include examining customers’ needs and wants in a video game; designing software; testing new software; ensuring that the system and video game are functionally normally; documenting any issues or problems with the software; and collaborating with fellow associates on projects.
There are certain skills and qualities students, who are interested in pursuing a career as a video game developer, should encompass in order to be successful in this field. Video game developers must be inventive since it’s their creative minds that have to come up with original and innovative video games different from any other video games currently on the market...Read More
Video game developers use numerous different computer applications and systems when developing video games therefore they must have exceptional computer and technical skills. Since developing video games is generally a collaborative process, video game developers must have efficient teamwork and communication skills.
Video Game Development Degree Levels Available
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
(with a focus in video game development)
The bachelor’s degree program in video game development offers students an in-depth knowledge of this discipline’s concepts, applications, and practices. Students enrolled in this four-year program take courses in areas such as 3D modeling and animation, video game development, video game design, game texture mapping, java programming, video game marketing, production techniques, and principles of production management. The knowledge gained in this undergraduate degree program provides a strong foundation in the video game development field on which students may attain professional work as a video game developer.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in video game development, students must have obtained a high school diploma or an academic equivalent (i.e., GED). Transcripts from high school and SAT or ACT test scores are almost always required as well. In conjunction with these documents, students must submit an application form from the institution along with the application fee. Students who have volunteer and/or work experience in the computer science field, should document this information in the application form since this would greatly benefit their acceptance into the college or university.
Tuition and Accreditation
The figure stated below is only an estimate since college and university tuition fees vary depending on the institution. This is due to numerous factors (e.g., public versus private institutions, distance education, etc.). A bachelor’s degree in video game development may vary from $ 15,918 to $ 32,617 in tuition fees. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
Employers primarily hire applicants who have graduated from an accredited institution because this tells employers that the student attended an institution which provides high-quality education and adheres to certain academic standards. Therefore, students who aspire to obtain a bachelor’s degree in video game development should enroll in a college or university accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Average Annual Salary Range for Video Game Developers
There are numerous factors which affect an individual’s salary such as their level of education, the extent of their experience, their field of specialization, and who they are employed by. This results in a variation of salary ranges for individuals employed in the same profession. Having stated this, the average annual salary range for video game developers is $ 80,470 to $ 100,470 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
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