Unusual STEM Pathways: Video Game Design

Are you curious about video game design as a career option? Let’s talk about what that pathway looks like for you! There are plenty of potential jobs in the video game industry. In fact, the industry is growing at a rather impressive rate, generating $155 billion in revenue in 2020 alone. What’s more, experts also “predict the industry will generate more than $260 billion” in revenue by 2025. So for those of you curious about how video games get made—read on.

The industry of video game design includes a variety of technical disciplines. These professions range from concept art to user interface and design, and beyond. Each of these disciplines contains specialties, each of which ideally contributes to a successful, enjoyable video game product. As a result, job opportunities are out there for students motivated to learn computer science and technology for a unique and creative career! 

Do you know a teen who can spend hours on end playing video games? Students who enjoy playing and modifying games in their free time can channel that creativity into a science and technology-based major.

Though this is not a comprehensive list, we’ve collected a number of common job titles in the video game industry for you to browse!

• Retail Sales Associate
• Technical Support Specialist
• Artist
• Animator
• Audio Engineer
• Writer
• Producer
• Designer
• Developer
• Sales Representative
• Marketing Manager
• Market Research Analyst
• Programmer
• Game Tester
• And more… 

Digital, virtual platforms are gaining speed for video conferencing and remote work. Due to this growth, computer science and engineering students are graduating at a time when their skills are in high demand. In addition to the fact that younger generations are increasingly familiar with digital technology, video games are reaching a wider and wider audience demographic in recent years. Today, all students need at least some computer literacy, but those with advanced understanding can also secure a well-paid career.  

Next, let’s address how to get started along this exciting career path. For starters, you’ll want to gain as much knowledge as you can about the industry by reading articles (like the one you’re currently reading!). We’d also recommend middle and high school students seek out chances to…

1. Take online courses. Whether through Coursera, Khan Academy, or Codeacademy, finding a worthwhile DIY course to gain foundational knowledge is a great first step.
2. Choose summer activities. We know it’s hard to balance everything you want to do on top of your school schedule, sports, rehearsals, and anything else you need to get done! However, summer provides a rare opportunity to branch out and dive into your interests more fully. 
3. Plan your college list. Start thinking about your strategy now! Starting early means you can take time to build a strong portfolio you’re proud of, and to ensure you meet the necessary requirements. 

Need a boost to get started? Don’t worry, Empowerly is here to support you throughout this pivotal time. High school students seeking to apply to US colleges and universities can begin with a few suggestions, below. 

Do some research on whether you might be a good fit for each of these schools and vice versa. For instance, visit the department pages, read about the faculty, and see what kind of projects current students are working on. 

• Pratt Institute - Brooklyn, NY Graphic Design Illustration Game Design and Interactive Media
• American University - Washington, DC Graphic Design
• Syracuse University - Syracuse, NY Graphic Design Information Technology, Design, and Startups
• Rochester Institute of Technology - Rochester, NY Graphic Design Game Design and Development
• Michigan State University - East Lansing, MI Graphic Design Games and Interactive Media
• Drexel University - Philadelphia, PA Game Design and Production Game Design and Production with Digital Media
• The New School - New York, NY Art, Media, and Technology Design Technology
• Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design - Milwaukee, WI Communication Design
• Ringling College of Art and Design - Sarasota, FL Graphic Design Game Art Virtual Reality
• Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia, PA Visual Communication Design Animation and Digital Media
• School of Visual Arts - New York, NY Design Computer Art, Animation, and Visual Effects
• Savannah College of Art and Design - Savannah, GA Graphic Design Interactive Design and Game Development
• Columbus College of Art & Design - Columbus, OH Game Art Design Advertising and Graphic Design
• Indiana University-Bloomington - Bloomington, IN Comprehensive Design
• Full Sail University - Winter Park, FL Graphic Design Visual Design Game Design
• Maryland Institute College of Art - Baltimore, MD Graphic Design Game Design and Studio
• Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, VA Graphic Design
• Western Kentucky University - Bowling Green, KY Graphic Design and Advertising Graphic Design Game Design

If you're looking for more personal advice or have other questions about the college application process, Empowerly is here to help. Reach out and contact us today!