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Video Game Design
Overview
Video game design is the art and craft of creating video games. It involves various tasks, from developing the game’s concept and story to designing its levels, characters, and gameplay. Video game designers must also be able to work with programmers, artists, and other professionals to bring their game to life.
Studying video game design abroad offers several advantages:
- It allows you to learn from some of the best instructors in the world.
- It exposes you to a wider range of cultures and perspectives, which can help you to create more innovative and inclusive games.
- It allows you to build a network of international contacts, which can be valuable when looking for a job after graduation.
Why Study Video Game Design Courses Abroad?
There are many reasons to study video game design abroad. Here are just a few:
- Access to world-class education: Many of the best video game design programs worldwide are outside India. Studying abroad allows you to learn from some of the most experienced and respected instructors in the field.
- Exposure to different cultures and perspectives: The video game industry is global, and studying abroad allows you to learn from and collaborate with people worldwide. This global exposure to different cultures and perspectives can help you to create more innovative and inclusive games.
- Build an international network: Studying abroad allows you to build a network of international contacts. This network can be valuable when looking for a job after graduation or trying to launch your own video game studio.
Course Structure
Video game design programs abroad typically vary from two to four years. The program’s first year typically focuses on general education courses, such as English, math, and science. The second and third years of the program typically focus on core video game design courses, such as game design theory, game development tools, and game programming. The program’s fourth year typically focuses on capstone projects, such as developing a complete video game from scratch.
Course Subjects
- Game design theory
- Game development tools
- Game programming
- Game art
- Game animation
- Level design
- User experience design
- Storytelling
- Game Audio
- Game testing
- Game production
Types of Video Game Design Courses Abroad degrees
Video game design programs abroad typically offer two types of degrees: bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. Bachelor’s degrees are typically four years long and provide students with a foundation in the principles of video game design. Master’s degrees are typically two years long. They are designed for students who want to specialize in a particular area of video game design, such as game programming, game art, or game production.
Top Specializations
Some of the top specializations in video game design include:
- Game programming
- Game art
- Game animation
- Level design
- User experience design
- Storytelling
- Game Audio
- Game testing
- Game production
Admission Process (Steps in Detail)
The admission process for video game design programs abroad varies depending on the school. However, there are some general steps that most schools follow:
- Apply: The first step is to submit an application form to the school you are interested in attending. The application will typically require you to submit your academic transcripts, a personal statement of essay, and letters of recommendation.
- Interview: If you are accepted to the school, you will likely be required to interview with a faculty member. The interview is an opportunity for the school to learn more about your skills and interests and for you to learn more about the program.
- Portfolio review: Some schools may also require you to submit a portfolio of your work. The portfolio is an opportunity to showcase your skills and experience in video game design.
Document Requirements
- Transcripts
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Portfolio (may be required)
English Language Proficiency Exams Score Requirements
Many video game design programs abroad require international students to appear for an English language proficiency exam, such as the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo. The specific score requirements vary depending on the school. However, most schools require a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, 80 on the TOEFL, 59 on the PTE, or 115 on the Duolingo.
Cost of Studying (Average Tuition fees)
The cost of studying video game design abroad varies depending on the country and school. However, the average tuition fees for video game design programs abroad range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year.
Cost of Living and Other Expenses
The cost of living and other expenses abroad also varies depending on the country. However, students can expect to spend between $10,000 and $20,000 per year on living expenses, such as food, accommodation, transport, books, and stationery.
Top Scholarships with Amounts of Scholarship Offered
There are a number of scholarships available to students who are studying video game design abroad. Some of the top scholarships include:
- Game Developers Conference (GDC) Scholarship: This scholarship awards $5,000 to students who are attending a GDC-approved video game design program.
- Women in Games Scholarship: This scholarship awards $5,000 to women who are pursuing a career in video game design.
- International Game Developers Association (IGDA) Scholarship: This scholarship awards $2,500 to students who are attending an IGDA-approved video game design program.
Popular Jobs with its Average Annual Salaries in US Dollars
Some of the most popular jobs in the video game industry include:
- Video game programmer: Video game programmers are responsible for writing the code that makes video games work. The average annual salary package for a video game programmer in the United States is $91,410.
- Video game artist: Video game artists are responsible for creating the visuals for video games, such as characters, environments, and objects. The average annual salary package for a video game artist in the United States is $68,400.
- Video game designer: Video game designers are responsible for the overall concept and design of video games. The average annual salary package for a video game designer in the United States is $77,300.
Best Countries to Study Video Game Design Courses Abroad
Some of the best countries to study video game design abroad include:
- United States: The United States has a number of world-class video game design programs, such as those offered at the University of Southern California, DigiPen Institute of Technology, and Carnegie Mellon University.
- Canada: Canada also has a number of excellent video game design programs, such as those offered at the University of Montreal, Sheridan College, and Carleton University.
- United Kingdom: The United Kingdom is home to some of the most prestigious video game design programs in the world, such as those offered at the University of Abertay Dundee, Bournemouth University, and the University of Hertfordshire.
- France: France has a number of innovative video game design programs, such as those offered at the Gobelins School of the Image and the ENJMIN School of Engineering.
- Japan: Japan is known for its cutting-edge video game industry, and the country offers a number of excellent video game design programs, such as those offered at the Tokyo Polytechnic University and the Osaka University of Arts.
Best Universities to study Video Game Design courses Abroad
Some of the best universities to study video game design abroad include:
- University of Southern California (USC) – United States
- DigiPen Institute of Technology – United States
- Carnegie Mellon University – United States
- University of Montreal – Canada
- Sheridan College – Canada
- Carleton University – Canada
- University of Abertay Dundee – United Kingdom
- Bournemouth University – United Kingdom
- University of Hertfordshire – United Kingdom
- Gobelins School of the Image – France
- ENJMIN School of Engineering – France
- Tokyo Polytechnic University – Japan
- Osaka University of Arts – Japan
FAQs with Answers
Q1) What are the prerequisites for studying video game design abroad?
A1) The prerequisites for studying video game design abroad vary depending on the school. However, most schools require students to have a basic understanding of math and computer science. Some schools may also require students to submit a portfolio of their work.
Q2) What are the job prospects for video game design graduates?
A2) The job prospects for video game design graduates are good. The video game industry is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for skilled video game designers. Graduates can find jobs at video game studios, software companies, and other organizations that develop video games
