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In 2008, the computer and video game industry made approximately $21.3 billion in the USA. Video game sales at present exceed the annual box office totals. Increasing consumption of computer and video games means that the demand for skilled Game Designers is high. If you are interested in technology and design and you want to take your interests and skills to a professional level then a degree in Game Design could be for you.

Academic Approval

Programs in Game Design are definitely gaining in academic stature with more and more universities offering formal programs at undergraduate and graduate level. According to the International Game Developer's Association, fewer than a dozen North American Universities offered game-related programs five years ago. Now, that figure is more than 100 and is set to rise higher.

Game Design Programs

Programs in Game Design teach all phases of the art and science of game creation. Areas covered will range from Graphics and Multimedia to Programming and Implementation, Gameplay, Animation and Level Design to Pre-production and Marketing. Game Design uniquely requires the ability to master the creative and the technical. However, if you are good at critical and logical thinking and have communication and problem solving skills then you already have a good basis for becoming a Game Designer. Game Design touches on a number of skills and disciplines, which enables students to come from a variety of academic backgrounds. A good Game Design program should equip you with the ability to apply core knowledge of art and animation techniques for employment in the game and interactive software industry.

Game Design Careers

The Game Designer is the center of creativity in the game industry. From the designer's vision emerges the entertainment in the form of game play and story.

A couple of sub-fields within the umbrella of Game Design are those of the Level Designer and the Content Designer. The Level Designer is concerned with a specific level or world or scenario, while the Content Designer focuses on adding detail to the world to support the themes, quest, and back-story. Another design sub-field is that of the Interface Designer, who is responsible for how the game communicates with the game player and how the game player communicates with the game.

Game Design jobs are highly sought after, especially amongst those new to the industry. Experienced and talented Game Designers are in demand and an undergraduate qualification could increase your chances further.

Career Prospects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software publishing will be the third-fastest growing industry over the next decade. Will video and computer games become the dominant media in the future? It's difficult to say but one thing's for sure: this is no fad. Video games have been around for three decades and those who spent their youth playing them are now America's leading professors and lecturers at universities offering game-related degrees. With advancing technology and consumers continually raising expectations, Game Designers face the challenge of being more creative and getting more technical. This really is an occupation without limits. If you join a large software company and become very experienced in your field, can expect to be earning a salary of $65,000 or more.

Have you heard of Sid Meier, Will Wright or Chris Crawford? No? Well perhaps you are familiar with Simcity, Civilization, Railroad Tycoon or the Ultima Series? These people are the designers and creators of these household names and you could be one them.

If you want to know more about programs and providers of Game Design visit: www.gamecareerguide.com/schools/