Video game design is comprised of many different types of careers such as programmers, artists, game/level designers, producers, quality testers, sound designers, and business marketers. Programmers write the actual code for the video game. Artists create characters and the worlds in which the game is based. Game and level designers decide what the goal of the game is and how it will work. Producers bring everything together and supervise other team members. Quality testers play the game before it is released to help find errors and evaluate games. Sound designers pick out sounds and music that are consistent with the video game. Finally, business marketers get the game to the public through ads.
Average Salaries
Programmer: $85,024
Arist/Animator: $69,532
Game/Level Designer: $67,379
Producer: $82,571
Quality Assurance Tester: 78,167
Sound Designer: $78,167
Business Marketer: $102,143
Education
High School:
Math Classes
Computer Classes
Art Classes
Science Classes
Business Classes
After High School:
Post high school education varies with the part of the team you are interested in
Programmers will likely need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field
Artists may need a degree in animation or graphic design
Game testers may not require a degree beyond high school
Producers and business marketers require a business or management related degree
Sound designers may require a degree in engineering or music
Work Environment
All the different team members generally have to work together in an office or computer lab setting.
