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    Game Design: Animation and Simulation

    GAME DESIGN PATHWAY

    This pathway focuses on the fundamental principles used at every stage of the game creation process. First, game genres and modes of play are explored regarding the psychology of incentives, motivation to play, and social networking. Next, virtual characters and non-player characters are reviewed from concept drawing to 2D and 3D art, rigging, and animation. Next, level design, storytelling, and animation are added to develop a virtual world around the characters. These same techniques are at work in training simulator systems, virtual shopping experiences, augmented reality, and several other important career options. 

    COURSES

    CAREER AND TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION

    • FBLA

    CREDENTIAL OF VALUE

    VIDEO GAME DESIGNERS (What do they do?)

    Video Game Designers design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, storylines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

    Also known as:

    • Designer
    • Level Designer
    • Design Director
    • World Designer
    • Game Designer

    CAREER SUMMARY

    Video game designers create rich, exciting worlds that allow us to indulge our imaginations and immerse ourselves in an alternate reality. If you play video games, you’ve probably thought about turning it into a career, but know this occupation has many dimensions. Video game designers start with a list of concepts, narrowed down by a large team of developers to the best one. Teamwork is essential in this field, as designers collaborate on role-play mechanics, storylines, character development, graphics, and everything in between. They will likely need expertise in programming languages and game design computer software. They usually work in office settings, with typical office hours expanding to overtime as project deadlines approach. A single project usually lasts about two years, and ‘crunch’ time can last months - but through it all, these designers still report high levels of job satisfaction. To enter the field, some will create a portfolio of video game designs and concepts that will help them get noticed and hired. Others start as quality assurance testers and work their way up. A bachelor’s degree in computer science isn’t usually required but can be helpful if you lack other experience. These professionals aren’t just making games – they’re designing the future of gameplay experience. 

    OUTLOOK (Will there be jobs?)

    New job opportunities are very likely in the future. 

    This occupation is:

    • Expected to grow much faster than average

    PROJECTED EMPLOYMENT

    United States:

    • 199,400 (2020 Employment)
    • 224,900 (2030 Employment)
    • 13% (Percent change)
    • 17,900 (Annual projected job openings)

    TYPICAL WAGES

    In Georgia:

    • Workers, on average, earn $77,930.
    • 10% of workers earn $44,740 or less.
    • 10% of workers earn $126,490 or more.

    In the United States:

    • Workers, on average, earn $79,890.
    • 10% of workers earn $38,550 or less.
    • 10% of workers earn $168,200 or more.

    Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 wage data external site.

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (To get started)

    People starting in this career usually have:

    • Bachelor's degree
    • No work experience
    • No on-the-job training

    Programs that can prepare you:

    • Computer and Information Sciences
    • Computer Programming/Programmer
    • Computer Science
    • Design and Visual Communications
    • Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
    • Digital Marketing
    • Graphic Design
    • Human-Centered Technology Design
    • Human-Computer Interaction
    • Informatics
    • Information Science/Studies
    • Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster
    • Web Page, Digital/Multimedia, and Information Resources Design

    TYPICAL EDUCATION

    Education Level

    Retrieved from the Occupation Profile at CareerOneStop sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

    TOP GAME DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES

    1. The NineHertz (Alanta, GA)
    2. iTechArt (New York, US)
    3. Zero Games Studio (Paris, France)
    4. Electronic Arts (California, US)
    5. Nintendo (Washington, US)
    6. Ubisoft (Paris, France)
    7. Sony Interactive Entertainment (Tokyo, Japan)
    8. Activision Blizzard (California, US)
    9. Epic Games (North Carolina, US)
    10. Gameloft (Paris, France)
    11. Square Enix (California, US)
    12. Bungie Inc. (Washington, US)