Game Design Bootcamps
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A career in game design can be as fun as it sounds for the right tech-minded individual. Game design bootcamps cover topics in software development, train students in programming languages, and explore critical game studies. These programs can prepare graduates for employment as programmers, digital animators, and 3D modelers.
Game design is an increasingly popular specialty among coding bootcamps. The game design company Kevuru Games reported the industry took in billions in revenue in 2020 and that the year saw increased interest across mobile, PC, and console gaming markets.
The job market for game designers appears strong. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn ‘t provide data specifically for video game designers, it does project a 13% increase in overall computer and IT jobs from 2020-2030 and a 16% increase in jobs for special effects artists and animators during the same time frame.
Interested in joining this growing industry, but not sure where to start? Game design bootcamps can prepare students to pursue entry-level jobs in game development or design. Discover the best game design bootcamps below.
Featured Online Bootcamps
Best Game Design Bootcamps
Deep Dive Coding
- Location: Remote, Albuquerque
- Program Cost: $7,995
- Technical Discipline: Digital Media
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Time Commitment: Full Time
Accepts GI Bill®
Evening & Weekend Options
Career Services
Deep Dive Coding ‘s digital media bootcamp develops student skills in digital game design, computer-generated graphics, and commercial animation. The 12-week program culminates in the creation of a professional portfolio of digital products. Graduates can receive credit for prior learning toward a degree at Central New Mexico Community College.
Holberton School
- Location: Tulsa
- Program Cost: $8,400, depending on campus
- Technical Discipline: Computer Science and Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
- Learning Format: In Person
- Time Commitment: Full Time
Career Services
Start For Free
Holberton prepares graduates of this bootcamp to develop digital games for portable devices and full-immersion virtual reality experiences. Coursework includes programming languages, Unix systems, C#, and Unity3D. All of Holberton ‘s programs emphasize broad career skills, including technical writing, whiteboarding, and collaboration.
The Tech Academy
- Location: Remote, Portland, Salt Lake City
- Program Cost: $11,660
- Technical Discipline: Game Development
- Learning Format: Hybrid, In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Career Services
CIRR Member
Evening & Weekend Options
The Tech Academy trains students in C# and C++ and includes two projects in game development using popular game engines Unreal Engine and Unity. According to data reported to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, 61% of graduates from The Tech Academy ‘s 2020 software development bootcamp were employed within 180 days and earned a median salary of $60,000.
Methodology
Bootcamp Ranking Guidelines
At BestColleges, we believe the best bootcamp is the one that fits your schedule, your learning needs, and your career aspirations. That's why we often present our recommendations in alphabetical order -- because the real best bootcamp is the bootcamp that's best for you.
What Is Game Design?
Game designers are the creators behind game visuals and concepts. They conceptualize what a video game might look and feel like, considering aspects like the game ‘s story arc, characters, and environment. Game designers work closely with game developers and programmers to bring their vision to life.
Game developers fill a different but equally important role in the process of creating games. They possess the coding and technical skills necessary to put the elements created by the game designer into action. Game designers and developers require some of the same skills, especially collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What Will I Learn at a Game Design Bootcamp?
Most game design bootcamps cover core game topics like the psychology of play, game mechanics, game narrative, world building, and interactive storytelling. Game designers also require some knowledge of scripting and programming.
Game design bootcamps typically include hands-on or synchronous test projects, depending on whether the bootcamp is delivered in person or online, to build experience. Additionally, game design bootcamps enable students to develop a professional portfolio.
Game Design Career Paths
Graduates of these specialized bootcamps can pursue creative positions in programming, 3D modeling, and digital animation. Game designers are trained to enter careers that require a unique combination of technical and creative skills, including computer and IT occupations that are growing much faster than average, according to the BLS.
What Does a Game Designer Do?
Game designers create video games for mobile devices, websites, and computers. They are responsible for designing and building games, typically specializing in a particular aspect such as characters or environment. Game designers must consider a variety of factors when designing, including story development, user friendliness, and efficiency testing.
Game designers often build experience in fields like software development, tech-based graphic design, or web development. Professionals require a unique combination of creative, technical, and analytical abilities. This occupation is a good fit for detail-oriented students who have strong problem-solving and time management skills.
Game Design Jobs
Some occupations involving game design skills do not require formal higher education, while others may require at least a bachelor ‘s degree. Graduates of a game design or coding bootcamp may become multimedia animators, graphic designers, or art directors. They may also pursue entry-level positions in web or software development.
Game design occupations provide significant job growth and income potential. The BLS projects a 13% increase from 2020-2030 for computer and IT jobs and a 16% increase in employment for special effects artists and animators during the same period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Game Design Bootcamps
Are game design courses worth it?
Yes, game design bootcamps provide students with the technical skills needed to apply for jobs in the video game industry. Students learn to formulate a story, develop characters, and create virtual environments. They also explore basic programming and software development to understand how collaborators can help bring their story to life.
A game design or coding bootcamp can prepare students for a variety of positions in web development and digital design, potentially earning a median annual wage over $77,000.
Is game design a good career choice?
Yes, game designers enjoy creative career options and high earning potential. The field of game design is ideal for detail-oriented creative types with a knack for problem-solving and excellent communication skills. Game designers enjoy the freedom to work virtually from anywhere in the world. High-profile employers of digital designers include Ubisoft, Nintendo, and Gameloft.
Does game design require coding?
Yes, game design does require coding. Game design bootcamps typically provide a basic overview of coding specific to this occupation. While game designers should have a working understanding of coding to get started in the industry, their job may or may not require these skills.
Entry-level jobs may require game designers to perform some programming or coding. However, most high-level game designers can hand these tasks off to programmers to enable the designers to concentrate on developing their creative ideas.
Featured Image: mihailomilovanovic / E+ / Getty Images
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