Do You Need a Degree for Video Game Design?

When considering a career in video game design, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is whether a degree is necessary. This depends on your goals and the specific path you're pursuing in the industry. Whether you want to secure a well-paying job, design your own game, or work on an indie project, the requirements can vary greatly.

Job Roles and Requirements

Within the game industry, there are numerous roles and varying levels of experience needed for each. For paid, well-respected positions, a degree is usually a requirement. However, having a degree does not guarantee a job, as the field is highly competitive. Some of the most desirable roles pay next to nothing, require long hours, and often lack job security.

Entry-Level Game Design

Securing a well-paid, entry-level game design position is exceptionally challenging. Most such roles require a degree and substantial experience working on independent projects. Even with a degree, a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and prior work is essential. Internships and experience in QA or production can also be beneficial. However, the number of open positions specifically for entry-level talent is relatively small, usually in the double-digit range worldwide.

The expectation is that you should have a degree and a proven track record of creating projects outside of a formal educational setting. This could include board games, written material, or level mods. The hiring process is geared towards specialists who are ready to hit the ground running, not junior candidates who need extensive training before contributing meaningfully.

Job Titles and Specific Roles

Game design positions can have generic job titles, leading to confusion about the specific responsibilities. For instance, a position titled "Game Designer" might actually focus on a narrow aspect of the game. In a hypothetical scenario, you might be hired to design swamp levels for a game, or to handle character dialog, or to balance combat systems. All of these roles would fall under the umbrella of game design, but they require vastly different skill sets and experiences.

When studios hire for specific roles, they look for candidates who can immediately contribute to a project. For example, if a studio is adding boss battles to a game, they might hire a designer who can take 4-8 months to complete the task. Such positions may still be titled as "Game Designer," but they are highly specialized. Someone with experience in level design would struggle to secure such a role, even with years of experience in other areas.

The Importance of Independent Experience

The indie game scene has been a significant source of talent for the industry. Those who have spent 3-5 years working on independent projects often have the experience and portfolio that studios are seeking. Indie game development provides valuable hands-on experience and a chance to demonstrate your skills in a real-world setting.

Conclusion

While a degree is often a requirement for a well-paying job in video game design, it is not the sole determining factor. Alongside education, you need to build a strong portfolio and gain practical experience through individual projects or work in the indie scene. Always aim to specialize in a particular area of game design and be prepared to showcase your expertise and experience to potential employers.

Regardless of your path, the game industry rewards those who can demonstrate their skills and dedication. Whether you pursue a degree or gain experience through independent projects, the key is to build a strong foundation and gain the necessary skills to succeed in this exciting field.