How much do video game designers make?

According to PayScale, the average game designer's salary is $67,774.

What is a game designer?

According to CG Spectrum, game designers focus on the function of a game, creating systems, rules, and gameplay, and help with world-building (story and IP) to ensure it is playable, fun, and engaging. They also oversee both the foundation and execution of the game mechanics and overall user experience.

Game designers must be highly technical and adept at solving complex problems daily. The job description of a game designer can differ. Still, some specialized roles can include a level designer and/or a systems designer.

Level designers focus on creating and implementing levels, environments, stories, and quests. In contrast, systems designers focus on designing and then implementing the minute-to-minute gameplay systems that make the game fun, like controls, movement, and combat.

What does a video game designer do?

The responsibilities of a video game designer may differ depending on their workplace, but they generally focus on developing gameplay concepts and enhancing user experience during the pre-production stage of a video game. This can involve tasks such as defining game mechanics, designing levels and puzzles, and creating character art and animations.

What platforms will we study?

Most modules in this course are designed for PC development on the Windows platform. However, the techniques that you learn in our course can often be non-platform specific. In cases that are platform-specific, source code can often be ported to other computer development platforms (such as macOS and Linux) with varying degrees of effort. Consoles, such as Xbox One and PS4 utilize closed-development libraries, and they're not compatible with this course. However, most of the general game-engine development techniques you'll learn are certainly compatible with all major consoles, regardless of the differences between APIs.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

No.

When can I start this course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

Am I guaranteed a job?

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

Can I get financial assistance?

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."