Traditional Degree Programs
Traditional degree programs in game development are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs typically require a minimum of two to four years to complete, depending on the institution and program track. While these programs provide a comprehensive education in game design, programming, art, and production, they can be expensive and time-consuming.
One example of a traditional degree program is the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Game Design at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). This program emphasizes hands-on experience and project-based learning, with students working on their own game projects alongside industry professionals. Graduates of this program have gone on to work for major game studios such as Epic Games and Ubisoft.
Graduate degree programs in game development are also available, including the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interactive Narrative at the University of Pennsylvania and the Master of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in Game Design at Carnegie Mellon University. These programs typically require two to three years to complete and provide more specialized knowledge and skills for those looking to advance their careers in game development.
Bootcamps
Bootcamps
are intensive, immersive programs that focus on teaching students specific skills in a short period of time. These programs typically last between 12 to 24 weeks and provide hands-on experience in game design, programming, and art. While bootcamps can be less expensive than traditional degree programs, they may not provide the same level of comprehensive education.
One example of a game development bootcamp is Full Stack Academy’s Immersive Software Engineering program. This program teaches students how to build web and mobile applications, as well as games, using modern technologies such as React, Redux, and Node.js. Graduates of this program have gone on to work for major tech companies such as Google and Facebook.
Online Courses
Online courses are becoming increasingly popular as a way to learn new skills and gain knowledge in various fields, including game development. These courses can be taken at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection, making them flexible and convenient for busy schedules.
There are many online courses available in game development, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Some popular platforms for online game development courses include Udemy, Coursera, and Pluralsight. These courses typically cost between $10 to $20 per month and provide students with access to video lectures, quizzes, and assignments.
Self-Study Options
Self-study options are for those who prefer to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. These options include books, tutorials, online forums, and game development communities.
One popular resource for self-study in game development is Unity, a free and open-source game engine that provides a comprehensive set of tools and resources for creating games. Unity also has a large community of developers who share their knowledge and experience through tutorials, forums, and online courses.
Another popular resource is Codecademy, an online platform that offers interactive coding lessons in various programming languages, including C and JavaScript. Codecademy’s game development curriculum provides students with hands-on experience building games using Unity and other game engines.
Real-Life Examples
Now that we’ve discussed the different educational trajectories available to aspiring game developers, let’s take a look at some real-life examples of successful game developers who have followed various paths.
1. Markus Persson, also known as “Jeb,” is the creator of Minecraft, one of the most popular games of all time. Jeb started out as a self-taught programmer and learned to code by reading books and online tutorials. He later attended a game development bootcamp at King’s College in London before launching Minecraft in 2009.
2. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario Bros., started out as an artist before moving on to game design. He attended a traditional degree program in art at Kyoto University and later worked for Nintendo, where he created some of the most iconic games in video game history.
