Is 30 Too Late To Become a Game Developer?

It often takes a huge team of people to make a successful video game. To work as a video game designer, it helps to have a degree in video game design.

But is 30 too old to get a degree in video game design? No, it is not.

Is 30 Too Old To Get a Degree in Video Game Design?

30 is not too old to get a degree in video game design. Many students start or return to college as adults.

It would be unfair to say that returning to school in your 30s is easy, especially if you have a job and dependents. However, many online programs are designed to accommodate adult learners.

Featured Video Game Design Programs for Adults

There are several colleges and universities in the United States that offer flexible, online video game design programs, which are often ideal for busy adults.

We've featured some of these programs below in alphabetical order.

1. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a public research university in Jonesboro, Arkansas. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in Technology and Design with a concentration in game design.

This program covers the foundations of game design, development, and application. It includes courses like:

• Introduction to Game Design
• 2D Animation and Graphics
• Advanced Game Design and Development
• 3D Digital and Game Design

Arkansas State allows students to transfer in up to 90 credits and also gives credit for prior experience, allowing adult students to complete their program faster and for less money.

2. Baker College

Baker College is a private college based in Owosso, Michigan. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Software Development online.

Students learn the skills to develop, design, and test games across a wide number of formats and platforms. Courses include:

• Game Design and Analysis
• Unreal Game Programming
• Game Development
• Unity Game Programming

Online programs from Baker College were designed to fit effortlessly into a busy lifestyle and are available to students across the country.

3. Franklin University

Franklin University is a private university based in Columbus, Ohio. It offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in interactive media design.

This program equips students to deliver interactive solutions throughout the development lifecycle of video games, mobile apps, and websites. It includes courses like:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Advanced Graphic Design
• Digital Media Design
• Interactive Media for Entertainment

Franklin University has been geared toward adult learners since it was first established a century ago, and still provides a high-quality, for-the-real-world education to ambitious learners and working adults today.

4. Full Sail University

Full Sail University is a private for-profit university in Winter Park, Florida. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Development online.

Students become well-versed in the entire game development cycle, from pre-production to finished product. Courses include:

• Applied Human-Computer Interaction
• 3-D Content Creation
• Engine Development
• Game Architecture

Full Sail is fast-paced and flexible for adult learners. All students receive a laptop computer with the professional software they need for their program so they have everything they need to succeed.

5. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University is a private university in St. Charles, Missouri. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Game Design, which includes an optional emphasis in game art.

This program utilizes a project-based curriculum to dive into both theory and hands-on practice. It includes courses like:

• 3D Graphics
• Introduction to Game Design
• Prototype Studio
• Game Development

Lindenwood University's online programs are designed with career-driven curriculums that give adult students the flexibility and convenience they need.

6. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University is a public university in Macon, Georgia. It offers a Bachelor of Science in information technology with a concentration in integrated digital media and game design online.

Students become prepared for the design and development of digital media and games for use in a variety of IT applications. Courses include:

• Interactive Digital Media
• 2D Computer Animation
• 3D Modeling and Animation
• Game Design and Development

MGA's fully-online programs are composed mostly of 8-week courses, which allow students to finish their degree quickly even if they're too busy to take a full load each term.

7. Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah College of Art and Design is a private art school based in Savannah, Georgia. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in digital media with a concentration in game development.

This program helps students bridge art and tech to transform digital media. It includes courses like:

• Introduction to Interactive Design and Game Development
• Digital Design Aesthetics
• Core Principles: Interactive Design
• Applied Principles: Game Design

Courses stream in real-time and are accessible anytime, allowing students to digitally connect to award-winning undergraduate and graduate degree programs according to their distinct schedules.

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private university in Manchester, New Hampshire. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Game Art and Development and a BA in game programming and development online.

The game art major focuses on designing different visual aspects of games, while the game programming major focuses on the programming and development of games. Both include courses like:

• 3-D Modeling and Animation
• Fundamentals of Design
• Interactive Animation
• Design of Virtual Game Environments

SNHU is great for adult students because it lets students transfer in up to 90 credits and also gives credit for prior learning experiences.

9. University of Advancing Technology

The University of Advancing Technology is a private for-profit university in Tempe, Arizona. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Game Design.

This program focuses on the design principles, skills, and techniques required to create mechanics, game documentation, and functioning prototypes for innovative game projects. It includes courses like:

• Game Scripting for Designers
• Game Systems Design
• Casual Game Design
• Serious Game Design

UAT offers online courses in a format that works for adult students. Classes are seven and a half weeks long and offered asynchronously to accommodate busy schedules.

10. Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private university in New Castle, Delaware.

It offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development online with two concentrations: game art production and interactive programming.

Students in this program gain the skills of interactive design, video production, graphic design, 3D modeling, and programming. Courses include:

• Concept Development
• Video and Audio for Game Design
• Advanced Game Engines: Using Unity 3D
• Story Design Methods

This program provides access to industry-standard, constantly updated gaming software that immerses students in the leading-edge technologies necessary for success.

Find a Video Game Design Degree for Adults Today

College students of all ages can earn a video game design degree in an online, flexible format that works for them.

Check out the featured programs above to find the perfect option for you today.