Is 40 Too Old To Get a Degree in Game Design?
Are you interested in game design but are worried 40 is too old for a game design degree? Check out our article on game design careers and programs, as well as the benefits of changing your career in your forties.
The games industry is an extremely exciting one to be a part of.
In recent decades, the medium of video games has soared in popularity, revenue, and possibility.
It is a field of seemingly endless opportunity.
Many are interested in working in game design and pursue degrees in higher education to meet that goal.
But some may feel it's too late for them to get into the industry, or study for a degree.
Is 40 Too Old for a Game Design Degree?
If you are passionate about video game design, it's never too late to pursue a degree.
Studying for a degree is possible at any age, and many who work in the video game industry are 40 or over.
40 is not too old for a game design degree.
There are some benefits to pursuing a degree at an older age.
Read on to learn about these benefits, some of the different careers you can pursue in game design and online programs, and the answers to some frequently asked questions.
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Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Benefits of Starting a New Career at 40
There are some benefits of entering a new career at 40. Here are just a few of them.
Experience
At an older age, many have experienced a lot of what life has to offer.
Success, failures, hardships, the milestones of life, and more. They may have a family, extensive career experience, etc.
Through all of this experience, prospective students will have developed skills and attributes that will help them succeed in pursuing a degree and starting a career.
This can include things like work ethic, determination, a support network, and more.
Focus
Along with the work ethic developed from experience, older students will have a greater focus.
They are attending college for the educational experience, and by this point, they know what it takes to complete such a task.
Passion
If you want to switch your career at 40 to pursue game design, chances are that is because you have a passion for it.
This passion will be hugely beneficial for helping you to push through completing a degree and navigating the job market.
Careers in Game Design
Here are just a few of the different careers that can be pursued in game design.
Game Designer
Game designers work to create the overall mechanics, gameplay, story, characters, setting, and more of a video game.
It is a highly creative position and shoulders a lot of the responsibility of what a video game will eventually be.
Game Developer
Game developers are more involved in the coding side of producing a game (although designers also use programming languages as well).
Developers design and write the code for the game's systems, as well as test and remove any problematic elements.
Level Designer
A level designer is focused entirely on developing the settings, levels, etc. of a game.
They work closely with other members of the design team to make sure every element of each area of the game is exactly as it needs to be.
Online Game Design Programs
Online video game design programs can be a perfect way for students of all ages to complete a degree.
Here are some of the best online programs in game design.
Southern New Hampshire University
At Southern New Hampshire University, students can complete a Bachelor of Science degree in video game programming online.
The degree prepares students for multiple different positions in the field of game design.
The cost of the program is $330 per credit hour.
Savannah College of Art & Design
The Savannah College of Art & Design, SCAD, offers programs in interactive design and game development at multiple degree levels.
They can be completed online through SCADnow, as well as on one of the school's campuses.
As a private art school, SCAD is more costly, with yearly undergraduate tuition costing $40,095
Baker College
Baker College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Game Software Development.
The program comprehensively teaches students about the game design and development process, preparing them for a variety of roles.
Undergraduate tuition at Baker College is $450 per credit hour.
What is the Average Age of Game Developers?
According to Zippia, a career statistics platform, the average age of video game designers is about 44 years old.
This is a great example of how 40 is not too old to pursue a game design degree.
Is Game Design a High-Paying Job?
Game design positions can be very high-paying.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of game designers is between $100,000 and $181,000 in the United States.
How Likely Is It to Get a Job in Game Design?
The games industry is extremely competitive, although it is a growing one.
The industry experiences steady growth in jobs that need to be filled each year.
However, it can be very difficult to work in such a competitive industry.
Find a Game Design Degree Today
Reach out to Learn.org to find the perfect game design degree for you today.
