Important Facts About This Field
| Key Skills | Artistic Ability, Creativity, Computer Skills, Teamwork, Time Management |
| Entry-Level Education | Bachelor's Degree |
| Average Salary (2021)* | $86,220 (for special effects artists and animators) |
| Similar Occupations | Art Director, Computer Programmer, Graphic Designer, Web Developer |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Game Art and Design Programs
Game art and design programs offer a variety of concentrations, but nearly all require basic instruction in areas including computer programming skills, creative writing, storytelling, artistic techniques and visual arts. Some programs specialize in the technical aspects of the field, and you'll need to become proficient in advanced computer programming. Meanwhile, other programs forgo programming instruction and allow you to use existing software applications to create video games.
Some programs focus on games played purely for entertainment; others concentrate on instructional games, including educational games for children, training games for corporations and multimedia simulations for specific industries, such as the fitness industry.
Careers in Game Design
According to the Entertainment Software Association, 65% of households in the U.S. play video games. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for special effects artists and animators, including those working in gaming, is expected to increase by 5% between 2021-2031. Entry-level positions in this field include the following:
- Animator
- Background and environment creator
- Character developer
- Game tester
- 2D artist
- 3D modeler
- Multimedia developer
