Introduction
The world of video game development is rapidly growing, and with it comes the need for skilled professionals who can create immersive gaming experiences. If you’re passionate about video games and want to turn your passion into a career, then you might be wondering what degree you need to become a video game developer. In this article, we’ll explore the various degrees and educational paths available to aspiring video game developers, including bachelor’s, master’s, and online programs. We’ll also take a look at case studies of successful video game developers who didn’t follow a traditional educational path and see how they made it in the industry.
Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development
A bachelor’s degree in game development is one of the most common educational paths for aspiring video game developers. This degree program typically takes four years to complete and covers topics such as game design, programming, art, and animation. Some universities also offer specialized concentrations within the game development program, such as mobile game development or virtual reality game development.
One example of a successful video game developer who pursued a bachelor’s degree in game development is Markus Persson, also known as “Jeb,” the creator of Minecraft. Jeb earned his bachelor’s degree in game design and programming from Denmark Technical University (DTU). He went on to create Minecraft, which has since become one of the most popular video games of all time.
Master’s Degree in Game Development
A master’s degree in game development is another option for aspiring video game developers. This program typically takes two years to complete and builds upon the knowledge gained from a bachelor’s degree in game development. Master’s programs in game development cover advanced topics such as artificial intelligence, game theory, and game engineering.
One example of a successful video game developer who pursued a master’s degree in game development is Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario Bros. Miyamoto earned his master’s degree in industrial design from Kyushu Sangyo University in Japan. He went on to create some of the most iconic video games of all time, including Punch-Out!! and The Legend of Zelda.
Online Game Development Programs
Online game development programs are becoming increasingly popular for aspiring video game developers who may not have access to a traditional brick-and-mortar university program or who prefer a more flexible learning schedule. These programs typically take two to four years to complete and cover the same topics as traditional bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in game development.
One example of a successful video game developer who pursued an online game development program is John Carmack, the co-founder of id Software and the creator of the Doom and Wolfenstein series. Carmack earned his degree in computer science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign but later completed an online game development program from the Guild Academy.
Case Studies: Video Game Developers Without a Traditional Degree
While a traditional bachelor’s or master’s degree in game development can be beneficial, it is not a requirement for success in the industry. Many successful video game developers have made it without pursuing a formal education in game development. Here are a few examples:
1. Markus Persson (Minecraft)
As mentioned earlier, Jeb, the creator of Minecraft, did not pursue a traditional educational path. Instead, he taught himself programming and game design through online resources and self-study. His success in creating one of the most popular video games of all time demonstrates that formal education is not always necessary for success in the industry.
2. Shigeru Miyamoto (Super Mario Bros.)
Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario Bros., also did not pursue a traditional educational path. Instead, he studied industrial design at Kyushu Sangyo University and later worked for Nintendo before creating some of the most iconic video games of all time. His success in the industry demonstrates that a non-traditional educational path can still lead to great success.
