Given the huge popularity of video games in the modern world, no wonder the demand for game designers keeps skyrocketing every year. The job in this field is considered to be not only creative and exciting, but also rather stable and, what is even more important, high paying. Top earners with solid skills and vast experience can make around $400,000 a year. So, if you think about it from this perspective, becoming a game designer is well worth it.
Okay, the benefits are very clear. But how can one master this profession? As always, there are two paths you can take if you are seeking a career in this industry.
The first and the most obvious solution is to opt for a fully accredited university course and gain a degree in game design. We can say it is an easy path. But definitely not the fast one.
And what if you don’t want to spend years studying? Or what if you are already enrolled in college but with a different major? In these cases, a much wiser solution would be to join an online course because they are faster, easier, and can be combined with a job or full-time studies. Though in the second case, you will probably need the support of a reliable essay writer service to keep your grades high while devoting your time to the course. But where to seek a good course?
Below, we have gathered the best online courses in game design that can help you jump-start your career. Let’s see what options are there!
Become a Game Designer the Complete Series Coding to Design
Available on Udemy for only $124.99, this is one of the fullest courses in game development you can find out there! This course spans all the verticals of game development. After taking it, students learn to design advanced games and applications for various engines and platforms from the ground up, thus expanding their professional horizons.
Unity Certified 3D Artist Specialization
If you don’t want to delve into coding but would rather focus specifically on 3D design for the gaming industry, this course on Coursera is a great option. The duration of this class is about 7 months. After this time, students should learn to create game designs up to a high professional standard. And the course also awards graduates with a certificate, which is always a good thing.
Learn Professional 2D Game Graphic Design in Photoshop
This next online course is also tailored specifically to the needs of future designers, though, unlike the previous option, it focuses on 2D design. This option has multiple benefits. It is available on Udemy and already has 60,000+ students. It also has a high rating based on students’ reviews. And the price is also quite nice - only $89.99.
Creating Video Games
This next option is provided by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which is known for its high standards in teaching. MIT courses are always widely recognized, so taking this one will definitely give you a solid base for your future career. It teaches students all the peculiarities of game development, including design. The only significant drawback is that this course doesn’t provide any certificate by its completion. But, one positive aspect is that it is free of charge.
The Psychology of Games - Secrets of Good Game Design
Another online course for future game designers offered at Udemy is also a worthy option. Unlike the options we’ve listed earlier, this course is smaller in terms of the duration and the number of students. Nevertheless, it can boast a pretty high rating and a pocket-friendly price of only $49.99. And, according to students’ reviews, this course is great for beginners.
World Design for Video Games
This next course is available on Coursera and developed by the California Institute of the Arts. The biggest advantage of taking it is the fact that it won’t cost you a penny. Thus, it can be a good starting point for beginners. The course consists of 25+ video lectures, lots of reading materials, and quizzes after every module. As for the contents of the course, it focuses on everything related to game design.
Computer Science for Game Development
If you are looking for a broader course provided by the world’s top-ranked institution, then this is your best bet. This course available at edX was developed by Harvard University, and it will tell you everything you need to know concerning the fundamentals of game development and design. The course consists of plenty of theoretical modules, as well as effective skill-building courses. The average duration is 6 months, though students are free to progress through it at their own pace. The price for this option is slightly higher compared to the rest of the options listed here - the total cost is $348. But, given the reputation of the provider and good reviews from students, it is well worth it!
The Bottom Line
The opportunity to study online and acquire almost any profession in under a year is one of the biggest benefits of the 21st century. So, if you are interested in building a career in game design, considering studying online is wise.
Hopefully, after reading this article, you have a better idea of your options. Each of these courses is worth your attention, so choose whatever feels right for you!
