Can I Train at a Video Game Design School?

by Kelly Richardson
kelly.richardson@graphicdesignschoolreview.com
Graphic Design School Review Columnist

Now that you have mastered the latest video game releases from PS2, Game Cube, and X-box 360, have you ever thought about what it would be like to make those games? A video game design school will give you the tools and techniques to turn your passion for gaming into a lucrative career.

The video game industry is a multi-billion dollar money-maker that makes up a major part of our national per capita. According to the NPD Group, "annual 2004 U.S. retail sales of video games, which includes portable and console hardware, software and accessories, reached more than $9.9 billion." This means that the industry is always looking for video game design school graduates to fill critical positions. You will learn some of these advanced techniques in video game design school.

Video Game Design: Concepts

• Storyboarding. A good video game design begins with a captivating storyboard that lays out the plot of the game.
• Characterization. Video game design school will teach you how to bring the characters locked in your mind to life on the monitor.
• Animation. Your video game will culminate in the application of cutting edge animation concepts that add depth and texture to your ideas.

So now that you have decided that a video game school is where you want to be, how do you go about finding one? With so many choices, you need to examine a few important aspects of potential programs before you enroll.

Choosing a Video Game Design School

• Accredited. The first characteristic of a video game design school that you should be concerned with is if they are accredited by an industry organization.
• Class Size. Choosing a video game school that has a low student to professor ratio means you will get more specialized instruction.
• Hands On. Most video game schools will allow you to intern with a software company in order to receive some on the job training.

A video game design school is the perfect training ground for your technological ambitions. Find out more today.

Sources
NPD Group Reports on Video Game Sales and Best Selling Video Game Titles

About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.