Do you enjoy video games — not just playing them, but creating immersive worlds, designing engaging gameplay mechanics, or bringing characters to life? Choosing a college major in game development can open doors to a number of career opportunities. Keep reading to learn about degree programs and the career outlook in the field.
You can find game development careers for a variety of interests, such as art, animation, design, programming, audio, production, engineering, user experience, broadcasting, and more. The examples below are just a few of the potential careers you can pursue with a game development degree.
A game designer develops the concepts, storylines, characters, and gameplay mechanics of a video game. They work closely with other team members, such as programmers and artists, to design and implement game systems, levels, and user experiences. Game designers also conduct quality control tests to ensure the game is fun and engaging. According to 2025 data from Indeed, the average annual salary for a game designer in the U.S. is $86K depending on experience, location, and employer.
A video game animator brings life to the game’s visual elements by developing animations for characters, creatures, vehicles, and other in-game assets. This involves working with 3D models, rigging them for movement, and using animation software to create realistic and fluid motions. Animators collaborate closely with game designers and artists to ensure that the animations align with the game’s overall vision and enhance the player’s experience. In 2025, the average annual salary for video game animators is $38,600, according to ZipRecruiter.
A video game tester, also known as a quality assurance (QA) tester, plays through various stages of a video game to identify bugs, glitches, and other issues that could disrupt gameplay. They document and report these findings to the development team, ensuring the game meets quality standards before its release. Testers also provide feedback on game functionality, design, and overall playability. Salary.com lists the average annual salary for a video game tester at $54K in 2025.
A computer programmer in game development, often referred to as a game programmer, writes the code that makes a video game function. They work on various aspects of the game, including gameplay mechanics, graphics, physics, and artificial intelligence. Game programmers collaborate with designers and artists to implement features and ensure the game runs smoothly across different platforms. While the salary can vary due to location, experience, and other factors, game programmers on average earn $105K annually.
Of course, there is more to having a game development career than just playing games. Many game development roles require a bachelor’s degree, such as a computer science, software engineering, or game design degree. You also need to develop important skills, such as learning various software programs and coding languages. Here are some steps for success.
So, what degree should you get for game development? It depends on your interests and career goals. These degrees can prepare you for careers in the game development industry:
As you do your college research, you may find specialized degree programs or concentrations for game development that differ from the degrees listed above.
An internship in game development provides valuable experience and allows you to make connections in the industry, but the competition is fierce. It’s important to start your search early and apply to multiple companies — don’t be afraid to cast a wide net! You can search on job boards, where larger companies sometimes post internship positions, or check directly on the websites of game development studios. Career and internship fairs are another great option that allow you to speak to company representatives directly. Additionally, most colleges and universities offer internship placements through their career services office.
It’s essential to showcase your skills through a portfolio. Include a variety of projects that highlight your expertise in different areas, such as game design, programming, animation, and art. Offer clear descriptions on each project of your role and the tools you used. Include playable demos or videos to provide a firsthand experience of your work. Regularly update your portfolio with new projects and improvements to existing ones.
Internships are a valuable way to gain hands-on experience but look for any opportunity to develop your skills and build your portfolio. Work on personal projects or participate in game jams, where you can collaborate with others and create games within a short timeframe. Additionally, contributing to open-source projects or modding existing games can help you learn new techniques and showcase your abilities.
Being an active member of the gaming community enhances your learning experience and opens doors to new opportunities. By participating in online forums, attending industry events, and joining game development groups, you can connect with like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and gain insights into the latest trends and technologies. Additionally, receiving feedback from other developers and gamers can help you improve your skills and refine your projects.
You can find numerous degree programs across the U.S. that will prepare you for game development careers, including the programs listed below.
Offered through the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, the Game Design BFA program at NYU provides a foundation in how games — both traditional and computerized — are made and understood. Students in the program have the flexibility to choose specific areas of interest, such as visual design, game programming, game scholarship, and more. The program is integrated with the NYU Game Center, which allows students to work collaboratively with others to explore games creatively and culturally. Learn how to get into NYU.
The computer game design program at UC Santa Cruz is highly ranked both nationally and globally. Students in the program learn the artistic, technical, and narrative aspects of interactive games and have opportunities to participate in various projects, including an intensive game design project during senior year. The games at Santa Cruz program provides resources and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration that help students develop their skills.
Rensselaer’s undergraduate degree program is interdisciplinary, allowing students to learn the theory and practice of game development and design through technical, social, creative, and cultural lenses. Students can choose from among six concentrations: computer science, electronic arts, cognitive science, writing, music, and management. Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles in the industry and have a solid portfolio of work.
SCAD’s game developing degrees for undergraduates include a B.A. and BFA. While the curriculum differs somewhat between the two programs, students in either program take foundational courses in drawing, design, and color in addition to coursework for the major that includes game development, digital design aesthetics, programming, game art, game design, and more. Students must also complete an internship.
If you’re not sure that majoring in gaming is for you, traditional colleges have also begun offering minors in game design and theory. For example, students at Cornell University can pursue a game design minor as an extension of their major. Students take five courses for the minor, including one required course in game architecture/design or analytics-driven game design. The remaining courses can be selected among art, computer science, information science, performing and media arts, music, psychology, and more.
Other schools offering gaming minors include:
If you have an interest in game development, choose extracurricular activities in your school or community that are relevant — or start your own! Some colleges offer residential and/or online summer programs for high school students that can provide you with hands-on experience and give your college application a boost. Here are just a few examples:
The gaming industry is experiencing consistent expansion, fueled by advancements in technology like mobile gaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). This growth translates to increased demand for skilled game developers. Graduates with skills in programming, game design, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality are particularly sought after.
Of course, your salary and job outlook will vary depending on the type of role you pursue within the industry as well as your level of experience, employer, and geographic location. However, the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides insight into national trends.
| Role | Median Salary (2023) | Projected Growth (2023-33) |
| Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers | $130,160 per year | 17% |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $99,060 per year | 4% |
| Web Developers and Digital Designers | $92,750 per year | 8% |
College admissions is more competitive than ever, so it’s important to be intentional and authentic when building your profile and developing relevant skills. IvyWise college admissions counselors are experts at helping students identify opportunities to level up in the college admissions game. Contact us to learn how we can help you achieve your college admissions goals.
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