Essential Information
Master's degree programs in game design and development provide advanced training for gaming professionals seeking to enhance their design, production, and business skills. Students learn to manage the video game production process from start to finish, which requires the consideration of design concepts, economic factors, communication principles, and quality assurance guarantees. Some programs also emphasize leadership skills, media relations, and conflict resolution. Over the course of the program, students are expected to construct a portfolio of original projects, including video games. In order to apply, students must hold a bachelor's degree in a field related to media arts and video game design.
Master's Degree in Game Design and Development
Students in a master's degree program in game design and development focus on diverse subjects, including computer programming, art, and business management. The program is designed to train students to be both artists and business leaders in the field. A typical master's degree in game design and development includes courses in the following subject areas:
- Human resource management
- Game marketing
- Production techniques
- Mechanics of video game design
- Principles of production management
Popular Career Options
Graduate education in game design and development can lead to employment in various industries, including entertainment, electronics and marketing. Common job titles for graduates of master's degree programs in game design and development include:
- Project supervisor
- Video game designer
- Game tester
- Associate producer
- Studio director
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median annual wage for all other computer occupations (which includes video game designers) was $92,870 in 2020. Employment was expected to grow six percent between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than the national average.
Continuing Education Information
An additional graduate or professional degree could improve career prospects for professionals with a master's degree in game design and development. For example, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree could lead to an executive position within a video game production company or studio. Students may also pursue a doctoral degree in a design-related field if they want to pursue an academic career in teaching and research.
In summary, a master's degree in game design and development provides students with interdisciplinary training in art and business so that they can pursue high-level positions in the field.
