Top Video Game Design Colleges in 2024
It wasn’t long ago that gaming was viewed as a mere pastime. If anything, the industry had been depicted in a negative light for far too long, labeling gamers as “lazy” and “unproductive.” Boy, have times changed. In 2024, game development has evolved FAR beyond its roots. With the emergence of rapidly evolving gaming hardware, streaming, virtual reality, and game art, the gaming industry has never quite looked like this before. Now more than ever, game designers are in great demand. If you're at all interested in a professional career in the video game industry, now is quite literally the best time to act.
So, if you’ve spent countless nights dreaming of digital worlds, or just want to learn the fundamentals of great game design, you’ve come to the right place. Discover the exciting possibilities of a career in game design with Varsity Tutors!
What Does a Video Game Design Program Teach?
Before you can become the next great game designer, you'll need to develop a unique subset of skills and knowledge. Game design degrees will teach you the fundamentals of programming, 3D modeling and animation, sound design and music composition, and more (yeah, we’ve come a long way since Pong on the Atari). Let's break down these core concepts a bit further:
- Game Design Fundamentals: You'll learn the building blocks of game creation – everything from game mechanics and level design to storytelling and character development. Think of it like learning the rules of a sport before you start playing.
- Programming: Expect to get hands-on experience with coding programs like C++, Python, or Java, which are essential tools for the game design process.
- UI and UX Design: Ever play a game that you really WANT to enjoy, but the user interface is preventing you from doing so? In your pursuit of a video game design degree, you'll develop the technical skills to create intuitive interfaces and engaging user experiences.
- Game Testing and QA: During your video game development, be prepared for things to be broken. (No game is perfect on the first build). A game design program will teach you the basics of bug identification, game testing, and quality assurance.
Programs You'll Use
A craftsman is nothing without their tools. Video game designers must familiarize themselves with these top game design programs:
- Game engines. While there are many game engines available, you'll most likely use something like Unity or Unreal -- two of the most popular engines today.
- Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). These tools are for creating and editing sound effects and music.
- 3D Modeling Software. Master the art of 3D modeling and animation using industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max.
Top 10 Game Design Programs in 2024
Still interested in becoming a game designer? Great! We've identified 10 schools that offer esteemed game design and development programs. For prospective students interested in game design and programming, these 10 colleges are a great place to begin your search. Keep in mind these are only a small subset of the colleges that offer game development programs, and your best fit may end up being elsewhere.
Much of this data will be pulled from The Princeton Review, an educational services company that offers admissions resources and sheds light on growing trends within the educational space. In 2024, they surveyed 150 institutions and ranked the best undergraduate and grad schools for game programming degrees.
Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA)
Located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy was ranked the #1 program by Princeton Review from 2020-2022 and 2024. The capstone project you'll take on at this academy is the creation of a full game over multiple semesters with a team of 15-20 other students. According to EA Sports Vice President Daryl Holt, "FIEA is a major source of talent for our EA Sports development studio in Orlando, resulting in 1 out of every 2 new graduates hired over the past 2 years."
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Nestled in historic Savannah, Georgia, SCAD's game design program emphasizes artistic vision and technical mastery. Students collaborate on real-world projects, gaining experience in everything from concept art and character design to programming and production management.
Michigan State University (MSU)
MSU's program, located in East Lansing, Michigan, offers a comprehensive approach to game development, blending art, technology, and storytelling. Though this program was only recently established in 2005, it's already a top 10 ranked program by Princeton Review. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art labs and faculty with industry experience.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Located in Rochester, New York, RIT's game design and development program is known for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on technical skills. Graduates are highly sought after by top game studios and tech companies. RIT's bachelor's degree in game design is ranked 6th among the top 50 Undergraduate Game Design Degree by The Princeton Review.
University of Southern California (USC)
Arguably one of the most prestigious game design colleges in the country, USC has been ranked the #1 game design school by The Princeton Review nearly every year since the ranking system began in 2009. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds to create innovative games and interactive media. Also, who wouldn't love living in sunny LA?
Digipen Institute of Technology
Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen consistently ranks among the best video game design programs, offering a variety of degrees in game design, development, and related fields. Students will have the choice to specialize in one of six areas, including level design, systems design, UX design, narrative design, technical design, and user research. Massive gaming companies like Microsoft, Bungie, and Nintendo can also be found headquartered in Redmond.
New York University (NYU)
This prestigious university is located smack dab in the middle of New York City, acting as a hub for creativity and innovation in game design. They offer game design degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate students, emphasizing a broad approach that encompasses all levels of video game design.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Looking for video game design schools that offer online programs? SNHU's online game design and development program offers a flexible and affordable option for students seeking a career in the industry. The program covers a wide range of topics, from game design fundamentals to programming and production. With no set class times, you'll have 24/7 access to the virtual classrooms.
University of Utah
The University of Utah's Entertainment Arts and Engineering (EAE) program, often ranked among the best in the world, is renowned for its research-driven approach and focus on innovation. Students have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects like virtual reality and serious games. This Salt Lake City university was ranked as the #1 public institution by Princeton Review in 2024 for its undergraduate programs.
Clark University
Clark University's game design program is an interdisciplinary program that combines elements of computer science, art, and psychology. Labeled as "a destination for game designers" by the U.S. News and World Report, this program teaches the fundamentals of 3D art, audio programming, UI/UX design, and more.
Other Careers for Game Design Students
Undergraduate and graduate programs in game design are valuable for students interested in more than just game design. If creating interactive games isn't exactly what you want to do with your future, a game design program can still set you up with the tools to succeed in other mediums. Game design degrees prepare students for careers in:
- Graphic design
- Fine arts
- Cinematic arts
- Entertainment arts
- Project management
- Computer science
As you can see, game design programs are a world full of exciting possibilities, providing foundational skills you can transfer across different industries. Whether you’re dreaming of creating the next blockbuster game or applying your developed skills to other fields, a degree in game design can put you on the path to success.
During your journey of becoming a game designer, you may face challenges or come across burning questions. Roadblocks are an inevitable part of every degree program. That is precisely why we at Varsity Tutors are here. Don’t hesitate to leverage our personalized tutoring, test prep, and academic resources to help you during your game design studies!
