What Can I Do With This Major?
Game Design
About This Page
This page is hosted and maintained by the High Point University Game Design
department. We have designed this page for game design students who are
curious about industry roles and searching for entry-level positions or
internships in the industry. We are continuously adding to this page,
so if you have suggestions please direct them to Prof. Heagney at
bheagney "AT" highpoint DOT edu. For now, please note the following
ways to use this page:
- Every game design role has links to Entry-Level and Internship searches for LinkedIn. For LinkedIn searches to work properly you must have a LinkedIn account and be logged in.
- Every "game design" area contains strategies for becoming more immersed in that area. Some of the strategies are directly related to High Point University and may not be relevant to students from other programs.
Portfolio Tips
Great! It looks like you want to get started on or continue working on your portfolio. Here are some helpful links.
-
Games Database: This site contains information on many roles in the games industry, and provides portfolio examples for many of them. Get clicking!
Games Database
Design
Roles
Game Design
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Level Design
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Gameplay Designer
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Audio Designer
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
User-Interface (UI) Design
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
User-Experience (UX) Design
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Systems Design
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Mission Design
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Economy Design
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Narrative Design
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Strategies
- Double major in an area that you're interested in that will support your game design interests:
- If you are interested in programming and engineering, consider double majoring in Computer Science
- If you are interested in level design , consider double majoring in Interior Design
- If you are interested in economy design , consider double majoring in Finance
- If you are interested in narrative design , consider double majoring in English (Writing)
- Become an active participant HPU's GAMbassador program
- Learn to use many different game engines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, Stencyl, GameMaker, Construct, etc.
- Develop a strong understanding of the cycle of prototyping, play testing, and iteration
- Learn basic game programming skills using visual scripting methods (such as Blueprints)
- Take programming classes to increase your understanding and proficiency in game logic and programming languages
- Participate in game jams and game design competitions
- Develop a broad skill set but specialize in one area of game design/development
- Develop an online game design portfolio using Behance, Wix, or any other online portfolio site
- Join University student clubs relevant to your major (Video Game Development Club, Video Game Club, etc)
- Join International Game Developers Association (IGDA) or other relevant professional organization(s)
- Attend Game Dev, Game Engine, or VR Meetups
- Make, finish, and publish games
- If you are interested in programming and engineering, consider double majoring in Computer Science
- If you are interested in level design , consider double majoring in Interior Design
- If you are interested in economy design , consider double majoring in Finance
- If you are interested in narrative design , consider double majoring in English (Writing)
Technical
Roles
Technical Artist
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Unreal Engine Generalist
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Strategies
- Learn programming language of your choice (C#, C++, Java, Python, Maxscript, MEL, etc) and begin making tools with it
- Study, learn, and build Special effects in game engines
- Study, learn, and develop your own shaders in game engines
- Fall in love with developing tools in game engines using scripts and visual scripting (blueprints)
Writing / Narrative
Roles
Game Writing
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Narrative Design
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerTechnical Writing LinkedIn Hitmarker
Copywriting
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Technical Writing
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Strategies
- Double major in areas such as Journalism (JOU), English, or other related major
- Enroll in GAM 3342 - Narrative & Interactive Fiction
- Enroll in complementary courses such as POP 2231 - Writing for Media Production, or Journalism courses
- Design and develop digital prototypes ranging from text-based engines such as Twine, to AAA engines like Unreal Engine
- Develop and maintain a writing portfolio with that shows an understanding of game-narrative development, cinematic screenplay writing, dialog writing, and world building
- Game Writer Challenge: make a list of 100 different ways for an NPC to say, "I'm not going to buy that axe today."
- Rework your favorite novels or movies into branching narrative games
- Keep and maintain a journal and use on a daily basis
- Learn to write in as many different styles and for as many different genres and audiences as you can
- Learn to code: as a writer or narrative designer in games, you will be expected to use game engines proficiently
Art
Roles
3D Art
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Environment Art
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Character Art
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Concept Art
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Graphic Design
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Animation
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Storyboarding
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
VFX Art
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Strategies
- Double major in areas such as Graphic Design, Studio Art, Interior Design, or Visual Merchandising Design
- Enroll in GAM 4432 - 3D Modeling for Games, GDS/MPE 3361 Motion Graphics, or other animation, drawing, illustration, and color theory course s here at HPU
- Learn how to develop physically based rendered (PBR) shaders using game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity
- Expand your proficiency in modeling and lighting in game engines for both 2D and 3D applications
- Advance your understanding of Photoshop, Illustrator, and other digital painting and vector software
- Explore digital sculpting applications such as Mudbox or Zbrush
- Keep and consistently maintain sketch books to investigate and sketch silhouette studies, environments, figures, motions, design ideas, etc.
- Develop a portfolio of your best work
- Join professional organizations relevant to your field
Production
Roles
Game Production
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Production Coorinator
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Game Production Assistance
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Associate Game Production
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Project Management
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Strategies
- Learn various methods of game development such as waterfall, agile, scrum, kanban, etc.
- Use and learn project management software such as Microsoft Project or Jira
- Participate in game jams, engaging in every role to ensure you understand every role of game development
- Practice time management skills, and learn to cut features and make deadlines
Quality Assurance
Roles
QA Tester
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
QA Engineer
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Localization QA
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Strategies
- Become a better written communicator
- Learn bug tracking software such as Jira
Programming / Engineering
Roles
Game Programmer
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Strategies
- Double major in Computer Science
- Learn C++, python, and other languages relevant to game design and development
- Learn to use multiple game engines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, Stencyl, GameMaker, Construct, etc.
Media / Marketing / Sales
Roles
Social Media Specialist
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Brand Manager
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Marketing Manager
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Digital Account Manager
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Business Analyst
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Ambassador / Evangelist
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Learning Specialist
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Web Content Manager
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Public Relations
Entry-Level Jobs LinkedIn Indeed HitmarkerInternships LinkedIn Hitmarker
Strategies
- Double major in Social Media, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, or Sales
- Enter pitch and business plan competitions
- Build a social media and/or marketing campaign for a student-made video game
Links to Official WCIDWTM
Game Design page on What Can I Do With This Major:
What Can I Do With This Major: Game Design
Main page for What Can I Do With This Major:
What Can I Do With This Major: Main Page
Link to Old Site
This page is currently under construction.
For the "old" version of this page, please go here: