Masters in Game Design Online

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The institution’s reputation and comprehensive coursework often determine one’s quality of education, career opportunity, and even earning potential. It is imperative that one considers faculty quality, laboratory facilities, affordability, services for students, and placement history to ascertain the most suitable online masters in game design degree programs. Several OMC teams have investigated a range of aspects that determine the best degrees in game design. Here are the best online masters in game design programs: 

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Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

A master’s in game design degree inculcates students’ technical and aesthetic skills to equip them for building a game from scratch. This degree capacitates designers to explore various fields like 2D or 3D game design, multimedia art, graphic design, and so on. 

Most programs require 30 to 60 credits and a game prototype for successful course completion. While two years is the average course duration, some masters in game design online programs also offer fast track options. Along with game conceptualization, production, and theories, they often cover aspects of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and game economics that prepare students for industry-ready projects. 

One must also choose advanced electives to complement their career goals and interests while selecting courses. An online game design degree is beneficial for those who prefer learning from home and yet access all the program’s facilities. It also keeps the financial investment in the degree in check. 

Masters in Game Design Degree Types

Game design at the graduate level comes in three types, namely – Master of Arts or MA Game Design, Master of Science or MS game design, and Master of Fine Arts or MFA game design. Though a few course topics might seemingly overlap, their purpose and content are customized for different career paths and goals. 

Though the admission process to most master’s programs necessitates a Graduate Record Exam or GRE score, there are exceptions where they either waive the GRE score or do not demand it. The former exceptions depend upon the mode of learning and the individual candidate’s academic performance history assessed through the GPA. If the GPA is less than 3.25, GRE test scores are usually required. Listed below are some masters in game design no GRE programs:

Fastrack or accelerated programs for masters in game design have gained popularity and demand in recent times, as it enables students to upskill, specialize and even advance in their career faster than their peers. In most cases, only those candidates who have pursued their bachelor’s degree from a university accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) are considered for the courses. 

The duration of accelerated online masters in game design can be customized in some instances but generally takes about 1 year to complete. Candidates who have done extensive coursework in an area of specialization that aligns with game design and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in their bachelor’s are eligible to apply for such options. The subjects studied in the bachelor’s degree compensate for the concepts that are either speeded or waived from the master’s curriculum. An example of a fast track program is the MA in Game Design – One-year Fast track option from Lindenwood University. 

There are plentiful free masters in game design courses online. Often, they only offer the skills belonging to a particular concept or aspect of game design and not a comprehensive degree as any other full-time or part-time course from an accredited university would provide. The masters in game design online free courses are either certificate programs or individual modules best suited for those who intend to explore a subject before diving deep into it or simply upskilling themselves. Here are a few resources that provide free courses from which that one can benefit: 

A master’s in game design is often an expensive program. A student needs to plan for and cover various expenses like accommodation, stationery, transport, food, etc., alongside the course’s tuition fees if opting for an on-campus program, but online education significantly reduces these expenditures.  However, the tuition fees and investing in an advanced desktop or laptop with a good processor, graphics card, etc., are necessary to run the desired design software(s) that is a part of the coursework for online masters in game design. These costs can be daunting as they vary from $19,185 to $52,867 on average. Thus financial assistance seems imperative for most students and often eases their burden to a certain degree. Listed below are a few sources of financial aid for students: 

Scholarships  

Universities, institutions, alumni, and bursaries offer scholarships to specific individuals. Academic merit is the key determining parameter for selecting a beneficiary alongside components like heritage, religious affiliation, community service, etc. (Note: read about Scholarship Scams to avoid being scammed online.) 

Grants 

Grants are need-based and are only allocated on a case-to-case basis to a student due to poor or unstable financial statuses. While they are different from scholarships in how grant funds can be utilized for purposes other than tuition fees, the review of academic performance in both cases remains constant. 

Graduate Assistantships 

As the name suggests, graduate assistantships are provided in the form of a partial fee waiver or a stipend. This entails supporting the affiliated professor to facilitate workshops, lab work, and even demonstrating for undergraduates. While a Research Assistantship functions the same way, it entitles the student to partake in and support a professor’s research. 

Student loans 

Student loans involve a calculated risk from the student’s end as they borrow money from financial institutions, banks, or federal agencies and guarantee to pay it back regularly through installments. One must be cautious of interest and keep up with the payment schedule else, they might be counterproductive and increase the debt amount. 

FAFSA 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is a stand test that determines a student’s eligibility to receive financial aid (read more about it here). 

The in-depth procedure and other information about financial support for students can be found in the Best Financial Guide. 

Scholarships bear an advantage over the others in that they need not be repaid as they are granted based on the student’s academic performance, community service, etc. There are two categories of scholarships – Internal scholarships or those provided by universities and external scholarships provided by organizations and associations. Here are a few examples: 

AIAS Foundation Scholarship 

The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) Foundation manages these scholarships designated only for those pursuing careers in video game design. They mandate a 3.3 and above GPA, accredited universities, and are not limited to U.S. Citizens. 

Amount/AwardUp to $2,500 and 1-year mentorship 

DeadlineMay 31, annually 

WomenIn Scholarship 

This scholarship, supported by Intel and managed by AIAS, is meant specifically for women in the interactive entertainment industry. The applicant must identify as a woman, achieve a 3.3 and above GPA, and enroll in accredited universities. This scholarship is not limited to U.S. citizens. 

Amount/AwardUp to $20,000 award to one outstanding gamer 

DeadlineApril 15, annually 

AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships 

AIGA Worldstudio grants scholarships to students from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Recipients must aim to build a career in design disciplines while also being environmentally responsible and exhibiting cultural awareness in their work. 

Amount/Award$2,000 to $3,000 alongside one $5,000 prize 

Deadline Starts in February and closes in April 

Evo Scholarship Award 

The New York University Game Center offers this scholarship in partnership with Evo Tournament, specifically for MFA students in NYU’s programs. The application must show talent in competitive gaming and game innovation technology. 

Amount/AwardUp to $20,000 award to one outstanding gamer 

DeadlineApril 15, annually 

ESA Foundation Scholarships 

Managed by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation, this initiative supports minority students and women aiming to build a career in the video game art industry. The applicant must have U.S. citizenship, a minimum GPA of 2.75, and display potential for the profession. 

Amount/Award Nearly 30 scholarships of $3,000 apiece 

DeadlineMay 14, annually 

A master’s in game design degree capacitates designers to explore entrepreneurship by starting a gaming-related commercial entity of their own and putting together a team with varied profiles to build it up.  Meanwhile, those intending to gain experience working in the established gaming design studios can join as game designers, developers, character modelers, etc. While those who opt for user-experience and psychology-oriented courses can also join the research and development teams. 

Multimedia design and animation are other fields that a graduate of game design online masters can dive into with ease. 2D or 3D game design, multimedia art, graphic design, game development, and critical game design are some of the job profiles in which a game designer can seek employment. Possible job titles include but are not limited to: 

• Game Designer 
• Game Animator 
• Game Audio Engineer 
• Game Programmer 
• Creative Game Director 
• Game Artist 
• Game Marketer/PR 
• QA Game Tester 
• Game System Designer 

Game designers are highly desirable in today’s digital design industry, backed by the substantial growth projected to be nearly 15% from 2023 to 2030, which is higher than the average for all occupations. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of game designers (general digital) is $78,790. A master’s degree in game design graduates enables graduates to seek jobs with high-ranking salaries. Here are a few reported by the BLS:

• Special Effects Artists & Animators – Annual Median Salary: $77,700 | Job Outlook: 16% (much faster than average) 
• Audio Engineers – Annual Median Salary: $49,050 | Job Outlook: 24 % (much faster than average) 
• Creative Producer and Director – Annual Median Salary: $79,000 | Job Outlook: 24% (much faster than average) 
• QA Testers and Analysts – Annual Median Salary: $110,140 | Job Outlook: 22% (much faster than average) 
• Digital Designers – Annual Median Salary: $77,200 | Job Outlook: 13% (faster than average) 

Generally, a master’s in game design is sufficient for one to start designing and developing games, but a certification enhances their potential in one skill or tool. These certifications reflect well on a designer’s resume alongside their projects and help them stand out from their peers. They are not mandatory, but certain firms encourage their applicants and employees to complete specific certifications. Certificate courses teach a multitude of things like a particular software or tool, or design technique. Here are a few examples of professional certifications that enhance one’s profile as a game designer: 

• Game Design & Development Certifications by Unity 
• Autodesk Certified User in 3ds MAX by Autodesk 
• Maya Certified Professional by Autodesk 
• Certified Digital Designer (CDD) by the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) 
• Multiplatform Animation using Adobe Animate by Adobe 

Typically, no specific license is required for graduates to practice game design and seek employment. Certain exceptions might exist if the field of work is in defense or military, or even EdTech, which the employer often provides.

Game designers who invest resources into networking, staying updated with the newest advancements in the field, and problem-solving, tend to gain better opportunities. One must research and analyze case studies to break down how top-notch industry players and designers create successful games. Collaborations, collective ideation, design thinking, and workshops alongside an online master’s in game design often add significant value to designers. Some excellent resources for gaming professionals are: 

1. Dribble – a community that enables sharing of designs, concepts, and ideas for designers to display their work and get hired. 
2. Graphic Artists Guild – an association that provides educational resources and research publications for design professionals to upskill. 
3. Storytelling Alice – a programming environment that simplifies learning computer programs through 3D animated movies. 
4. CG Society – a portal that enables networking among computer graphics professionals to explore the latest graphic technologies and practices. 
5. Indigenous Game Dev – a networking platform that connects indigenous game developers to initiate information sharing about culture integration with game design, highlight indigenous-made games, conferences, and various other resources.
6. Unity 3D and Learn Unity – Unity is one of the most widely used development engines specializing in 3D content. Learn Unity is a learning platform curated by the creators of Unity containing a multitude of tutorials for Unity. 
7. GDC Vault – a video library that features several panel discussions about game design and development. 
8. Pixel Prospector Marketing guide – a handbook about game marketing and funding that begins with game ideation and explains each step until its release.
9. University Libraries – a collection of podcasts, browser-based game development sites, online play, etc., curated by the University of Texas that act as a guide to various aspects of game design.