Everyone wants to get paid to do something they’re passionate about, so while we’re in a bit of a recession, consider obtaining some career training that can allow you to make a positive change. If you’re a victim of layoffs, cutbacks, or difficulty finding work, then maybe it’s time to seriously consider a change—it may be a lot easier and more rewarding than you may think to break into new industries.
Did you know the average game designers make about $1,400 per week? That’s over double the weekly national average of combined industry income according to statistics published by the US Department of Labor in 2008.
Why become a game designer? Well if the salary for video game designers doesn’t motivate you, perhaps the open job market and versatility will. Lots of software engineers that are application based make well above the average game designer salary if they start their own businesses or work overtime consistently.
Even more promising, you don’t need to enroll in the best video game design schools to make the appropriate career change. Though there are two year and even four-year degree programs available by many colleges to students interested in becoming software engineers, you don’t need to be a computer science major to succeed. There are vocational schools, small programs and online colleges that are just as recognized by hiring companies as some of the best schools out there.
You can get trained in modern platforms like C++ and Java in very little time. Even most vocational with a classroom format will only last 6-9 months, and many programs offer courses online to get started. Furthermore, software engineering is a booming field. The US Department of Labor expects a 30% growth between 2010 and 2018; and about half of American jobs already are completely computer-based. So why become a game designer? Because the easiest way to be successful is to make good money doing what you love.
Game Designer Training and Day-to-Day Work
Virtually every company that hires programmers for applications will need game designers in some regard. The day-to-day job is so much more than just writing code. Software engineers and game designers spend the bulk of their time critical thinking to come up with complex problem-solving algorithms.
It’s not uncommon for software engineers to bounce to new projects based on experience or specialization, or for their routine to change within the same software, customizing it for different client’s businesses. Many game designers will start their own company or work on the side while employed. With new advances in cell phones and hand-held platforms that are app-based, autonomy is becoming easier with the game designer world.
Game Designer Job Markets
College students don’t really have the jump in the job market, so don’t worry about enrolling in the best game designer schools, especially if you know programming and are looking to shift careers. Just by learning modern platforms like java and C++, you can break into the game designer industry.
