Completing a certificate in game design is the perfect choice for someone who wants a quick and dirty skill-building opportunity with so much creative and innovative potential. Basically, a certificate can be the best option for someone who has a degree in another field but wants to break into the career pathway of game design. It is also a good choice for a professional who is already working in the industry but wants to brush up on their skills or gain specific credentials that might benefit a specific company or the industry at large. Another reason that someone might choose a certificate program is that they might have a high school diploma, and instead of investing in a four-year degree, achieving a certificate in game design is an expedient and more affordable choice.
One of the great things about certificate programs is that many are delivered online in a flexible and convenient format that can be completed from anywhere. Certainly, this is the best option during the COVID-19 pandemic, but even beyond that it could be a good fit for you. In many cases, it can be a real challenge to balance life, work, and an academic or educational pursuit, so a certificate program that is delivered online could really be just what the doctor ordered. Why not study from bed or your couch with your favorite cup of coffee? Now let’s take a closer look at the opportunities that will come from such an achievement.
Can You Get a Job in Game Design if You Have a Certificate?
The short answer is, yes. Many people achieve a game design certificate to immediately find employment in an entry level position within the gaming industry. It is important to acknowledge that nothing is a sure thing, and even with a certificate, finding a job could be hard. A certificate will be able to offer you the foundations necessary to emerge into the field, however. For example, most programs will:
- Give you a solid background in game design
- Offer you a network of mentors and potential colleagues
- Offer groundbreaking connections with creatives like you
- Support you to find the game design that might interest you the most
You will have the best luck getting a job, in most cases if the certificate program you choose offers some hands on experience, or you are able to pair it with some kind of internship that gets you in the field. Keep in mind, there are many internships that pay. Of course, it is important that you have background knowledge and the necessary skills to build on, but it is also critical that you are able to put the skills to the test. Employers are also impressed by a solid portfolio that expresses innovation. This is good to keep in mind as you are looking at programs. While you are on the hunt for the perfect course of study, look into how they frame portfolio development and hands on learning.
Video Game Design and Development Certificate Jobs
There are many entry level jobs that only need a certificate in video game design to get your foot in the door. Many of these positions offer plenty of room to grow with subsequent experience. Let’s take a look at a few:
Video Game Designer
You can certainly build a career as a video game designer with a certificate program under your belt. According to PayScale, video game designers make on average $64,821. This salary goes much higher and also lower, as there are many ways to approach this career path with a plethora of companies to work for.
Video Game Programmer
This is a career that can be achieved with a certificate and extensive experience. Many certificate programs are tailored to programmer positions, as they emphasize coding languages and the technical aspects of the field. According to PayScale, the average salary for this position is $64,602. Professional programmers can make well into a six-figure salary, so there are many opportunities to work your way up.
Associate Producer of Games with Design Skills
This is a realistic position to achieve right out of the gate of a certificate program. According to PayScale, such professionals make on average $44,000 per year. This is a very good option as many companies are hiring for this role and there is often so much room to grow. Sometimes an associate producer who is already working in the field might choose to get a certificate to improve or update their current skills.
Related:
25 Best Online Master’s in Game Design
25 Best Online Game Design Graduate Certificates