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First, some facts. Of the Game Design graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 59 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 42%, Game Design graduates have a substantially lower likelihood (-25%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 11% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Game Design graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from DigiPen Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Game Design. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONDebug Tester Aerotek Feb 2018 - Jul 2022 Senior Debug Tester TEKsystems Aug 2021 - Jun 2024 Quality Assurance Specialist | Independent Game Developer | Game Director Self-employed Mar 2024 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career paths of individuals with degrees in Game Design, you can see a diverse range of job roles that vary significantly in their relevance to the field. A large portion of these graduates found themselves in positions that do not directly utilize their game design skills, such as front desk staff, quality assurance testers, and various other roles in customer service or unrelated technical fields. While some roles, like Quality Assurance Tester and Game Designer, are obviously pertinent to the skills learned in school, many others seem to lack direct application, indicating that while obtaining a degree in Game Design can prepare someone for specific careers, it doesn't guarantee entry into those fields right out of college.
Some of the more common jobs include positions in quality assurance, game design, and technical development roles. Graduates often transition into roles like software testing, QA analysis, or game development where their educational earnings can be directly applied. For instance, jobs as Game Developers or Game Designers at various companies heavily leverage their understanding of game mechanics and design principles. However, the analysis also reveals a concerning trend: many graduates are landing jobs in unrelated fields, such as hospitality, retail, and even roles in logistics and management. This mismatch raises questions about job market alignment for game design graduates and whether their education is fully recognized or utilized in the industry. While some graduates are successfully working within their field, others may find themselves working in positions that don't reflect their educational investment or skills.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Game Design graduates:
When examining the career trajectories of Game Design graduates, it becomes clear that there is a wide range of outcomes, with some finding success in the gaming industry while others navigate quite a different path. For many graduates, the first job post-commencement does not immediately land them in a game design or development role. Instead, they often start in unrelated fields, such as hospitality or even retail, as evidenced by the graduate from the University of Central Florida, who became a Front Desk Lead at Hilton Hotels after working as front desk staff. This highlights a common reality; while a degree in Game Design is specialized, the competitive nature of the gaming industry means that new graduates may initially take jobs that aren't directly related to their field.
As we move further along the timeline of their careers, typically five to ten years after graduation, some of these individuals begin to settle into more relevant roles within the industry. Many graduates find positions as quality assurance testers or junior game developers, which serve as critical stepping stones in their careers. For instance, the 2013 Champlain College grad transitioned from various roles in Federal software testing to becoming a QA Tester and eventually a Software Tester/Engineer. This crossover seems to be common among graduates, indicating that while their initial positions may not align with their degree, they often utilize their experiences and skills gained in those roles to eventually break into gaming. However, numerous graduates still end up in career paths that stray far from Game Design, such as working in sales, project management, or customer service, suggesting that while a Game Design degree offers potential, it doesn’t guarantee a position within the gaming sector.
In conclusion, while some graduates certainly find success in their desired fields, many others begin their careers outside the gaming industry, leading to a mix of outcomes. It’s important to recognize that the path to becoming a game designer or developer can be non-linear, filled with diversions that may not seem related to the field. Nonetheless, those who persevere and gain relevant experience often manage to transition into more aligned roles over time, though not without some challenges and a bit of luck. For high school students considering a degree in Game Design, it is essential to maintain realistic expectations and be open to various opportunities that may arise along the way.
A Bachelor’s degree in Game Design can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty—it’s definitely not one of the easiest degrees out there, but it can be super fun if you’re passionate about gaming and creativity. You’ll tackle subjects like programming, 3D modeling, and game theory, which can be challenging, especially if you’re not already into tech or art. But if you love what you’re learning and enjoy working on projects, it can feel more like a creative challenge than a grind. So, for someone who’s truly into games and creation, it might just feel like a tough but rewarding ride, while for others, it might seem more difficult compared to average degrees. Just be ready to put in some effort and get your hands dirty with a lot of projects!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 3 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Game Design.
Looking at the career paths of these Game Design graduates, there’s a mix of hints about their financial situations. Some graduates, especially those moving from quality assurance roles to more specialized positions, like game designers or engineers at companies like Rockstar Games and Microsoft, likely have decent earnings given the reputation and pay scale of these firms. On the other hand, graduates stuck in hospitality or lower-level positions, like Front Desk Staff at hotels or grocery clerks, might not be raking in the big bucks just yet. It's a clear reflection that the gaming industry can have some lucrative opportunities, but not all paths in gaming or related fields lead to great financial success.
For those just starting out or involved in freelance roles, the money can be less stable, especially if they're doing smaller independent projects. A few graduates seem to be hustling hard in various roles without a clear long-term growth in income, which can be tough in the early stages of their careers. In short, while some graduates are on promising tracks toward a solid financial future, others may need to reconsider their choices to make sure they can earn a decent living in the competitive field of game design.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Game Design. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Game Design (ordered by the average relevance score of their Game Design graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Full Sail University
|
45 | 30 |