Are you passionate about creating immersive and engaging video games? Do you dream of bringing your digital creations to life on screen? If so, becoming a video game animator may be the perfect career path for you. In this article, we’ll explore the different degree options available to those who want to enter this exciting field, as well as the skills and experiences required to succeed as a video game animator.
Bachelor’s Degree in Video Game Animation
A Bachelor’s Degree in Video Game Animation is the most common and widely accepted degree option for aspiring video game animators. This degree program typically covers topics such as 2D and 3D animation, game engines, character modeling, rigging, texturing, lighting, and animation programming.
Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Video Game Animation often go on to work in video game development studios, creating characters, environments, and other digital assets for video games. Some of the top-rated universities that offer this degree include:
- California College of Arts
- Rhode Island School of Design
- University of Central Florida
- Gnomon School of Visual Effects
- Ringling College of Art & Design
Master’s Degree in Video Game Animation
For those who want to take their video game animation career to the next level, a Master’s Degree in Video Game Animation is an excellent option. This degree program typically focuses on advanced topics such as motion capture, virtual reality, and game design.
Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Video Game Animation often go on to work in research and development roles, or in the field of video game education. Some of the top-rated universities that offer this degree include:
- Carnegie Mellon University
- UCLA Extension
- Academy of Art University
- Purdue University
- DigiPen Institute of Technology
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Animation and Video Game Design
Another option for aspiring video game animators is to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Animation and Video Game Design. This degree program covers topics such as 3D modeling, animation, texturing, lighting, and programming, with an emphasis on creating interactive digital experiences.
Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Animation and Video Game Design often go on to work in video game development studios, creating characters, environments, and other digital assets for video games. Some of the top-rated universities that offer this degree include:
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business
- Southern Methodist University
Do You Need a Degree to Become a Video Game Animator?
While a degree in video game animation or a related field is not strictly necessary to become a video game animator, it can certainly be helpful. Many employers look for candidates with formal education and training in this field, as it demonstrates a certain level of knowledge and expertise.
However, there are other ways to gain experience and build your skills as a video game animator without a degree. For example, you could participate in online communities or forums focused on video game animation, attend conferences or workshops, or even create your own video games as a personal project.
Case Study: The Rise of Self-Taught Video Game Animators
One great example of the power of self-teaching in the field of video game animation is the story of Tyler Honeywell.