Education needed to become a game designer?

Hey everyone! I'm super passionate about video games and I want to pursue a career as a game designer. What education or courses should I focus on during high school and college to achieve this goal?

Hello! It's fantastic that you have a clear career goal in mind. Becoming a game designer requires a mix of technical and creative skills, so your high school and college courses should reflect that. Here's a brief outline of the subjects you should consider focusing on:

High School:

1. Math: Take advanced math courses, like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. These will help you develop problem-solving skills and a strong foundation for future computer programming courses.

2. Science: Physics, in particular, will be useful for understanding game mechanics and interactions in the virtual environment.

3. Computer Science: If your high school offers computer programming or coding courses, take them. Building a foundation in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++ can be highly beneficial.

4. Art: Take art classes that involve digital design or 3D modeling, as they will help you develop visual design skills necessary for creating games.

College:

1. Game Design/Development: Choose a college that offers a strong game design or game development program, preferably one with a focus on both the technical and artistic aspects of the field.

2. Computer Science: Majoring or minoring in computer science will allow you to strengthen your programming skills and explore areas like artificial intelligence or graphics programming.

3. Art/Animation: Taking courses in art, animation, or graphic design can help you polish your visual design skills and create more engaging game assets.

4. Electives: Pursue electives that enhance your game design knowledge, such as storytelling, sound design, or user experience (UX) design.

In addition to your coursework, it's also crucial to build a strong portfolio through personal projects, internships, or game jams. Networking with industry professionals and keeping up with the latest gaming trends will also help put you on the right path towards your goal of becoming a game designer. Good luck!