With video games sales in the billions every year and new gaming consoles becoming more and more technologically advanced, the gaming business is continuing to increase. With that increase comes a demand for professionals who have attended a game design program and can create the real life concepts, environments and characters that gamers are seeking.

Within the game design field are a variety of jobs that range depending on the person’s interest. They include: character and level designers, character and 3D modelers/texture artists, concept and environments and effects artists, character animators and game concept artists. Let’s take a look at some of these creative positions that can be attained after attending schools of game design. For example, the Level Designer creates the levels that build upon skills of the gamer. This person must plan how the player interacts with the game to move onto the next level. Another job is that of the Character Animator, who is the “actor” behind the performance. This person acts out what the characters will do in the game. Working in collaboration with the animator is the Environments and Effect Artist, who creates everything but characters. This includes cars, machinery, and weather.

In just 14 months, you can attain a job in this exciting field with Centennial College’s game design program. During the time you spend in the program, you will attend small classrooms in which a hands-on approach will simulate real-world production and prepare you for the field. You’ll find that there is a balance between game development and creative story skills through courses such as: Drawing for 3D Modeling and Animation, Anatomy and Construction, Game Theory, Character Design, Digital Painting and many others. To supplement what you learn at Centennial College, you will also familiarize yourself with game design through a field placement. In order to teach you about the job seeking process, you will send out your portfolio to the company of your choice. Once you are “hired” at the field placement, you’ll use what you have learned in you classes and apply it to being part of the design team. Placement is also a great way to network and build a database of contacts.

If you are interested in applying for the game design program, you must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. You’ll also have to complete the compulsory English 12C or U credit, a skills assessment or equivalent. Another requirement is a portfolio assessment. Pieces may include 10 to 15: life drawings, sketches, paintings, sculptures or digitally produced artwork. Preference for the Game Design and Development program will be given to applicants who can demonstrate some familiarity with one or more graphics applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, 3DS Max or Maya. If you do not submit digital artwork, you will be tested to determine your level of computer proficiency.