Simulation & Game Development

Career opportunities in the field of simulation and game development include artistic, technical, and management positions. Jobs in this field may require artistic talent, computer programming skills, legal expertise, marketing skills, or nothing more than a love of video games. Three options include game designer, artist, and programmer.

According to O*NET OnLine, video game designers, grouped in a category for all other computer occupations, will experience 8% or higher growth from 2021-2031 (www.onetonline.org). PayScale.com reported that video game designers earned a median salary of $66,000 per year in February 2023.

Some companies to seek out

Epic Games – https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/careers

Unity – https://unity.com/careers/positions

Game Designers

Game designers develop the concept for a game, including the characters and main idea. In this position, you may oversee the whole game or be responsible for only a small portion, such as a specific level or the game dialogue.

Artists

An artist is in charge of developing how the video game looks through sketches. As an artist, you may work on drawing and creating characters, background scenes, or interactive aspects of the game. In this field, computer design is very important since graphics in video games are expected to be as realistic as possible. 

Programmers

As a video game programmer, you are responsible for the technical aspects of game development. You’re in charge of producing the game code that allows the program to be played. This job often requires you to have good math and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to communicate well with others. Depending on the type of studio you choose to work for, you may have to know C, C++, or Java programming languages or studio-specific scripting programs.

Other Career Options

There are many additional careers in this field, including lawyers, market analysts, producers, and translators.

Course work includes development of a student’s ability to create, store, communicate, exchange and use information to solve technical issues related to information support and services, simulation and game development, interactive media, network systems, programming and software development, information security and other emerging technologies based on the selected area of study.

Find more information about Information Technology (A25590SG) Simulation and Game Development and Network Management, AAS. 

• SGD 111 – Introduction to SGD Credit Hours: 3
  • This course provides students with an introduction to simulation and game development. Topics include setting, storytelling, narrative, character design, interface design, game play, internal economy, core mechanics, game genres, AI, the psychology of game design, and professionalism. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the major aspects of simulation and game design and development.
• SGD 112 – SGD Design Credit Hours: 3
  • This course introduces the fundamentals of simulation and game design. Topics include industry standards and design elements for simulation and games. Upon completion, students should be able to design simple simulations and/or games.
• SGD 113 – SGD Programming Credit Hours: 3
  • This course introduces the fundamentals of programming languages and tools employed in simulation and game development. Emphasis is placed on programming concepts used to create simulations and games. Upon completion, students should be able to program simple games and/or simulations.
• SGD 114 – 3D Modeling Credit Hours: 3
  • This course introduces the tools required to create three-dimensional (3D) models. Emphasis is placed on exploring tools used to create 3D models. Upon completion, students should be able to create and animate 3D models using 3D modeling tools.

Completion of these 4 courses will earn the student the Simulation & Game Development Certificate.