The pandemic and the self-isolation it warranted had quite an unexpected effect on the world’s population. People with nothing other than the usual to do at home took up whatever digital device they owned, and subsequently, the gaming industry saw a huge uptick in numbers – the Newzoo Global Games Market Report 2021 reported a player growth rate of more than 5.4% from 2020-21 and predicted a CAGR (2019-2024) beyond 8.7%.
This couldn’t be the work of young people on their PUBG BGMI alone, as some esteemed politicians seem to think. The games industry has been on the rise ever since as thousands of people take up mobiles, PCs, and consoles each day, and with that, the demand for games and the people who make them are also rising.
If you’ve been into gaming, art, and storytelling since childhood, now’s the chance to grab the apple from the tree and pursue a career in game art and design. In this blog, we’ll explore the most sensible course to take up for an exciting and well-paying career in the gaming industry. So stick around till the end if you want to find out how to kickstart your game art and design career.
What is a Bachelor in Game Art and Design Course?
A bachelor in game art and design is a four-year undergraduate degree program that you can take after completing your 10+2. This course will teach you the fundamental skills required for game designer – from concept art and 3D modelling – to programming and animation.
To get an overview of this course at JS Institute of Design, check out the table below.
| Course Name | Bachelor in Game Art and Design |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 passed from any stream |
| Admission Process | Creative Intelligence Test |
| Common Job Roles | game artist, game designer, game programmer, game animator, game tester, game producer, etc. |
Why Pursue a Game Design Course?
The importance of game design for a successful career in the games industry can be understood if we look at some of the benefits of pursuing a game art and design course:
- You will gain a solid foundation in the principles and practices of game development like game assets, environments, characters, gameplay mechanics, etc.
- You will develop a portfolio of game projects that showcase your creativity and game artist skills in tools and software such as Photoshop, Maya, Unity, Unreal Engine, etc.
- You will have access to industry-standard facilities and equipment if you choose to specialise in a specific area of game development. Some of these include level design, user interface design, sound design, narrative design, etc.
- You will get opportunities to network with professionals and peers in the gaming industry.
- You will have a competitive edge in the job market as Newzoo’s report predicts the games market will reach $218.7 billion in 2024.
(Source: Newzoo Global Games Market Report 2021)
How to Kickstart Your Career in Game Art and Design?
If you are interested in pursuing a game art and design course, here are some tips on how to kickstart your career in this field:
Research Thoroughly
Research the curriculum, faculty, facilities, fees, admission requirements and anything else that might concern you before you apply for a course. Check out online reviews, rankings and testimonials from alumni and students of different colleges and universities to find the one where you’d like to apply for your game art and design course.
Up-skill Constantly
While a degree in game art and design can give you the necessary knowledge and training, don’t forget to upskill on the side. You can continue to build your skills and portfolio and keep yourself updated on the latest trends and technologies in the gaming industry through the help of:
- Online courses
- Tutorials
- Books and blogs
- Communities and forums
- Game jams and competitions
- Creating your own games.
Showcase Your Projects
One of the most important dedication factors for a company to hire for Game and Art Design Jobs like a game artist or designer is a candidate with a strong portfolio. You should create a website or blog where you can showcase your work on your games, whether it be:
- Sketches
- Models
- Animations
- Screenshots, or
- Videos.
Also include a resume that highlights your education, skills, experience and achievements and be active on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram, where you can:
- Share your work
- Network with other game developers
- Follow industry news.
Apply for Positions in the Gaming Industry
After having completed your degree and built your portfolio, start applying for internships or jobs in the gaming industry, which promises plenty of game design and art scope. Top names in the gaming industry hire game art and design professionals on a regular basis. Some of these companies include the likes of:
- Ubisoft
- Unity
- Capcom
- Square Enix
- Rockstar Games
- Nintendo
- Sony
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Valve Corporation
- Tencent Games
- Sega
- Microsoft Studios
- Epic Games
Conclusion
Game art and design can lead to a rewarding career path, allowing you the freedom to express your passion for gaming and create amazing games that entertain millions of players around the world, while earning a fat buck. All you need to do to kickstart your career in this field is pursue a game art and design course that teaches you the fundamentals of game development, build your skills and portfolio on your own, create your own games and showcase your work online. After that, applying for internships or jobs that match your profile and interests shouldn’t be too much of a problem since the games industry shows no sign of slowing down, and is likely to boom again as technologies like 5G and Metaverse reach maturity.
FAQs
- How do I start a career in game art?
You can start a career in game art by perfecting your skills on your own through online sources, but the best way is still to get a degree like the Bachelor in Game Art and Design program.
- What skills do game artists need?
Game artists need to be creative first of all and use it adeptly using tools like Photoshop, Maya, Unity, Unreal Engine, etc.
- Is game design a good paying job?
Yes, game designers have an average salary of over INR 8.5 LPA in India, according to Glassdoor.
- Is game design in high demand?
Yes, game design is in high demand and this is only projected to grow exponentially in the coming years.
- What is the future of game designers?
The future of game designers is bright as they’ll always be in demand even in situations where other industries are in a slump, as the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have shown.
