BFA in Video Game Design

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Video Game Design curriculum promotes the nuts and bolts of game development and animation, underscored by narrative and game theory. You’ll start with a solid foundation in fine arts, design, and media studies and take professional courses that sharpen your skills in building, networking, and pitching an impressive portfolio. Advanced animation classes alongside general education classes fine-tune your critical thinking and technical skills, all enriched with perspectives on faith and culture.

An integral part of your journey involves hands-on experiences through internships and portfolio creation. These real-world exposures to designing and developing games and interactive digital media ensure you’re not just ready to enter the game industry; you’re set to lead it.

Degree Plan

Review degree requirements.

Video Game Design Courses

The BFA in Video Game Design program offers courses that seamlessly blend practical application with thoughtful reflection, from studying narrative theory to finding the through line between classical fine arts and advanced animation.

Courses include:

• Advanced Game Development I and II
• Animation Production I and II
• Art Foundations for Digital Artists
• Gameplay Implementation
• Principles of Game Theory

With a BFA in Video Game Design, you’ll be ready to join creative and technical settings related to video game design and development across entertainment companies, multimedia studios, and even PR and marketing industries that support the game industry.

Apply your knowledge in dynamic environments, from designing compelling game experiences to managing teams and game launches. Additionally, pursuing graduate studies becomes a viable next step, with options ranging from audio engineering and video game scoring to animation programming, editing, and business management.

Career and Salary Outcomes

The Video Game Design major opens the door to careers in game design and development, where you fuse your artistic abilities with the tools to create captivating interactive experiences. Specializing in lighting or texture animation, designing background environments, or refining character appearances are just a few paths available. The program also prepares you to work with teams to bring visionary games and interactive media to life—whether designing immersive levels for a first-person RPG or capturing the charm of a retro-inspired scrolling game.

Potential careers include:

• 3D Modeler
• Character Designer
• Environment Designer
• Game Designer
• Game Programmer
• Game Tester
• Game Writer
• Storyboard Artist

The video game industry’s dynamic nature means salaries can vary, with factors such as your role, experience, and the size and location of the company playing a part. As your career progresses, opportunities to move into senior positions like lead game designer or art director become achievable.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, digital designers, including video game designers, earn an average annual salary of $80,730; special effects artists and animators can make an average of $98,950 every year; and art directors can earn around $105,180 annually.

Explore Technical and Aesthetics Aspects of Game Design

As a Video Game Design major, you can perfect your drawing and animation style while also mastering the intricacies of game development and implementation through projects in computer labs and direct design assignments. You’ll work on your own, with teams of other students, and under faculty mentorship. This comprehensive approach ensures you’re not just learning about game design; you’re actively participating in creating real games.

Work a Video Game Industry Internship

This program transcends classroom learning, including experiences pitching game concepts and participation in a semester-long internship. Completing an internship in game development and interactive media sharpens skills across design, professional communication, and animation techniques and immerses you in the day-to-day of video game careers. Access to a broad range of intern locations and employers in the vast metropolitan area of Houston ensures preparedness for the professional world of game design.