Info on Working as a Video Game Designer in Aurora, Colorado

Lately, animators and video game designers in Aurora, Colorado are landing high-paying jobs in these popular, high-tech professions.  With close proximity to Denver and a resident population well over 300,000, Aurora is an ideal home to people pursuing careers in this field.  Countless Colorado companies hire Animators and video game designers, with the vast majority of available positions situated in and around Denver.  Many of these jobs are right here in Aurora. 

Aurora Schools and Training Programs for Video Game Design

Numerous colleges and Universities in and near Aurora, Colorado carry degree programs in animation and video game design.  Some game designers major in computer science with focus on digital graphics.  Others might earn programming degrees with emphasis on animation.  Some major in math with and minor in game theory.  Many ways exist to learn the ropes.

Aurora residents seeking degrees in animation or video game design typically attend University of Phoenix.  Denver colleges offering degrees related to interactive game design include The Art Institute and Westwood College.  Many training opportunities and degree programs are also available online. 

Working as a Video Game Designer in Aurora, Colorado

The pay rate for this type of work varies depending on experience, effort, talent, ability, productivity, networking and geographic location, among other factors.  The average annual salary for an animator or video game designer in the United States reportedly ranges from about $35,000 to more than $200,000 per year.  However, this data fails to account for the unreported incomes of self-employed professionals.  In any case, animators and video game designers in Aurora, Colorado can earn hefty annual sums doing what they like to do.  

Companies in Aurora, Colorado hiring for these positions include software publishers, mobile phone service providers, colleges, graphic design firms and animation studios.  Some Aurora designers work with top local ad agencies like Ryden & Associates, VRBO Communications and the Winter Group.  Other local designers work for Aurora-based motion picture producers like Doc Popcorn Aurora, Murder Gourmet, Pathways Productions and Prep Athletes Videography. 

Despite occasional exceptions, employers of video game designers usually require a degree and some experience in the field.  However, motivated self starters don't have to work for a firm, thanks to the inexhaustible supply of start-up companies with websites in need of interactive animation.  Many video game designers choose freelance work, creating their own schedules and telecommuting from home offices.  They work as independent contractors for corporations.  Some create and sell games independently.  Some build game-related websites.

Recommended Skills for Video Game Designers

A video game designer gets an idea for a video game, makes up the rules and calculates a playable scoring system, then enhances the game with puzzles, tricks, traps, maps, mazes, monsters and other surprises.  The designer usually programs the game with increasing difficulty levels and a time limit.  The designer also creates the artwork and/or consults with professional animators to capture the visual style most appropriate to the game.  The designer later conducts play-testing sessions in an effort to determine the game's potential for commercial success. 

Animators and Video Game Designers study math, communications, computer science, fine arts, digital graphics, engineering, game theory, story lines, character development, marketing trends and all sorts of related topics to create realistic, action-packed interactive products of the highest attainable quality.  Video game designers have their joysticks aimed squarely at mass market appeal.