Info on Working as a Video Game Designer in Indianapolis

Today's job market bursts with Animators and Video Game Designers.  The skills involved in this lucrative occupation appeal as much to techy gamers as to artists who can finally make a living at their craft.  Businesses throughout the state of Indiana employ specialists in interactive video game design.  Most of these jobs are centered in or near Indianapolis. 

Indianapolia Schools and Training Programs for Video Game Design

Many reputable Indiana colleges and Universities offer degree programs in Animation and Video Game Design.  People pursuing this career often become computer science majors with emphasis on digital graphics.  Others might choose to major in programming with a special focus on animation, or perhaps math with emphasis game theory. 

Indianapolis schools offering degrees interactive game design include the University of Indianapolis, DeVry, ITT Tech and University of Phoenix.  Similar degree programs in Animation and Video Game Design are also available online.

Working as a Video Game Designer in Indianapolis

Animators and Video Game Designers can earn big money doing what they like, though the pay rate for this type of work varies.  Starting salaries depend on various factors like experience, effort, talent, ability, productivity, networking and geographic location.  The average annual salary for Animators and Video Game Designers in the United States is about $60,000, with salaries ranging anywhere from about $35,000 to more than $200,000 per year.  Indianapolis game designers can expect to earn, on average, about $43,000 annually.  However, this data fails to account for the wages of those who are self-employed. 

Indianapolis companies employing video game designers include software publishers, mobile phone service providers, colleges, universities, graphic design firms and animation studios.  Some designers join local advertising agencies like Ameritech or AT&T Advertising Solutions.  Others work for Indianapolis movie producers like Shoemaker, IMS and Sensory Tech.     

Entry level positions in animation and video game design typically require a degree and some professional background.  However, designers don't necessarily have to work for a firm, considering the cornucopia of private companies and websites featuring (or wanting to feature) their own video games.  Many video game designers work on a freelance basis, making their own schedules and telecommuting from home.  They often secure gigs as independent contractors for companies and private businesses.  Some design and sell their own games independently.  Some build game-related websites.

Recommended Skills for Video Game Designers

The primary role of a Video Game Designer is to fashion a game with understandable rules and a plausible scoring system, then enhance the game with interesting puzzles, tricks, traps and other irresistible challenges.  The designer then creates the artwork and/or consults with professional Animators to capture a visual style suitable to the game's main features.  The designer also conducts play-testing sessions with enough participants to give some idea of the game's potential for commercial success. 

Professional video game designers study Math, Computer Science, Fine Arts, Digital Graphics, Communications, Game Theory, Story Lines, Character Development, Marketing, Promotion and many other subjects.  The goal is to create realistic, action-packed, innovative products.  The video game designer aims for mass market appeal.