Info on Working as a Video Game Designer in Michigan

Video game enthusiasts around the world seek careers in Animation or Video Game Design.  The skills involved in this profession appeal as much to competitive techies as to artists who can finally make a living at their craft.  Thousands of Michigan businesses hire Animators and Video Game Designers.  Most of these jobs are in or near Detroit.  However, training and employment opportunities exist throughout the state, not to mention in neighboring states like Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. 

Michigan Schools and Training Programs for Video Game Design

Many Michigan colleges and Universities offer degree programs in Animation and Video Game Design.  Those who take an interest in this field are often computer science majors, with special focus on digital graphics.  Others may earn programming or math degrees with emphasis on game design and animation.  State schools offering degrees Interactive Game Design include DeVry in Southfield, The Art Institutes with campuses in Troy and Novi.  Also accessible is the University of Phoenix, which has ten Michigan campuses.  Similar training and employment opportunities are available throughout the state. 

Working as a Video Game designer in Michigan

Animators and Video Game Designers at the top of their field can earn quite a decent living (and sometimes hit pay dirt) doing what they like to do.  As you might expect, the wages for this type of work vary depending on experience, effort, talent, ability, productivity, networking, geographic location and other factors.  The average annual salary for an Animator or Video Game Designer in the United States ranges from about $35,000 to more than $200,000 per year.  However, this data fails to account for the salaries of self-employed individuals. 

Companies in Michigan who hire for these positions might include software publishers, mobile phone service providers, colleges, universities, graphic design firms and animation studios, as well as advertising agencies like Johnson, BBDO, Young & Rubicam, GM Planworks, JWT and Starcom.  Some designers work for Michigan-based movie producers like Giant Eel Productions and Bridge Entertainment in Detroit, or Dalton in Saginaw, or Michigan Creative in East Lansing. 

Primarily, entry level positions in Animation and Video Game Design require at least an Associate's degree, as well as some professional-level game design experience.  But you don't necessarily have to work for a firm, considering the virtually unlimited supply of private companies and websites featuring (or wanting to feature) their own video games.  Professional Animators and Video Game Designers often do freelance consulting, creating their own schedules and working from home.  They can secure gigs as independent contractors for more than one employer, or they can design and sell their own games independently.

Recommended Skills for Video Game Designers

A Video Game Designer maps out the rules of the game, creates a reliable scoring system and includes original puzzles, booby traps and other clever challenges aimed at keeping players in the game.  Then the designer creates the artwork and/or consults with professional Animators and other graphic artists to capture a visual style appropriate to the elements of the game.  Then the designer has the game play-tested by many people to gauge its potential for commercial success. 

Professional Video Game Designers study math, computer science, graphics, game theory, story lines, character development and other topics in an ongoing effort to create realistic, action-packed interactive products.  Video Game Designers strive for universal appeal in hopes that their games will be downloaded by the millions.