Many gamers dream of one day making a living designing video games themselves. A video game job is possible, but a job working as a video game designer is usually earned from years of experience doing other work in this field. The gaming industry continues to grow at a rapid rate. University programs in computer science with a specialty in video games development are beginning to emerge as popular choices for engineers. Following are some of the places where you can learn how to be a games programmer or video games developer.

Fortunately there are many types of jobs from which to choose, both on the technical side and on the business side of the industry. And what a booming industry it is. Many accredited, well-respected universities now offer degree programs online. Below is a listing of some top online degree programs in the technology fields. I have included links to each program as well as the types of degrees and specialties that each program focuses on.

A video game designer will come up with a concept that will eventually become a video game and see that idea through to fruition. He or she will work with other members of the development team, including artists, programmers and audio engineers. Video game design jobs are not entry-level positions — one will have to work himself or herself up to this position by working in other jobs in the field. Video game design jobs include game designer, lead designer and level designer.

Video game programmers design and develop the codes that make video games work. They work with the design team to implement its vision for the final product. Video game programmers specialize in one area of programming and are usually computer software engineers and computer programmers. Video Game Tester. A game tester provides quality assurance for a video game company. He or she makes sure a game functions as it is supposed to, identifies problems and bugs, and reports findings.

Using a computer isn't always about playing video games and chatting with friends. You can just as easily create your own video games and programs. They may not be quite as glamorous as the games you buy in the store, but you'll have the satisfaction of doing it yourself. And, you'll be learning important skills in case you want to work with computers in the future. These are some of the best tools for kids and teens to learn to program.

Game designer salary. Lead artists with a hit console title to their credit are entertaining offers in the low six figures. There are a lot of console projects in development that are screaming for talent. There is still a shortage on the market of experienced 3D game animators. Top grads from programs like Ringling and Vancouver are still getting offers in the $50-$60K range. Of course, that is for the top talent.