Game Design Pathway
Does your student love playing video games and want to turn their hobby into a career? Do they often think about how their favorite games could be improved? Or, better yet, have they developed a prototype for a new game? If so, a career in game design could be a great fit!
Game designers develop a story, create visually stunning graphics, write code, find and fix bugs, and launch the game so people can play it.
Gain real-world skills through project-based learning.
At Stride Career Prep,* we integrate project-based learning into the curriculum, so that classwork mirrors what students will be doing in the workplace. With project-based learning, they work on solutions to real-life problems, often with a team.
For example, one of the assignments in the Game Design and Programming pathway is to design and build an interactive game to help a nonprofit raise awareness of the lack of access to safe, clean water. The game must be entertaining and incorporate the best in design and application integrations, including functionality, to generate ad revenue for the nonprofit. Students also have a chance to test and play other students' games.
Get connected.
Our Game Design Pathway Curriculum in Detail
All students take the core courses required for high school graduation in their state. The chart below shows the additional classes students take as part of the Game Design Pathway. You can see the rest of the curriculum by viewing the full course list.
Note: Pathway courses are subject to change.
†New in fall 2022
††New in spring 2023
Get credentialed.
In a world where competition for jobs, pay increases, and academic success continues to increase, certifications provide a credible, third-party assessment of a student's skills and knowledge of a given subject. Students in this pathway can prepare to take these industry-recognized certification exams:**
Get ahead of the competition.
We encourage students to jumpstart the job search by helping them create a professional résumé, cover letter, and profile on Tallo, the leading professional networking platform for Gen Z. Plus, they connect virtually to working business professionals and entrepreneurs through Nepris.***
Find a school near you that offers the Game Design Pathway.
Stride Career Prep programs with the Game Design Pathway are available at tuition-free Stride K12-powered, public online schools in the following states:
Don't see your state? Check out the tuition-based option here in the Game Design Pathway. There are also tuition-free options in related fields like web and digital communications
Choose a career. Prepare for the future.
Students in this pathway can prepare for a wide variety of careers in the field of gaming, including:
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write and test code in languages such as C++, Java, and Python that allow computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. In addition, programmers test newly created applications and programs to ensure that they produce the expected results. There can be an overlap with the duties of software developers.
2020 Median Salary
$93,000
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Declining
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree preferred; some employers may accept commensurate experience, demonstrated through a portfolio of programming content including apps, and/or give job candidates a coding challenge to complete.
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on April 1, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Software quality assurance analysts and testers design and execute systems to check the software for problems. As part of their testing, these workers document and track the software's potential defects or risks. They also assess its usability and functionality to identify difficulties a user might have. After completing testing, they report the results to software or web developers and review ways to solve any problems they find.
2020 Median Salary
$110,140
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Much faster than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on April 1, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm.
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Special effects artists and animators create two- and three-dimensional models, images that appear to move, and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media. Some special effects artists focus on creating animated movies or video games. Others create visual effects for movies and television shows.
2020 Median Salary
$78,790
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Much faster than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
A bachelor's degree in computer graphics, animation, fine arts, or a related field is usually required. Employers typically prefer to hire candidates with a good portfolio and strong technical skills, both of which students may develop while earning a degree.
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on April 1, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm.
FAQs
Do you need a college degree to get a job as a game designer?
Companies in the game design field are often more interested in a portfolio than in any degree. They want to see that you've already designed games with high-quality graphics and animations. That's why developing a portfolio is so important and why we help students start their portfolios through our unique project-based curriculum.
Learn more about course offerings in the other Stride Career Prep career fields.
*Stride Career Prep is a program for grades 9–12. Some schools offer career exploration in middle school.
**Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
***Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.
