If you’re looking for game design schools in Delaware, this guide will help you find the best programs. We cover offerings from the University of Delaware, Wilmington University, and Delaware Technical Community College. Discover the degrees, courses, and career opportunities available.
- The University of Delaware offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Game Studies and eSports, and a minor in Game Design and Development, focusing on both the creative and technical aspects of game design.
- Wilmington University provides a multifaceted Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development with concentrations in Game Art Production and Interactive Programming, along with a Graduate Certificate in Game Design for advanced training.
- Delaware Technical Community College offers an Associate Degree in Multimedia Design with a Game Design Focus and facilitates credit transfers to four-year institutions, enhancing educational and career pathways.
Game Design Programs at University of Delaware
Game design and development offerings at the University of Delaware are robust, making it stand out. The programs here emphasize both the creative and technical aspects of game design, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the dynamic world of video game development.
Bachelor of Science in Game Studies and eSports
The University of Delaware’s Bachelor of Science in Game Studies and eSports aims to provide students with the diverse skills necessary for a career in the gaming industry. This program includes specialized pathways in game creation and management, making it versatile for various career aspirations.
Students must complete six core courses that lay the foundation for their education:
- Introduction to Art and Design for Games
- Introduction to Programming in Games
- Introduction to Game Development
- Introduction to Writing for Games
- Introduction to Game Studies
- Introduction to eSport Management
These courses cover essential topics from game mechanics and gameplay to the business side of eSports.
Furthermore, by participating in internships and capstone projects such as the GAME 401 course, students gain practical experience alongside their academic learning. This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are not just theoretically proficient but also ready to tackle real-world challenges in game development.
Minor in Game Design and Development
For students majoring in computer science, graphic design, or related fields, the University of Delaware’s minor in Game Design and Development is an excellent complement. It introduces key design and programming concepts that are critical for creating engaging video games.
This minor helps students gain specialized skills in game creation, complementing their primary field of study and enhancing their career prospects in the game industry. By integrating courses that focus on both the artistic and technical sides of game design, students can develop a well-rounded skill set that is highly valued in the industry.
Wilmington University’s Game Design and Development Degrees
Another prominent institution offering accredited degrees in game design and development in Delaware is Wilmington University. Known for its hands-on lab environment and industry-standard gaming software, Wilmington University prepares students to meet the demands of the game industry effectively.
Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development
Wilmington University’s Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development is a multifaceted program that integrates:
- Interactive design
- Video production
- Graphic design
- 3D modeling
- Programming
This program gives students a thorough understanding of the product creation pipeline, from initial concept to final implementation.
Students can choose between two specialized concentrations: Game Art Production and Interactive Programming, allowing them to focus on their area of interest. The curriculum also includes project management and marketing for game products, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded professionals ready to create video games for various platforms.
More so, Wilmington University places a strong emphasis on practical learning by offering internships and capstone experiences where students can apply their skills in a real-world setting and build a portfolio to showcase their abilities.
Graduate Certificate in Game Design
Wilmington University’s Graduate Certificate in Game Design is available for those who wish to bolster their existing skills or transition into the game industry. This program is ideal for individuals who already have a foundational understanding of game design and are seeking advanced training.
The certificate program focuses on advanced game design techniques and industry-standard practices, providing students with the skills needed to excel in the competitive game industry. This specialized training helps students stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
Delaware Technical Community College’s Game Design Pathways
For students interested in game development, Delaware Technical Community College offers pragmatic pathways. Their programs are designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills, with opportunities to transfer to four-year institutions for further education.
Associate Degree in Multimedia Design with Game Design Focus
Delaware Technical Community College’s Associate Degree in Multimedia Design with a Game Design Focus emphasizes applied knowledge and skills, preparing students for immediate employment in the game industry. The program covers technical aspects crucial for game design, including animation and interactive programming.
Students in this program will work on creating three different types of games, providing a hands-on learning experience that is essential for mastering game development techniques.
Transfer Opportunities to Four-Year Institutions
A variety of transfer opportunities are available at Delaware Technical Community College through dual admissions agreements with Delaware State University and Wilmington University. These agreements facilitate the transfer of credits, making it easier for students to continue their education and pursue a bachelor’s degree.
The college also has program-to-program transfer agreements, which are designed to streamline the process for students transferring from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree program. This ensures that students can make the most of their education and career opportunities.
Specialized Training and Workshops in Delaware
Alongside degree programs, Delaware provides specialized training and workshops for a hands-on learning experience in game development. These opportunities are perfect for individuals looking to enhance specific skills or gain new ones.
Short Courses and Bootcamps
Short-term courses and bootcamps offering intensive training in game development, coding, and digital art are available in Delaware. NobleProg, for example, offers various game development bootcamps and evening courses in Wilmington, Delaware. These programs include practical examples and troubleshooting real projects, ensuring students gain hands-on experience.
Students can also explore online training programs and a 90-minute challenge to create a small game, which helps enhance their practical skills and understanding of game development techniques.
Industry Workshops and Networking Events
For game design graduates, networking and industry connections are of paramount importance. Delaware offers various industry workshops and networking events where students can connect with professionals and explore career opportunities. The Delaware TSA State Leadership Conference, for example, includes workshops on cutting-edge technology topics and hands-on learning experiences.
These events provide valuable insights into the game industry, helping students build relationships that can lead to internships, job opportunities, and collaborations in the future.
Career Prospects for Game Design Graduates in Delaware
With a burgeoning game design industry offering a variety of job opportunities, the career prospects for game design graduates in Delaware are promising. Graduates can find roles in game development studios, educational game design, and larger gaming companies, among other fields.
Job Roles and Responsibilities
Game designers are responsible for:
- Creating the core mechanics and systems of a game
- Ensuring the game is engaging and playable
- Maintaining comprehensive documentation detailing gameplay features, interactions, and events to guide the development process.
Level designers focus on creating game levels, environments, stories, and quests that are cohesive and engaging for players. Systems designers, on the other hand, work on minute-to-minute gameplay systems like controls, movement, and combat to enhance the gaming experience.
Programmers write the code that brings these designs to life, ensuring the game’s functionality and performance, while artists develop the visual elements, including characters, environments, and animations.
Local Game Development Companies and Studios
Numerous game development companies in Delaware provide ample employment opportunities for graduates. Big Fish Games, known for its casual games, and Zenimax Online Studios, which develops large-scale MMORPGs, are notable examples.
Indie studios like Ghost Crab Games and Silverware Games also offer exciting opportunities for game designers to create innovative and engaging games. These studios provide a diverse range of projects and work environments, making Delaware a great place for budding game developers.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Game Design Students
Although pursuing a career in game design can be financially demanding, a variety of financial aid options are available for students. These include university-specific scholarships, as well as state and federal financial aid programs.
University-Specific Scholarships
Esports players at the University of Delaware can avail partial scholarships based on the following criteria:
- Game experience
- Highest in-game rank
- Team-based needs
- Individual competitive achievements
These gaming scholarships are available annually and help support students financially while they pursue their education.
Additionally, these scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of college tuition, allowing students to focus on their studies and career goals.
State and Federal Financial Aid
To access state and federal financial aid, the first step is to complete the FAFSA. Federal Pell Grants and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are available based on financial need, determined by the FAFSA and the U.S. Department of Education.
Students can also benefit from federal work-study programs, federal student loans, and state-specific grants. These financial aids provide essential support, making it more feasible for students to pursue their game design education.