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Video and Computer Game Programming Degree - Online and Campus Programs

Video and computer games represent a growing share of the entertainment industry, bringing in billions of dollars in revenue each year. In 2009, the industry took in $20.2 billion in the U.S. alone. As a video and computer game programmer, you can put your creative and technical skills to work in a high-demand, lucrative career.

Computer Game Programming: An Overview

Video and computer game development offers an ideal professional path for creative designers with technical programming ability. Computer game programming uses state-of-the-art animation and CGI software to develop interactive games. Specialize in storyboarding, character development, 3D graphics, console design, modeling and light mapping, and more.

How to Prepare for a Career in Computer Game Programming

Most computer game programmers begin as veteran players. Playing computer games gives you a firsthand perspective on the user experience as well as design ideas. To transform your gaming hobby into a career, however, you'll need computer game programming training. A computer game programming certification or degree trains you to use advanced 3D and digital design applications and programming languages. You'll develop your own design portfolio to showcase your work to employers. The increasing sophistication of video and computer game programming is raising the bar for training. Many employers prefer a bachelor's degree in game design, multimedia design, or computer programming. An associate's degree or programming certification can also help you launch your career.

Outlook for Computer Game Programming Careers

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, multimedia artists such as computer game programmers will drive overall growth of 12 percent in jobs for artists. Since this figure includes artists whose numbers are declining, the growth of video game designers should be much higher. The mean annual wage for all multimedia designers was $62,380 in 2008. Turn your passion for computer gaming into a career with game programming training. Computer game programming schools offer the credentials and technical skill development to get you started in this high-growth sector of the design industry.