Game Design Course: Fees, Admission, Top Colleges, Distance Learning, Online

The gaming industry is booming all over the world. The advent of smartphones has revolutionized the business of video games. The interest of the students has increased in this field to such an extent that now they do not just want to be limited to playing video games, but are also looking at the career prospects in gaming. This boom in the gaming sector has also increased the demand for game designers worldwide. Keeping this in view, many universities and colleges are offering different level of courses in Game Design. If you want to do something different and see your future in the Game Design, check out the courses available in this field.

Types of Game Design Courses-UG & PG

The types of Game Design courses can be classified based on the mode of study. Candidates can pursue Game Design course after class 12 depending on the mode of study and credentials provided after the course. Although any specific subject is not required to study Game Design, having knowledge of Computer Application or Computer Science can help you understand a whole fundamentals related to Game Design. The types of courses available for Game Design are explained in detail below:

Full Time Game Design Courses: This is a classroom-based undergraduate degree course that has a three-year course duration. After completing the course candidates can pursue PG degree or PG diploma courses, which are generally of two-years in duration.

Part Time/Distance Learning Game Design Courses: These courses are generally offered by open universities and they are similar to a full-time degree course. The only difference is students can complete the course and get the credential without going to college

Game Design Certificate Courses: These are the short term courses offered by various colleges

Popular Game Design Courses - UG & PG

The popular UG and PG level Game Design courses are given below. 

Game Design Degree Courses – UG

UG courses in Game Design can be pursued after 10+2. Check the details of the UG courses below:

The undergradute courses in Game Design are tabulated below:

Distance Learning/Part Time Game Design Courses-UG

Candidates who cannot attend classes on a regular basis yet aspire to pusue a course in Game Design can go for Distance Education mode. It is similar to the regular course in terms of the structure of the curriculum. The eligibility criteria for such courses is 10+2 pass from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks. The admissions to such courses are given on merit basis. The Distance/Part time Game Design courses are given below:

Game Design Diploma Courses-UG

The duration of Diploma courses in Game Design ranges from 1-2 year. The eligibility criteria for such courses is similar to that of UG degree courses i.e. 10+2 passed in any stream. Usually the admission to such courses is given on merit basis. The Diploma courses in Game Design are tabulated below:

Game Design Certificate Courses-UG

A certificate is also a short term course. A candidate who wishes to pursue a short term or certificate course can opt for below mentioned courses:

Game Design Degree Courses – PG

PG courses in Game Design can be pursued after completion of a UG course. The details are tabulated below:

The postgraduate courses in Game Design are tabulated below:

Game Design Diploma Courses – PG

PG diploma courses in Game Design are also available. The eligibility criteria is same as PG degree courses. The admissions to such courses are mostly on a merit basis. Some of the courses are:

• Advance Diploma in Game Programming
• PGD in Gaming Design
• Advanced Diploma in 3D Game Content Creation

Upcoming Trends in Game Design

The gaming industry is not only booming but also evolving at a rapid clip. So someone who is interested to make a career in the gaming industry ought to be conversant with the latest and upcoming trends in the field.

Here are some of the hottest trends in the gaming industry:

Bridging the gender diversity - While most gamers are traditionally male, it has been found that women are not averse to mobile games. As per some estimates, 65% of women in the US play mobile games. 

In fact, there are certain games like Animal Crossing, which have managed to win the approval of women users. So, women-friendly games can be a game changer!

Exploring platforms outside Steam - While Steam has been the all-powerful platform for the PC game market, other platforms of late are also starting to catch up.

In its early days, Steam was the only platform that allowed gamers to browse, review, buy and play PC games. This allowed Steam to monopolize the market and create a huge empire.

But all that is changing, as most of the services offered by Steam are also available on other platforms as well. GOG.com and Epic games have managed to project themselves as worthy alternatives to Steam. 

Apple TV is here to stay - Apple TV is continuing to add more and more games to its platform, and is now a major player in the market.

Virtual reality back in business - This year, virtual reality has made a stunning comeback, so much so that it has kind of pushed augmented reality to the backburner. 

Some of the popular virtual reality games creating the buzz include Minecraft (from Gear), Oculus Rift, and one game by Steam.

Scope of Gaming Design in India

Until a few years back, the online gaming industry was almost non-existent in India. Fast forward to the present, and the whole scenario has changed as India today is ranked among the top five mobile gaming markets in the world. 

By 2025, the online gaming market in India is projected to reach a valuation of $3.9 billion. The number of gaming companies in the country now has gone past 400. 

The spurt in the gaming industry has been attributed to an increase in disposable income, a young population, and the omnipresence of gadgets like the smartphone. 

A growing industry means more jobs for skilled and qualified people, including gaming designers. The gaming design field in India is ripe at the moment, and so it is the right time to take up a gaming design course.