Is game design a good major? Let’s break it down

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Key takeaways about a game design major

Game design majors learn how to create engaging, playable digital and tabletop games.
You’ll study storytelling, coding, art, psychology, and user experience.
Careers include game designer, developer, animator, and more.
Salaries vary, but many roles offer competitive pay and creative freedom.
Game design is a great fit if you love games and want to build them from the ground up.

So, what is game design?

Game design is the art and science of creating games people actually want to play. It’s about crafting the rules, stories, visuals, and mechanics that make a game fun, challenging, and memorable. Whether it’s a mobile puzzle game or a massive open-world RPG, game designers shape the player’s experience from start to finish.

If you’ve ever played a game and thought, “I could make something like this,” or “This would be better if…,” game design might be your calling.

What do game design majors actually study?

Game design majors dive into a mix of creative and technical courses. Expect to take classes like:

Game mechanics and level design
Storytelling and narrative development
2D and 3D art and animation
Programming and scripting (often in languages like C# or Python)
User experience (UX) and interface design
Psychology of play and player behavior

You’ll likely work on real game projects, either solo or in teams, and build a portfolio that shows off your skills.

Skills I’ll build as a game design major

Game design is a multidisciplinary field, so you’ll develop a wide range of skills:

Creative thinking: Designing worlds, characters, and stories
Technical skills: Coding, using game engines like Unity or Unreal
Collaboration: Working with artists, writers, and developers
Problem-solving: Balancing gameplay and fixing bugs
Communication: Pitching ideas and giving feedback

These skills aren’t just useful in gaming—they’re valuable in tech, media, education, and more.

Is game design a good major for me?

If you’re passionate about games and enjoy both creativity and logic, game design could be a great fit. It’s ideal for students who:

Love storytelling, art, or coding
Enjoy solving problems and thinking strategically
Want to work in a fast-paced, innovative industry
Are excited to collaborate and learn from others

Not sure yet? Use the Scout College Search to explore schools and programs that match your interests.

Double majors and minors that pair well with game design

Game design works well with other creative and technical fields. Popular pairings include:

Computer science: For deeper coding skills
Art or animation: To level up your visual design
Psychology: To understand player behavior
Business or marketing: For launching your own games or studios

Popular careers for game design majors

Game design majors can pursue a variety of roles, including:

Game designer: Plans gameplay, mechanics, and player experience
Game developer: Codes and builds the game
Animator or artist: Creates visuals and character movements
Narrative designer: Writes dialogue and story arcs
UX designer: Focuses on how players interact with the game

Some grads also work in education, simulation design, or interactive media.

Game design major salary: what can I expect?

If you’re aiming for a career in animation or game development, the numbers look promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, special effects artists and animators—a common path for game design grads—earned a median salary of $99,800 per year in 2024. Entry-level roles may start lower, but with experience and a strong portfolio, you can earn well above that, especially in top industries like film, advertising, and gaming.

Notable schools for game design majors

Some top schools known for game design programs include:

University of Southern California (USC)
DigiPen Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
New York University (NYU)

Use the Scout College Search to find more schools that fit your vibe.

Scholarships for game design majors

If you're interested in a degree in game design, we have tools and resources to help. Use Scout College Search to find schools that match your goals and Scholly Scholarships to find scholarships based on your skills and interests. You can also explore a range of scholarships by major, including scholarships for game design majors—and easily apply for Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship.