The exciting process of making a game requires knowledge and experience. Typically, undergraduate programs focus on practical things, while master’s programs include several business courses.

Students can choose from several master’s programs:

• Interactive Design

• Entertainment Design

• 3D modeling

• Games and Interactive Media

• Digital Media and Digital Design

• Digital Production

• Video Game Design

• Computer Graphics and Art Design

• Concept art

• Game Programming

• Game Production and Management

• Game Audio

• Human-Computer Interaction

• Artificial Intelligence

• Game Studies

• Gaming Industry Standards

Such educational programs will help a graduate climb the career ladder in the gaming industry faster, as a master’s degree will open the door to management positions. In addition, on average, master’s students earn more than graduates of bachelor’s programs and have the same work experience. However, the final salary depends on experience and the company. The salaries listed below apply to senior professionals with six years or more experience.

Typically, academic programs are available both on campus and online. And some universities offer AA, BFA, MA, or MFA degrees.

Potential Careers in Game Design with a Master’s

After completing one of the programs listed above, graduates can work in the game development field. Here are the main professions.

Lead Game Designer

The Lead Game Designer is responsible for managing the team, creating flowcharts, and storyboards, and planning the steps the team will follow in developing the game. The average salary for this specialist is $97,400.

Video Game Designer

Senior video game designer coordinates the work of designers and monitors the process of project development, from concept to quality testing. The specialist earns $92,900 per year.

Game Interface Designer

A game interface designer is responsible for the player’s interaction with the game and how the player receives feedback on his actions from the game.

Software Engineer

The process of creating a game cannot do without a senior developer. Graduate students can choose this field and study the practical aspects of the game creation and production process at the same time. The average salary of a developer exceeds that of a designer and is equal to $105,700.

Multimedia artists and animators

These specialists create special effects and animation for games, movies, and other content. The median salary is equal to $76,560.

Level-designer

Level-designer develops the mission and game locations, describes the environment, and calculates the placement of objects on the map. The average salary in American companies is $81,598.

Content Game Designer

The content game designer is responsible for incorporating new content into the game, and customizing character behavior and interaction — active and background. Specialists earn salaries ranging from $89,161 and $115,371.

Narrative Designer

The narrative designer is responsible for the narrative through gameplay, text and sound, and images. Specialists oversee the quality of the «gameplay and narrative» bundle in the released game. In the U.S., these professionals earn about $65,944 per year on average.