Career Snapshot: Game Designer vs. Game Developer
Because this certificate emphasizes design with light development exposure, salaries can differ depending on which direction students pursue after completion.
Video Game Designer (Creative / Design Focus):
- Median Salary: ~$78,000–$90,000 per year
- Top Range: $120,000–$130,000+ for senior designers or creative directors
- Job Outlook (2023–2033): ~8% growth (BLS, Web & Digital Designers), faster than average
Game Developer / Software Developer (Technical / Programming Focus):
- Median Salary (BLS, 2024): ~$133,000 per year for Software Developers
- Entry-Level Range: ~$80,000–$95,000
- Senior Roles: $160,000–$200,000+ in AI, graphics, or advanced engine programming
- Job Outlook (2024–2034): ~15–16% growth, much faster than average
Essential Skills for Success
Students who complete this pathway will develop:
- Game Design & Mechanics: Crafting rules, systems, and balance for player engagement
- Level & World Building: Designing environments, spaces, and player flow
- Unreal Engine Fundamentals: Scene setup, lighting, materials, basic interactivity
- Blueprint Scripting: Visual scripting for interactivity without full coding
- User Experience & Interface Design: Menus, HUDs, player navigation
- Narrative & Storytelling: Writing story arcs, pacing, and character-driven experiences
- Iteration & Playtesting: Building prototypes, testing, and refining gameplay
Education Pathways
Game designers come from diverse educational backgrounds, from computer science to digital art and interactive media. This certificate lowers the barrier to entry by offering hands-on, beginner-level training.
In CTE programs, this pathway can be enhanced by:
- Electives in digital art, storytelling, or programming fundamentals
- Game jams or project-based courses where students build prototypes
- Dual credit in interactive media or computer graphics
- Partnerships with local indie studios or digital media organizations
Credentials & Certifications
The Epic Games Game Design Professional Certificate includes 8 courses that prepare students for foundational game design work:
- Introduction to Game Design
- Unreal Engine Fundamentals
- Fundamentals of Level Design with Unreal Engine
- Blueprint Scripting
- Visual Development & Audio Design
- User Interface Design
- User Experience Design
- Game Development & Prototyping
Students graduate with a portfolio of playable projects built in Unreal Engine, showcasing both design principles and technical proficiency with Blueprint scripting.
Additional complementary certifications may include:
- Unity Game Development (C# programming)
- UX/UI Design credentials
- 3D modeling tools (Maya, Blender)
- Digital art or animation skill badges
Related Career Pathways
Students completing this pathway can pursue roles such as:
- Game Designer
- Level Designer
- Narrative Designer
- UX / UI Designer (Gaming)
- Gameplay Designer
- Associate Producer
With further study or programming experience, students could also bridge into:
- Game Developer / Programmer
- Graphics / Engine Specialist
How to Get Started
For Students:
- Begin with the Epic Games Game Design Pathway, which combines beginner-level design learning with Unreal Engine project work.
- Join game jams or hackathons to practice rapid prototyping and collaboration.
- Build a portfolio with playable demos, level designs, or user experience case studies.
- Volunteer or intern with local studios, indie teams, or digital media clubs.
- Shadow professionals to see how design choices connect with programming and production.
For CTE Directors and Districts:
- Embed the SchoolDay Academy pathway as a design and technology elective that leads to certificates and student portfolios.
- Provide lab time for students to create playable prototypes in Unreal Engine.
- Partner with local studios or universities for guest speakers, internships, and mentorship.
- Incorporate dual credit, certification prep, and project-based assessments for Perkins V alignment.
Why SchoolDay Academy Recommends This Pathway
SchoolDay Academy recommends the Epic Games Game Design pathway because it blends creativity with technical literacy, giving students a meaningful entry point into the fast-growing gaming and digital design industries.
For students, it’s a chance to transform passion into tangible projects and a career pathway.
For schools, it ensures measurable outcomes—certificates, portfolios, and project-based deliverables—while aligning with Perkins V goals for career readiness, stackable pathways, and equity.
Conclusion
Game design combines art, logic, and technology to create immersive experiences that engage millions of players. By guiding students into the Epic Games Game Design pathway, districts can help them turn creativity into credentials and prepare for roles in one of today’s most exciting industries.
Explore the Epic Games Game Design Career Pathway on SchoolDay Academy and start building your future today.