Game designer educational programs typically include courses in digital art, programming language and higher mathematics. These courses typically focus on the fundamentals of using design software. For example, students may learn how to code in C++ and use modeling software to create 3D forms and figures. Some programs may also offer an introductory course on the video game industry. This course highlights major companies in the industry as well as prevalent business models.
Graduates can enter several sub fields in video game design. For example, a 3D artist specializes in modeling, lighting and rendering 3D content from 2D designs. A character rigger designs and controls the animation for rag doll setups, skin weighting and facial expressions. These sub fields involve the use of the same basic skills learned in most game design programs, but with different software programs. The average salary for a video game designer is $85,000 as of March 2011, according to Indeed.com.