Question 1

What are video games?

Accepted Answer

Video games are electronic games played on computer systems, such as dedicated consoles, personal computers, or mobile phones. Often featuring elements of challenge, strategy, exploration, and entertainment, video games encompass many different genres, like action-adventure, platformers, shooters, and role-playing games (RPGs), that often (but not always) share certain game mechanics. As a result, while some video games may focus purely on gameplay, others may also pay particular attention to storytelling and worldbuilding.

The wide range of player interests and preferences catered to by video games has made them a popular – and lucrative – form of art and entertainment. According to research from Statista, the worldwide revenue for video games is projected to reach a whopping $626.78 billion by 2028, or nearly three times its 2018 valuation [1]. This suggests that demand for video games and the professionals capable of designing them will continue to grow in the coming years.

[1] Statista. “Video game market revenue worldwide from 2018 to 2028.” Accessed December 12, 2023.

Question 2

What are the benefits of taking an online video game course?

Accepted Answer

Online video game courses can help you build the skills to create your own video game or join the industry. Offered by top universities like the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and Michigan State University, Coursera’s flexible, online video game courses and specializations offer a chance for you to build job-relevant skills at your own pace and cost-effectively.

Question 3

What skills do I need to learn for a career in video games?

Accepted Answer

The exact skills you’ll need for a career in the video game industry will vary based on the precise position you’re hoping to land. For example, while video game writers need a strong grasp of storytelling, game developers need a thorough understanding of programming in game engines. Regardless of your role, though, here are some of the skills that you might consider building:

Game design: Understanding of game mechanics, gameplay elements, level design, and user experience principles.
Programming: Proficiency in programming languages like C++, C#, and Java.
Game engines: Familiarity with game development engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.
2D and 3D art: Skills in digital art creation, including character design, environmental modeling, texture, animation, and visual effects.
Audio design: Knowledge of sound editing, music composition, and audio integration technique.
Gameplay testing: Ability to perform playtesting, identify bugs or issues, and provide feedback for game improvement.
Player experience: Awareness of player preferences, market trends, and the ability to create engaging, rewarding game experiences.

Question 4

What topics can I study that are related to video games?

Accepted Answer

Video games are a multi-faceted medium that encompasses many different subjects. As a result, there are various topics that you can study to enhance your skills and knowledge of video games, including game design, sound design, visual art, graphic design, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, storytelling, programming languages, and 3D visual effects (VFX), among other things.

You can explore many of these topics and more on Coursera’s catalog of online courses, Specializations, and guided projects.

Question 5

What kinds of jobs can you get in video games?

Accepted Answer

The video game industry employs many different types of people who hold a wide range of positions. Whether you want to design characters, program gameplay elements, or craft interactive narratives, there’s likely a job for you in the game industry. At a glance, here are just some of the jobs you might consider pursuing:

• Gameplay designer • Game writer • Level designer • User experience (UX) designer • 3D modeling artist • Concept artist • Environment artist • Animator • Sound designer • Engine programmer • Gameplay programmer • Game tester

Read more: What Is a Game Developer (and How Do I Become One)?

Question 6

How much can you earn working in video games?

Accepted Answer

The pay range for video game professionals can vary considerably from one job to another. According to Glassdoor, for example, the average salary of a game developer in the United States is $90,160 a year as of December 2023 [2]. Meanwhile, the average salary for a 3D modeling artist is $61,930 a year as of December 2023 [3]. Ultimately, the precise pay you can expect to earn will vary based not only on your position, but also on your experience level, qualifications, and geographic location.

Question 7

Is video game developer a good career?

Accepted Answer

If you’re interested in joining the video game industry, you might consider pursuing a career as a video game developer. In addition to earning a higher-than-average salary – $90,160 a year, according to Glassdoor (Dec. 2023) [2] – as videogame develop you’ll also get the opportunity to build video games from scratch, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and craft engaging experiences for players around the world.

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Explore the Video Games Course Catalog

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Frequently Asked Questions about Video Games

What are video games? ‎

What are the benefits of taking an online video game course? ‎

What skills do I need to learn for a career in video games?‎

What topics can I study that are related to video games? ‎

What kinds of jobs can you get in video games? ‎

How much can you earn working in video games?‎

Is video game developer a good career? ‎

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