American film schools are amongst the best filmmaking schools worldwide. Discover the top US film school rankings & find what program is best for you.

America has one of the richest film-production histories in the world.  With its golden-age celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Rock Hudson, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, America is known for its incredible innovations throughout the history of film.  Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, is one of the most glamorous and extensive film production regions on the planet.

New York City, on the other hand, is the worldwide center for television production. 

Some of the largest television studios and television production companies call New York City home.  These production companies release thousands of television shows, soap operas, sitcoms, documentaries and television specials each year.

For an up and coming filmmaking, producer, editor or actor, America is quite possibly the best place to find an education in film.  There are film schools all over the country in almost every state in the United States. 

No matter where you live and what your goals are, you can find a superb film school in the United States.

Why Attend an American Film School

Film schools in America are known for their hands-on approach to teaching the ins and outs of the filmmaking industry. 

Students who attend an American filmmaking school will not find themselves wasting time in a classroom listening to dull lectures. 

Nor will students won’t learn from textbooks or theoretical discussions. 

Instead, in the best film schools, students are immersed directly in the film industry by actively involving themselves in the production of a short film or feature length film project.

They’ll learn through mentor relationships.  Real life directors, producers, editors, actors and screenwriters supervise students as they practice the skills and techniques necessary to succeed in the filmmaking industry.

Top Film Schools in America

There are thousands of excellent film schools in the United States of America. 

When film schools are ranked according to which is best for prospective students, the rankings typically depend on region. 

Here are some of the best locations to attend film school in the US:

California: Nothing compares to the opportunities in the film industry that are offered by attending film school in California. 

An LA film school gives students access to hundreds of resources that can help them land a career after graduation.

Just due to proximity to Hollywood, California filmmaking schools make students more likely to make critical contacts and relationships with individuals who are already in the business. 

These contacts are invaluable when you start looking for a film industry job.

New York: The northeast is a great place to attend film school in America.  Whereas California is home to films and movies, New York is the central location of television production. 

Huge television studios that produce an exorbitant amount of shows and series each year can be found among the lights of New York City. 

A New York film school provides students with access to the executives, editors and producers of these television production companies. 

Students can secure internships and apprenticeships at New York City television studios.

Florida: The Sunshine State is a very popular location for film school students.  Those film students are especially interested in a career as a classic animator or a digital animator would find Florida to be a perfect fit for them. 

Florida is also home to large-scale special effects production companies. All of these factors makes attending a film school in Florida is a great choice.

Learn more about Orlando Film Schools and FSU’s Film School

Learn who invented video games as we take you through the history of video games.

The video game may have started its life as an infant several decades ago, but today it has grown into a mature and sophisticated adult. 

Video games began as simple consoles that displayed minimalistic colors and shapes.  The games featured simple story lines and uncomplicated tasks designed for video game players to perform. 

These early video games relied on the player’s reflex and precision to overcome simple obstacles. 

Today, video games are beautifully and intricately designed. 

Video games feature realistic characters, scenes, and situations which require a complicated problem-solving strategy to overcome the presented obstacles. 

Many avid video game players wonder about the history of video games.  Who invented video games? Was it an individual who was bored with the chessboard, or an upstart computer programmer looking to make a quick fortune?  The answer may surprise you.

The Truth Behind Who Invented Video Games?

The earliest video games were not considered games at all.  The simplest of computers was programmed to assist the government in military missile defense. 

As this programming was revealed to the public, intelligent computer programmers began to realize that the computer could be used as a pleasure device and not simply a scientific tool.

Thomas Goldsmith, a computer programmer who worked in the 1940s is credited with the design of the first video game.  He submitted a patent to the United States government for a computer program that would simulate an airplane pilot’s targeting and shooting of enemy ships. 

His design was simple:it involved only aiming the light projected from a cathode ray tube at pinpoints of light on a designated screen. 

This video game was never actually produced: its existence lies only in the theory and the patent.

The Next Step in Video Games

A few years later, a young television technician named Ralph Baer came up with what he thought was a brilliant idea. 

Ralph wondered what the reaction would be to a television set that could be controlled by the viewer, allowing them to manipulate what they were seeing on the screen. 

This leap in thought could possibly have been the beginning of modern video games. 

Unfortunately, Baer’s supervisor rejected the idea and instructed him to get back to work.  Baer’s concept for an interactive television program was never examined.

The Early History of Video Games

In the 1950s and 1960s, several United States universities began allowing students to develop “games” that could be played on their large mainframe computers. 

These games were designed by computer programming hobbyists and were extremely simple and unsophisticated.  The computers simply didn’t have enough memory to run complex lines of code. 

Anything too advanced would render the computer useless. 

A few of these early games were:

• Maze Games: Computer screens displayed an intricate grid of lines which represented the walls of a maze.  Users guided a small point of light, usually representing a mouse, through the maze in an attempt to escape the walls.
• Light and Sound Games: These early video games had no agenda or task for users to complete.  The light and sound video games simply allowed players to manipulate the graphic display and audio produced by the computer by twisting knobs, pulling levers, and punching buttons.  This may not seem like a game at all, but it was a significant advancement in allowing the average individual to see how a computer could be manipulated by a human.
• Drawing Games: Users operating this game could draw simple lines by moving a cursor across a blank screen.  The drawing game was one of the first video games ever featured on a college campus.
• Simple Pen Games: Simple games such as Tic-Tac-Toe were some of the first video games with a computerized opponent.  The computer was programmed to play the opposing team in very simple games.

Do you know the effects of video game violence? We’ve compiled studies & research on video game violence statistics to frame the debate in an educational way.

Video games have long been labeled as the enemy in a coalition of childhood psychologists, anxious parents and frustrated teachers. 

Many childhood developmental experts have pinned the increase in school and home violence on the video game industry. 

Teachers blame violent video games for poor school performance and decreased socialization among students.  Parents blame video games for bad attitudes, failing grades, and general laziness in their children.

Are these accusations founded in reality?  Are video games really the underlying culprit in an increase in school violence amongst pre-teen and teenaged students in the United States?

Are the negative effects of video games overstated, understated or something entirely different?

There are varying statistics compiled from thousands of sources that seem to exist in conflict with one another.  While many do blame the violence featured in video games, others suggest that pinning the problems of children solely on the video game industry is a gross misinterpretation of fact.

Video Game Violence Statistics

To begin with, one must examine the statistics regarding just how many children today are playing video games. 

Unfortunately, that number doesn’t help the case of video game companies.

In a recent survey, over 97% of children between the ages of 13 and 18 stated that they had played video games. 

Half of this number stated that they had played a video game with the past 24-hour period.  Video games are, inarguably, a huge element in the average teenager’s life today.

But Are Video Games to Blame for Violence?

A prevalence of video games in teens’ lives does not necessarily mean that the fault for increased aggression and violence lies with the video game industry. 

Other significant forces may be at work in American children and teenagers.  Movies and books, for example, often depict very violent scenes and scenarios. 

Certainly, if absorbed images are responsible for increased aggression in children, the film industry and the publishing industry must share some of the burden of guilt. 

However, simply explaining away the violence in children by pushing the blame onto the media is a lazy and irresponsible course of action.

Recent Video Game Violence Studies

Recent studies by childhood psychologists have revealed that over half of the boys who have played video games admit to playing a game with a mature audience rating. 

These games are not sold to underage children.  A video game with a mature rating must be purchased by an adult. 

If a child owns a violent video game with a mature rating, the fault must be placed on the parent, guardian or other adult who purchased the game for the child. 

Over a third of parents interviewed in a recent study said that they rarely, if ever, check the ratings on the video games their children are playing. 

This type of laissez-faire parenting strategy is more to blame for misbehavior in children than the media that is being produced. 

Mature Video Games and Children

Mature video games are created for young adults.  These games feature realistic depictions of war violence, murder, grisly crime, and other inappropriate scenes for young children. 

The parent must assume some responsibility in regulating what his or her child views.

If the parent does not purchase a mature video game for his or her child, there still is a risk that that child will be exposed to inappropriately violent video games. 

Parents must check with other parents to be sure there is clarity regarding what a child is allowed to see.  This includes video games, movies and even music. 

A child who is exposed to violent images before he or she has matured is definitely at risk for:

• Physically violent behavior
• Verbal violence
• Relational violence including inappropriate sexual relationships
• Poor school performance
• Greater risk of involvement in criminal activity
• Increased exposure to gang violence and activity

A dream job for gamers is landing one of the many video game tester jobs available. But can testing video games be a career? Learn more about gaming jobs here.

Are you an avid video game player?  Do video games suck up hours of your time every day?  Are you struggling with breaking the habit of letting video games consume your life?  Do you wish there were a way to transform your love of video games into a lucrative career option? 

If the answers to these questions are a resounding yes, then you are in a position to make your dreams come true.

Why Video Game Tester Jobs Exist

The video game industry has exploded in the past decade.  Experts in video game business have estimated that the video game industry was worth over fifty billion dollars in the year 2010. 

Many video games have larger sales totals than movies, television and books combined.  As video game companies like Microsoft and Nintendo release new game systems that support better games, the world of video games is projected to grow exponentially in the next five years.

If you’re an avid gamer, you already know this. 

Video game aficionados may spend over ten thousand dollars on video games and equipment in their lifetimes.  However, some gamers are putting their love of video games to work for them. 

Video game companies will pay you to play their games and evaluate them based on appearance, functionality, entertainment and quality. 

With a few insider tips on how to get started in the business, you can become a video game tester for video game companies and earn a competitive salary by playing video games for a living.

Why Do Video Game Companies Need You?

Believe it or not, video game designers are not always avid gamers. 

Most video games are created by artists with degrees in graphic design and computer technology. 

These individuals know how to make a video game look great, but they often lack critical insights in storyline, action, and other creative requirements that are necessary for a great video game.

The video game companies know that if their newly released game is full of ‘bugs,’ small problems that distract the player from the game, their product won’t sell and the companies will lose a fortune. 

These video game companies are paying individuals to play their unreleased games and to evaluate these games and suggest changes and improvements.

Video Game Tester Job Openings

As a video game tester, you’ll be responsible for playing video games and paying close attention to the minute details that only an avid video game player will notice. 

Jobs such as this come with a variety of enticing perks, such as:

• A regular salary
• Access to brand new video games
• Access to unreleased video games
• Privileged access to cheat codes that will allow you to access the highest levels in video games
• Video game equipment at a discounted cost
• Complimentary copies of the video games you test

Finding a Video Game Tester Job

Finding a job as a video game tester is the most difficult part of the job. 

Many online companies advertise their need for video game testers through online forums. 

Developing a unique web presence in the video game world is a great way to get your name out there as a potential video game tester. 

To be considered for a position like this, you’ll need to show your credentials as a video game aficionado.  It’s important to be familiar with both online and system-based video games.  

A wide and extensive repertoire of video game experience is very appealing for companies looking to hire a video game tester.

Video Game Tester Salary

The salary you can expect to make as a video game tester is highly varied. 

Many video game testers perform this service on a freelance basis and choose to get paid in video game equipment and free copies of newly released video games. 

Others work on a hourly basis for a pay rate of up to twenty dollars an hour!

The job description of a video game maker has drastically changed since Pac Man. Learn how 3D video games are made & how you can become a game creator.

Pac Man, Mario, and the white ball from Pong are the founding fathers of a nation that has grown exponentially in the past thirty years: the video game nation. 

Worth an estimated fifty billion dollars in the year 2010, the video game industry is compelling more and more consumers to plunk down a hefty portion of their paycheck each month to pay for the latest innovations in video games.

Today, video games are made with increasingly complex technology to do increasingly complex things, such as:

• Using 3D technology that puts players inside the action
• Using motion-sensor controllers to get players off the couch and into the game
• Using no controllers at all!

Those responsible for these video game innovations are some of the most forward-thinking and creative individuals in the world. 

If you love video games, you are well on your way to joining this elite and successful group of artists.

What Does It Take To Be A Video Game Maker?

Individuals who are interested in video games often begin considering a career as a video game designer. 

Teenagers who love to play video games wonder what it takes to be a video game maker.  These individuals don’t realize that they already possess the first prerequisite for a successful career in this field: a love for video games. 

The artists who create video games for public consumption are passionate about all video games.

These artists grew up playing video games late into the night: evaluating the pros and cons of different games, immersing themselves in the fantastical worlds, and rallying behind the main characters of video games to earn their way to the final level. 

If you’ve got a passion for video games, you already meet criteria number one for becoming a video game designer.

What Does A Video Game Designer Do?

Video game designer jobs range in responsibilities, experience, expertise, and job requirements. 

Some work as consultants or advisers. Others work in a creative think tank with other individuals: brainstorming for the best new ideas and premises for the latest video games. 

Some are graphic artists and work at creating beautiful graphics and realistic scenes.  And the programmers work to make games to respond to increasingly complex commands.

The best part about a career as a video game maker is that there are thousands of routes to take to be involved in the video game creation process. 

Game companies like Microsoft and Nintendo employ tens of thousands of employees who work at all stages of the video game creation process. 

Marketing and advertising experts work at sampling the video game consumers to come up with the new ideas. 

Artists and graphic designers work at creating the world.  Computer programmers and software experts work at making the video game operational. 

With an education in any of these fields and a passion for video games, you can get a job helping a video game transform from concept to reality.

Video Game Designer Education

If a love for video games was the only requirement for a video game design job, the walls of Nintendo’s headquarters would be filled to the brim with twelve-year-old boys making thousands of dollars. 

Thankfully, the field is a little more specialized than that. 

If you want to become a video game maker, you must first achieve a specialized education in a field that will provide you with certain skills. 

Video game designers often have advanced degrees in:

• Graphic Design or Graphic Arts
• Animation Technology
• Computer Programming
• Computer Software
• Video Game Development
• Character and Story Development
• Simulation Game Programming
• Three Dimensional Modeling

Do you know the difference between an action or an action-adventure video game? Discover all video game genres & what separates the categories from each other.

The world of video games is as complex and diverse as the world of art. 

In fact, many experts have compared video games to works of art because of their beautifully designed characters and scenarios, their relevance to the modern situation, and the skill required to create them. 

Because the video game world is so diverse with so many different elements, video game enthusiasts have organized video games into several different genres or video game categories. 

Understanding these categories will help you in a career as a video game designer

Popular Video Game Genres

Not all video games fit specifically into a certain genre, and the genres of video games are always changing and adapting. 

While there is some debate regarding the genres of video games, most can agree that the games available today fall into a few basic categories:

• Action
• Adventure
• Role Play
• Simulation
• Strategy
• Sports and Activity
• Music

Video Game Genres: Action

Action video games are games that require quick reflexes and fast-paced action on the part of the player.  Many action video games are based on a single hero in first person game play. 

The individual playing the video game must control the hero and maneuver him or her through an artificial world using reflexes and action to overcome obstacles. 

The “Shooter” game provides the hero with an arsenal of weapons that can be used to overcome these obstacles.  Halo, Call of Duty, and Duke Nukem are all action video games.

Video Game Categories: Adventure

An adventure video game is one of the oldest genres of video games.  In this type of video game, reflexes and quick-thinking are not required. 

This type of video game is usually appealing to individuals who don’t typically like video games.  In these games, players must navigate through a variety of puzzles and situations by interacting intelligently with their surroundings.

Visual novels are another type of adventure video game where players see a predetermined story play out before their eyes. 

Gamers encounter a series of choices or routes that can be chosen throughout the course of the video game.

Video Game Genres: Simulation

A simulation game is a video game that simulates a real-life situation.  In this type of video game, players operate on a global scale, functioning as a god-like character in the created world. 

Video games that require players to construct and manage cities, theme parks, worlds, businesses or governments are simulation video games. 

One of the first simulation video games was Sim City.  In this game, players were required to build a city from the ground up, constructing residential and commercial areas, building power plants, repairing damage from natural disasters, and providing jobs for the city’s inhabitants. 

These video games require a high level of intellect and multitasking ability.

Video Game Categories: Strategy

Strategy video games are very challenging and require a high intellectual ability.  Strategy games consist of a variety of puzzles and obstacles that must be solved with intellectual reasoning. 

Strategy video games are often turn-based.  This means that players take turns playing the game and responding to other players’ moves. 

Video Game Categories: Sports and Activity

Some video games are created to simulate professional sports teams or other sporting endeavors. 

These games were once thought to be included in the action video game genre, but have increased in number to merit their own category. 

Sports and Activity video games allow individuals to play their favorite professional sports by controlling famous athletes and competing in games and even entire sporting seasons. 

Football, basketball, baseball, hockey and soccer video games are some of the most common sporting games.  Sporting video games can also include golf, table tennis, dance, and equestrian sports.

Learn what kind of video game development software is used by game design companies worldwide & how to receive training in this programming software.

You might know the best stores to buy the latest and greatest video games.  You might have an entire notebook dedicated to cheat codes that unlock hidden levels in your favorite games. 

You might have the highest worldwide score in the most difficult video game ever created. 

But unless you are currently employed as a video game designer and have obtained a computer programming or graphic design degree in your past, odds are pretty good that you would be shocked at the effort and time required to produce a stunning and successful video game.

Video game design is one of the most complicated and intricate art forms in existence today. 

Because video game creation requires an assortment of skills that include artistry, creativity, storytelling, computer programming, code writing, and a serious imagination, it is considered by some to be the most difficult occupation in the world. 

Video game designers aren’t magicians, however.  They are very talented, highly organized, intelligent and talented individuals who are assisted by complex and powerful computer programs. 

Without the video game development software that is available for designers today, you most likely wouldn’t have your favorite video game.

Video Game Development Software

Because video games, today, are so technologically advanced, they cannot be produced without the assistance of high-tech video game designing software. 

Video game design software doesn’t do the work for the designers, but it does assist designers in converting their ideas and imaginings into workable games that can be experienced by people around the world.

All video game design software can be organized into three basic categories of video game designing:

• Three dimensional games
• Two dimensional games
• And role playing games

3D vs 2D Game Development

Unlike a 3-D movie which uses special glasses to make the images seem to leap off the movie screen, 3-D video games are defined completely differently. 

In a 3-D video game, the main video game character is able to move in all directions.  The hero of the game can move forward, backward, left, right, up and down. 

In a 3-D video game, some of the action appears to move into the television screen. 

A 2-Dimensional video game, on the other hand, limits the main character in his or her movements.  The hero of such games can only move left and right across the screen and vertically up or down.  Software for 2-D video games is much less involved or intricate than 3-D software.

Role playing video game software, on the other hand, is almost unrelated to both 2-D and 3-D video game software. 

A role playing video game is less about movement and more about choices.  The software for these games is often dedicated to a variety of choices and situations that all have different consequences and outcomes. 

Commonly Used Video Game Design Software

Whatever the video game being designed, the software used is a crucial choice in producing an aesthetically-pleasing and successful video game. 

Many video game design hobbyists purchase video game software that is very similar to the software used by professionals. 

For example, DarkBASIC is one of the most popular video game design software programs used today. 

DarkBASICpro is a more advanced version of this software used by professional video game designers.

Some video game design software assists the video game designer in all steps of the creative process.  Individuals who wish to design video games as a hobby will often download these free video game design software programs for their own personal use. 

This software allows you to create simple video games by using pre-made templates.

Training in professional video game design software gives you a leg up against your peers. Learn where to receive training in game programming software.

The world of video games has come a long way in the past thirty years.  When video games were first released, they were simple puzzle or arcade-style games with poor graphics and superficial story lines. 

Today, the video games produced by major companies around the world are being viewed as virtual, changing, and experiential works of art. 

When Microsoft released Halo for the Xbox game console, many recognized that the world of video games was about to drastically change. 

A rich and detailed story line was paired with beautiful graphic scenes, innovative design components, and an infinite amount of choices waiting to be made by whomever was playing the game. 

Today, many video games are astounding consumers by mimicking real-life situations and realistic life experiences.  Graphic designers and computer technicians are leaping at the opportunity to put their artistic skills to work creating beautiful new video games that millions of consumers will enjoy.

Commonly Used Video Game Design Software

Most video game designers have degrees in the graphic arts or computer programming.  Because video games have quickly become some of the most high-tech innovations of our time, an education in both design and programming is almost always a necessity. 

However, individuals who are looking to develop a career in video game design can begin practicing while simultaneously pursuing an education.

To design a video game that will attract consumers in today’s competitive market, artists will need access to the best video game design software available. 

The video game business is estimated to be worth half a trillion dollars.  Huge corporations have the very best in computer programs and software. 

To adequately compete in that market, you’ll need the best that an individual can buy.

Video Game Design Pro

The best video game design software for individual usage is probably Video Game Design Pro. 

This software is available for internet download and comes with a fourteen-day trial period.  Those who wish to purchase the software can expect to spend close to two hundred dollars: an investment that is necessary to design great video games. 

This software comes with some great innovations:

• Tools for Beginners: Video Game Design Pro has tools to help beginners understand what is required in designing a video game.  This software provides beginners with examples and instructions to get you started.
• 24 Hour Support: A customer service team is always ready to answer any questions you may have about the Video Game Design Pro software.
• Online Support Tools: While video game design is a competitive field, video game designers are known for their willingness to assist others within their field.  This software gives you access to thousands of individuals who are attempting to design their own video game.  With this access, you can tap into the wealth of knowledge and information that others can provide.
• Design Assistance: This program has innovations that help with game design such as storyboards, notes, flowcharts, and wizard tasks that will assist you in making your video game look stunning.
• Communication Tools: Video Game Design Pro offers the best resources for communicating your video game idea to the individuals who are best suited to assist you in designing and producing it.  With this software, you don’t have to have extensive computer programming and rendering expertise.  This software connects you with the individuals who can help you: all you need is a great vision for what you’d like your video game to accomplish.

The Innovation of 3D Game Design Engines

One of the latest innovations in video game design is the invention of the three-dimensional video game. 

3D has come a long way in the past decade; more and more films are being shot in 3D and home televisions are being sold that enable consumers to view 3D movies and games in their own home. 

A 3D Game Design Engine is required for building video games with 3D capabilities.

The best video game design programs give you a leg up in a competitive career. Discover game designing degrees & find a game programming school right for you!

Video game design is a multi-billion dollar industry with sales projected to increase every year for the next two decades. 

As video games become more technologically advanced, the need for experts with the skills and education required to keep up with growing trends and expectations in the video game world. 

Unfortunately, many schools across the country don’t offer specific programs in video game design and production. 

Experts are scratching their heads and wondering why one of the most successful industries in the world is seriously lacking in degree programs that will train the next generation of video game designers.

The Best Video Game Design Programs

While it is more difficult to find video game design degrees than any other artistic degree form in the United States, there are schools with advanced game design education programs.  Some schools are even offering Masters-level degree programs in video game design and production. 

Do You Have What It Takes?

Video game design requires a great understanding of artistic techniques and computer programming. 

The artistry required in designing games is sophisticated and advanced. 

Computer programming skills such as code writing and software manipulation are also in high-demand in the video game production world. 

If you are interested in video game design, the best way to acquire the skills and the contacts necessary for employment are at some of the top universities offering video game design degrees in the United States.

Video Game Design Degrees

The three best schools for securing a degree in video game design have campuses across the entire country. 

Individuals can easily find a satellite campus that is near their home. 

Some of these schools even offer degree programs that can be taken online. 

The top three video game design schools are:

• ITT Technical Institute
• DeVry University Programs
• The Art Institutes

Video Game Design Degrees at ITT Tech

ITT Tech schools, with campuses across the country, offer hopeful video game designers a Bachelor’s degree program in Digital Entertainment and Game Design. 

Students who attend the ITT Technical institute take foundational classes in:

• Animation
• Computer programming
• Level design
• Graphic arts
• Gaming technology
• The process of gaming design
• And software education

Students will supplement these classes with basic education courses and will receive a Bachelor’s degree in video game design. 

More importantly, students are provided with networking opportunities with some of the top-rated video game design companies in the world.

DeVry University Video Game Design Education

With over 100 locations across the United States and in Canada, students are flocking to Devry University to jump-start a career in video game design.  Students at Devry can receive a Bachelor’s degree in Game and Simulation Programming. 

In addition to in-depth courses on computer programming, code writing and software management, students also study graphic design and animation techniques. Unlike other game design schools, students at DeVry also learn film-production techniques for creating true to life video games. 

Video game production experts have lauded the degree program at DeVry University because it prepares students for jobs in a variety of places in the creation cycle of video games, including:

• Management
• Game editing
• Game creation and idea brainstorming

These skills help DeVry University graduates land lucrative careers at many video game production companies. 

Finally, in case students decide post-graduation that a career in game design isn’t for them, the program also includes several core classes in general education.  Students will learn history, English, mathematics, physics and other sciences.  A degree such as this looks great to a potential employer because of its well-rounded nature.

Video Game Design Degrees at the Art Institues

The Art Institutes are famous for their advanced graphic design and game design programs. 

With the latest technology, expert professors, and campuses across the country, The Art Institutes are a great option for future game designers.

Want a video game design job? You should know the smallest & biggest video game companies. We review the most popular video game design companies.

The world of video games has proven itself to be a lucrative and lasting business venture.  Video game sales worldwide total in the tens of billions of dollars each year. 

Video games are used to promote movies and television shows, books, graphic novels, and even theme parks.  Huge corporations such as the Walt Disney Company and Microsoft use video games to boost sales of their other products. 

The business world knows that there is money to be made in video game production and sales.

Graphic designers, animators, and computer programmers are finding lucrative carees in video game production and design.  These individuals know that the best way to learn about creating the next hit video game is to research the designers and production companies that are producing the games with the best sales. 

If you are graphic designer or computer programmer with an interest in video game production, it’s wise to evaluate these companies to discover what’s working and what’s not.

Video Game Companies: Today’s Dominant Players

The video game companies with the highest sales today have made astounding leaps in innovation over the past few decades. 

Many remember one of Nintendo’s earliest video game ventures: Super Mario Brothers.  The original Mario Brothers was uncomplicated and graphically simple, yet sales of this video game are astronomical. 

Nintendo has used its experience with early video games and adapted to the trends of today, making it the number one video game production company in the entire world.

Other Top Video Game Companies

Each year, a list is released that shows the top selling video game companies, what games they designed and produced, and their expected revenue from those games. 

Using this information, designers and programmers can study the trends and the tricks that companies are using to sell video games. 

Some of the top-selling video game companies of 2009 were:

• Nintendo
• Electronic Arts
• Microsoft
• Sony
• Sega
• Capcom
• Warner Brothers Interactive
• THQ

Most of these companies have been in the video game business for years.  Graphic designers and computer programmers who are searching for established work in the video game industry would do well to seek employment from some of these top names. 

Because these industries are so well-established in the video game world, however, many of them only accept highly qualified and talented individuals for employment. 

New video game designers who graduated recently and have minimal experience can still benefit buy studying these top performing companies.

By studying their ga,es. or even securing an internship within these corporations, designers can learn the latest innovations used in game design and manufacture.

These titans of the video game world are including a variety of elements in all the games they produce.  Video game producers are quickly realizing that consumers who purchase video games are actually highly sophisticated in their selections.  Video game enthusiasts like games that create new worlds filled with stunning detail and incredible realism. 

A game like the original Super Mario Brothers would almost assuredly be a devastating flop to a video game company if it were released new today.  Simple graphics and shallow story lines are not selling.  Gamers want complexity and realism in their games.  Successful video games are true works of art.