Meet our 2024 Video Game Design program graduate, Sheildon Frianeza

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Do you LOVE to play video games? Have you always wondered how games are created? Do you want to turn your passion for gaming into a career? Then it’s time to level up your dreams and join the ranks of video game designers who shape the industry’s landscape! Trillium College’s Video Game Designer diploma program equips you with the essential training and skills to launch a rewarding career in the video game design industry.

What’s the program about?

Are you curious about what you’ll learn? Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to ignite your passion and equip you with the skills needed to excel in the gaming industry. Our expert instructors emphasize a deep understanding of game mechanics and technical specifications through the Game Analysis and Technical Design course.

Our program also nurtures your artistic talents with creative courses like Storyboarding, Level and Asset Design, Concept Art and Animation, Character Modeling using 3DS Max / Maya, and Environment Modeling. But we don’t stop there—a successful video game designer must also master technical tools, so our program includes training in Unity3D, HTML5, C++ Programming for Game Development, and Unreal Engine.

These are just a few of the diverse skills you’ll develop in our program. Our instructors guide you through practical projects, ensuring you gain hands-on experience that mirrors the real-life workings of the industry. Discover more about our transformative courses at www.trilliumcollege.ca and see how this program can be the next milestone in your journey to becoming a top-notch video game designer.

The Master Game Makers: Incredible Instructors

Imagine learning the tricks of the trade from the very best in the gaming industry. Our program is led by a team of seasoned video game designers, developers, and artists who have left their mark on the gaming landscape. With their insider knowledge and invaluable experience, our instructors will guide you through the ins and outs of game design, 3D modeling, level design, and much more.

Potential Earnings

Upon successful completion of the program and earning the Video Game Designer diploma, you will be prepared to apply for a range of positions in the industry, potentially earning up to $75,000 a year.

Success Story of Sheildon!

Fueled by a passion for video game design, Shantel embarked on his journey with Trillium College at the beginning of 2023. He dreamt of telling stories artistically, and his love for video games was unyielding.

Upon reaching out to Trillium College, Shantel connected with career coaches who recognized his unique talents. They guided him toward the Video Game Design program, where he could blend his storytelling prowess with his passion for gaming. The program empowered him to build his characters and create immersive storylines for gamers.

For 16 months, Shantel dedicated himself to honing his skills under the expert guidance and mentorship provided by Trillium College. In May 2024, his hard work paid off as he proudly graduated with a Video Game Design Diploma from the Oshawa training location, ready to leave his mark on the gaming industry.

Why Choose Trillium College?

At Trillium College, we believe that every gamer has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of video game design. Our comprehensive program offers you the perfect blend of creativity, technical skills, and real-world experience to set you on the path to victory! 

Our Video Game Designer program stands out because it emphasizes the artistic and transmedia skills vital to this highly creative field. You will learn to elevate your graphics through courses in concept art, 3D modeling, level design, and ultra-realistic environmental asset creation. 

Additionally, you’ll gain proficiency in the Adobe suite of software and much more. This program also imparts crucial computer programming and problem-solving abilities demanded by the industry.

Start Your Epic Quest Today!

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to hit the start button on your future and join the ranks of the gaming legends! Enroll today at Trillium College and let’s embark on this epic quest together! Turn your passion for gaming into a thriving career and transform your daydreams into reality.

Trillium College takes pride in spotlighting Mireille Labelle, our Electrical Instructor at the Niagara campus, whose journey in the electrical trade is deeply rooted in family legacy. Following in the “Red Seal” footsteps of her father and grandfather, Mireille embodies a generational commitment to excellence in electrical craftsmanship.

As a third-generation electrician, Mireille not only brings a wealth of hands-on experience but also a profound sense of familial pride to her role. What makes her story even more remarkable is the potential continuation of this legacy with her son contemplating becoming the fourth generation to embrace the electrical trade!

Mireille’s dedication extends beyond her familial ties; it permeates her teaching philosophy. “I really enjoy teaching the next generation of electricians. I like to spark their curiosity and show them the endless possibilities with energy production/transformation. It’s a very rewarding career. You’re either fixing things or building them, so it’s always rewarding to see the completed projects and/or a plant running smoothly and efficiently,” she shares.

Her passion for both the craft and education makes Mireille Labelle an invaluable asset to Trillium College, inspiring students to not only learn but also to appreciate fantastic women in the trades.

Thanks Mireille!

“I hate my job”.

“I need a career change”.

“I have no time to go back to school to focus on what I really want to do”.

Does this sound like you?  Are you looking for a change in your career but have no time to squeeze it in?

If you’ve said “yes” to any of the above, Trillium College has some exciting news to share.

Starting in January 2022, evening classes will begin for our Graduate Programs along with Business Management, Supply Chain Management & Logistics and Video Game Design. 

These programs will still be offered in the daytime, but to make them more accessible for working people and families, we have decided to offer them in the evenings too.

Gone are the days of being stuck forever in a job you don’t enjoy or feeling trapped at the bottom of the corporate ladder.  With Trillium College, you can literally keep up with your day job and providing for your family while working towards your new career in the evenings.

Our programs will run Monday to Friday from 6-10pm, all online and no weekends; which means that it is now within your grasp to make the changes you want to make and level up you career while still being able to work full-time or juggle your daily responsibilities.

Imagine being able to enjoy dinner with your family and then changing into your comfy clothes to take the first step to a brand new future, all from the comforts of your home. 

Our days are full; an income is a necessity; being there for your family is a priority but at the end of the day, what about you?

So, if you’ve dreamed about making a career change, or need to upgrade your skills to get that promotion, Trillium College is here to help.

Evening classes are filling up quickly, so contact one of our Career Coaches to find out more.

In a world that is moving so quickly with goods circulating at a rapid pace, the role of the Supply Chain Manager (SCM) is crucial.  

With the global pandemic we are all living in, supply chains have been severely disrupted, and it has had a huge impact on companies around the world. Sure, we have all heard this on whatever news channel we tune into, and those of us that do the grocery shopping have all experienced stock shortages because of so many delivery restrictions. I mean, who will ever forget the great toilet paper shortage of March 2020?!  

But what is supply chain management really?  

The basic purpose of the supply chain is to fulfil demand, drive customer value, improve responsiveness, facilitate financial success, and build a good network. Supply chain management is the lifeline of an organization and can cause a company to succeed or fail.  

As a kid, I remember playing this old-school computer game called lemonade stand, where we had to make a prediction based on supply and demand. We were provided the day of the week and the weather and then we had to decide how much sugar, how many lemons and how many cups we wanted to buy. Then we had to make our purchase and hope for a profit. It was a fun game and at the time I did not realize that I was learning about a supply chain.  

Supply chain management is necessary for the foundation of all societies. Today’s markets are highly competitive, and consumers are looking for the best value and reliability. Manufacturers and retailers depend on SCMs to design networks that meet customer service goals at the least total cost. To sum it up, efficient supply chains enable a firm to be more competitive in the marketplace and the Supply Chain Manager’s main goal is to decrease the total supply chain cost.

So, what makes a successful SCM?

The ability to adapt to the times, think outside the box and to embrace new technologies and ideas are definitely skills supply chain wannabes should hone.

How much do SCMs earn?

Are you sitting down….? The mean Canadian salary for an SCM with a college diploma was $94,961 in 2019. The Canadian Annual Supply Chain Survey 2019 estimates that there are SIX open Supply Chain positions to fill for each graduate with supply chain skills. It is a candidate’s market and companies are finding it harder than ever to source the best talent. Supply Professional says that the market is more candidate-driven than it has been at any point since the financial crisis in 2008!

What would I do if I were you?

Call a Trillium College Career Coach today to find out how soon you can start the Supply Chain Management & Logistics program!

Articles & Websites:

• https://www.supplychaincanada.com/media/files/2019-annual-survey-of-the-canadian-supply-chain-professional.pdf
• supplypro.ca

Have You Always Dreamed Of Being A Video Game Designer?

You’ve always dreamed of turning your love for playing video games into a career, but maybe you doubted that your ideal video game designer job could exist. Maybe you thought that if it did exist, it still would not  be accessible to you outside of your daydreams.

The reality is, there are many jobs out there that relate to video game design. From game creation and environment modelling, to animation, and more. Believe it or not, educational programs that can help you achieve your video game design goals are likely available at a private career college near you.

Here are 4 reasons you should consider enrolling in a Video Game Designer program. Become what you have always wanted to be—notably, a video game design professional—right now.

1. Do what you love 

Many people end up in dead-end jobs because they have followed someone else’s vision of what they should do or be. They have become something they never intended, and the daily grind starts to wear them out.

If you’re a video game enthusiast, imagine putting the passion you feel when you’re playing or thinking about games into your studies as a Video Game Designer student. When you’re passionate about something, it’s easier to put your energy towards realizing your goals. So, number one on our list of reasons you should pursue a Video Game Designer diploma now is that you’re more likely to succeed in a career you’ll enjoy.

2. Enter a growing industry

A report entitled “Canada’s Video Game Industry in 2013” was prepared for the Entertainment Software Association of Canada last year. Did you know that, in the Canadian video game industry: • the number of workers hired on a full-time (or equivalent) basis went up by 800, between 2011 and 2012 • a total of 27,000 full-time (or equivalent) positions were generated by the industry in 2012 • the industry spent 12.5% more, mostly in the area of game development activities, between 2011 and 2012 • the average salary, “across all job types and levels of seniority,” was around $72,500 per year • and that the video game industry hires the majority of its workers from within Canada? (pp. 3-5) Video games are a popular entertainment source, and it shows. The video game design industry continues to expand, so trained professionals in the field often find that they’re in demand as workers.

3. Accessible training 

You don’t need to move to a faraway country to become a video game design professional. In fact, you probably won’t even need to bus or drive too far at all. Video Game Designer diploma programs are available at colleges near you. Trillium College, for example, offers a Video Game Designer diploma program at its Oshawa and St. Catharines campuses.

4. Your career dreams could be funded 

Can you imagine training to become a video game designer—and being financially supported in your efforts? Our recent blog looked at different types of financial aid for college students. When it comes to supporting Ontarians in pursuit of their dreams, our government, banks, colleges and other organizations offer plenty of support options for which you may be eligible. Trillium College has a fantastic Financial Aid team who can help you find your eligibility for financial support now.

Becoming a video game design professional may have seemed like a far away dream. Now, however, it’s a true possibility. Your passion for gaming— when mixed with accessible related college programs, financial aid opportunities and a strong industry — can bring you closer to a career in video game design.

Enter the form below to get more information about the VGD program near you or call 1.855.234.2008 to schedule your FREE Career Planning Session. There’s still space in our Video Game Designer diploma programs, so you can take your first step towards a great new career!

Do YOU Have What It Takes to Be a Great Video Game Designer?

Your love of gaming could translate into a high-paying career as a video game designer. Video game designers are often excited about what they do because their work is dynamic, exciting and constantly growing and evolving. Plus, they get to put their skills of creativity and logic to the test.

So how do you know if YOU would be the right fit for a career in the video game design industry? Check out these six attributes that set you up for success in this career.

1. Passion

Are you the first in line to get the latest game? Do you daydream about how to beat that next level? Well, that kind of passion translates into success as a video game designer. Passionate game players become passionate game makers.  Finally, all those hours of playing games will really pay off.

2. Creativity

Video game design requires a high level of creative thinking all day, every day. You need a vision in order to imagine an entirely new world and then build it out, piece-by-piece. Therefore, if you have a vivid imagination, an interest in sci-fi, or you’ve ever been told that you “live in your head,” this could be a great career for you.

3. Logic & Problem Solving

Creating fun, challenging virtual games requires brain power. Once there is a clear vision for the overall project, there are still many technical and creative hurdles to overcome. So, if you like troubleshooting and finding a way forward despite obstacles, you have one of the major skills required for success.

4. Work Ethic

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines! Video game designers often work long hours and a gruelling work schedule to meet deadlines. Be prepared to work 8+ hours a day and maybe up to 7 days a week (with the countdown clock ticking). Game designers will tell you that the pressure to complete a project can be high, but the satisfaction that comes with a finished project makes it all worth it.

5. Collaboration

Video game design is always a team project, with many people involved in the process. Production requires a large team, including a writer, an animator, a programmer, a level designer. Hence, the success of every project hinges on collaboration. As long as you are a team player and can work well alongside others, you will do well in this environment.

6. Communication

Team projects require excellent communication. To succeed as a video game designer, you don’t need to be especially outgoing or chatty. However, you do need to be able to explain ideas clearly so they can be translated into reality.

Convinced that you have what it takes to succeed in the exciting world of game design? Find out more about our Video Game Design diploma program here.

Here are some of the career possibilities after completing our program:

• Environment Modeller
• Animator
• Level Designer
• Mission Scripter
• Game Designer
• Technical Artist
• QA Engineer
• Writer
• Story Boarder
• Visual Effects Producer
  

  Get paid to do what you love. The video game design industry is growing and YOU could be part of it. 

Where digital creativity, design, writing, art and software technology all meet.

No this doesn’t mean you’re a nerd, it means you’re a creative nerd. Seriously though, this is a thriving industry filled with revenue and global opportunities because the digital world can’t stop and won’t stop growing. If you’re looking to explore a career in an industry that is literally only going upwards and is actually exciting, then you definitely might want to think about choosing to study video game design.

Would you call yourself an active or regular gamer? If so, I only have one question for you. How have you not already tried to make a living from video games? It’s 2018 and yes anything is possible, you can make all of your dreams come true with video games. If video games and technology is part of your lifestyle, you are going to love everything that comes with this type of industry.

Here is a basic list of various areas in video game design to expect:

• Animation
• Game theory
• Storyboard drawing
• Story developing
• Content writing
• System design
• Cinematography
• Drawing
• Design
• Programming
• 3D modeling
• Graphic design
• Game testing

Like everything else in life, it’s all fun and games until reality sets in. Video game design is no walk in the park either. From start to finish, there is tons of detail, specific planning and pre-planning in order to execute a fun video game. Not to mention it’s a competitive field. It takes an entire team to create memorable and high-quality digital games. Is it all worth it in the end though? Yes, it is. There are lots of different aspects in video game design, which is great because not only does it offer opportunities for employment but also creates a very diverse environment. For a list of career options in video game design at Trillium College, click here.

As mentioned, this area of study and industry is competitive, but like everyone would probably tell you, it’s really fun too. Game design is an in-demand employment opportunity and being a part of it can lead to a world of more endless opportunities. Video games are also used on various platforms from mobile to multiple software such as X-box, PlayStation, etc.  Start creating your own story and make it come to life! Can you imagine all the opportunities to create? We sure can.

If you’re interested in getting a jump start to a video game design career, we strongly urge you to visit our Video Game Design Diploma page where you can learn about areas of focus, employment opportunities, and salary.

Working as a Video Game Designer

If you love playing video games, then designing video games may be your dream job. As a video game designer, you’ll have the opportunity to create new mobile apps and console games.

What does a Video Game Designer do?

Your main objective as a video game designer is to:

• Plan video games
• Create video games
• Design video games

Game Designer vs Game Developer

What’s the difference between game design and game development? The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two distinct career paths.

The role of a video game designer is more artistic and focused on how the frontend looks. A video game developer usually work on the more technical side, known as the backend.

While the two roles are distinct career paths, they are interlinked. A designer gives input and direction to a developer, which the developer then uses to create the game and gives suggestions back to the designer. A designer and developer work together to develop the best game possible.

These terms are similar to ones used in other industries. For example, a web designers handle the front-end graphics (how the site looks and feels), while a web developer works in the backend or on the ‘brains’ of the site.

Working for a Small Design Company

Video game designers who work for an “indie” or small design company usually juggle many responsibilities. Smaller gaming companies take a different approach to production than larger companies and require designers to do a large variety of different tasks over the course of production.

To excel at a small company requires an assortment of skills, including:

• Technical skills
• Artistic skills
• Analytical skills

Finding Your Niche in a Big Company

Video game designers working for a big mainstream company will generally have a highly specialized role. Specializations can be narrowed down to cover almost every aspect of the game creation process. Highly specialized teams usually allow for faster turnaround of error-free games. The number of employees assigned to each specialty can vary from a few individuals to a few hundred individuals.

For example, a video game designer might work exclusively on the pre-production team, setting production schedule with clear goals and deadlines. A different designer working for the same company may be assigned to a team that handles writing aspects of the project. Another designer might work exclusively on sound effects.

What Role Suits You Best?

With so many specialities available, how can you decide which one to pursue? All aspects of video game design are exciting, but they each require a different skill set. Some require greater creativity and imagination, while others require sharp analytical and mathematical skills.

Content Design & Writing Team

Requirement: High levels of creativity

If you’re excited by the idea of conceptualizing a theme, backstory and settings for video games, this could be a great fit for you. This is a highly imaginative role that is all about vision and creativity. The content design team is responsible for creating the overall theme, dreaming up missions, designing obstacles and conceptualizing weapons.

Audio & Sound Design

Requirement: Good sense of hearing

If you have an especially good sense of hearing, you may be interested in working on the audio design and manipulation team. The audio team uses utilizes industry standard audio software and highly sophisticated computer programs- also called a digital audio workstations (DAW)- to create game sounds.

User Experience

Requirement: Math & computer programming

If you have have a passion for user interface design (menus and displays) or system design (rules and models that dictate game behaviour), then this might be a great fit. The User Experience team designs and implements features, while trying to avoid creating bugs in the game.

How to Get Started:

The best way get started in the video game design industry is by getting the right education. Game design is a competitive business, and in order to secure a position as a junior designer you’ll need to put yourself above the rest. With the right edge you’ll have no problem outshining the competition.

At Trillium College, our Video Game Design diploma program focuses on the artistic and transmedia skills required in this highly creative industry. You will learn how to take your graphics further and you’ll also learn the computer programming and problem-solving skills this industry requires.

Find out more:

As a graduate of Trillium College’s Video Game Designer program, you may find exciting work as an environment modeler, animator, level designer, mission scripter, game designer, technical artist, QA engineer, writer or storyboarder.

According to jobbank.gc.ca, you can earn a median salary of $70k as a Video Game Designer.

What are you waiting for?

Fill out the form below, and a Career Coach will contact you.

Current Employers of our Video Game Designer Graduates

Alchemic Dream
WGames
Intelligent Creatures
Soho VFX
Spin VFX
Vitamin T
Penda Productions Inc
Idea Couture

Video Game Designer Program Description

Trillium College’s Video Game Designer diploma program gives you the fundamental training and skills needed in the field of video game design.  You will gain knowledge in level design, mission scripting, environment modeling, storyboarding, mobile game development, Unity3D, Flash for social gaming, Unreal Engine and Advanced character modeling and animation using 3DS Max/Maya and Mudbox for the creation of ultra-realistic game characters.