The gaming industry targets different platforms, from consoles to smartphones, and diverse audiences. Some games serve an educational purpose, while others entertain or offer simulation practice. Many professionals collaborate to create games, from animators to programmers to sound engineers to producers. For example, multimedia specialists create powerful visual effects using models and animation.

Gaming studies may cover artistic subjects like color theory and design for interior spaces and worlds. Technical topics could include computer systems and assembly language, computer graphics, interface design and principles of 3D modeling. Additional courses vary; for example, aspiring game programmers may take classes like software engineering and calculus. People focused on sound design may study music theory and composition, including film scores, and they usually seek training in audio engineering as well as computer hardware and software.

Gaming careers include lead designer, 2D or 3D animator or modeler, visual effects artist, compositor, character designer and concept artist. Software engineers and application developers help to design games, and programmers create the code to turn those designs into reality. Project managers, art directors and producers oversee teamwork and product testing, and they make sure that projects meet schedule and budget requirements.