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entering game design doesn't require game design school programs exactly in fact many people in game design start in graphic design, where they learn how to make their own graphics and CG. If anything find a cheap school with a program for graphic design branch out to game design while in that class then try to transfer to a better school preferably one with a game design class.

You're going to have to think hard about this, because the days of "a video game designer" are dead and gone. Back in the day one or two guys would sit down in front of an Apple II or a PC and spend a month working on a game doing everything from programming to graphics to debugging to the box art. It doesn't work that way any more, and saying "I want to be a video game designer" is like saying "I want to make movies." Look at the credits on a movie or game. Which of those guys do you want to be? A producer? A technical director? Effects programmer? Artist? Modeler? Texture artist? Scenic? Level Designer? Sound? See where I'm going?

Until you decide what role you want to play you can't even begin deciding what direction to move in. Physics programmers need to study math, 3D artists need sculpture backgrounds, Producers need to know everything from business to the theories behind why people play games. There are a million different ways to go and you have to start narrowing your field. See how every other person who has answered the question has their own idea about what "game designers" do? It doesn't do you any good to show up for an interview knowing the job description of every possible position in the industry when the very first question the person asks is "so, what do *you* do?" Find your spot and get very, very good at it. Good luck.

Learn computer programming, especially C++ and Visual Basic.

Next, learn how to mod existing video games.

When you get into college, major in computer programming.

Try to get internships during the summers or even co-ops at video game studios.

Apply, Apply, Apply, and do some more Applying when you get ready to graduate.

I put out about 80 resumes/applications when getting out of school and only got 2 interviews.

When you get into the industry, start working from the ground up. Eventually when you have proven yourself as a competent programmer and have exhibited some innovation, then they may give you the helm to actually design a video game, with a huge budget.

The only other way you are going to be able to start on the top is to come up with a great video game while you are still in school.

Well try to get the attention of gaming companies. Brainstorm a game, focus on controls first then plot and try to get a presentation with a company. If they like the game your in, with access to lots of equipment and stuff. The game(s) you present to them most likely will be changed though in the final outcome. I would highly recommend a college first even if its not a good college, at least you have something. Another thing, I see video gaming as a secondary as its not an easy job to get. I would get another job so you can get a roof over your head and save money to go to a good video gaming college. Then when the gaming industry is a fairly good source of income, quit your old job.

The only schools I can think of is ITT and the Art Institute; and I know for a fact that the Art Institute offers Multimedia Web Production as well as Graphic Arts.

Try Unity3D's free version - http://www.unity3d.com/

It's a good program for you to use in videogame design and creation, and there's a helpful community on the website with plenty of useful scripts. :)

Hope this helps you out!

ITT Technical Institute. It is a well recognized name in the gaming industry, and they have many locations throughout the country.

I'll be going to one near me in a month or two for my associate's degree in multimedia.