VIDEO GAME DESIGNER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

OTHER JOB TITLES

Design Director, Designer/Writer, Game Designer, Lead Designer, Lead Game Designer, Lead Level Designer, Mid Level Game Designer, Senior Game Designer, World Designer

JOB TASKS

  • Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.

  • Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.

  • Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.

  • Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.

  • Guide design discussions between development teams.

ANNUAL SALARY

  • Workers on average earn $37.12/hr. $77,200 annually.
  • Projected Growth (2019-2029)- Much Faster than average (8% or higher)
  • Projected Job Openings (2019-2029)- 13,400

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor’s degree, but some do not.

REFLECT ON THE CAREER

After exploring this Professional’s story…

According to O*Net Online, list three occupations related to this role you might wish to explore and tell why.

RESOURCES

O*NET ONLINE

The Occupational Information Network is a free online database that contains hundreds of occupational definitions to help students.

OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is the government’s premier source of career guidance featuring hundreds of occupations.

MY NEXT MOVE

My Next Move is an interactive tool for job seekers and students to learn more about their career options.

INTERNATIONAL GAME DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION

We advance the careers and enhance the lives of game developers by connecting members with their peers, promoting professional development, and advocating for the interests of game developers worldwide.

STEP THREE – PLAN

Hopefully you found at least one career that looks interesting to pursue. If you found a lot or none at all, don’t worry! The next step is to make a plan and take action!