Video Game Designers

Also Called: Design Director, Game Designer, Senior Game Designer, World Designer

Bachelor's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$48,210

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Video Game Designers do

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.

  • 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.
Industry Areas:

Information Technology

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Duration of Typical Work Week
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Work With Work Group or Team

Tools

  • Fixed computer gaming console
  • Scanners
  • Notebook computers
  • Mobile phones
  • Audioconferencing systems

Technology

Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Data base user interface and query software
Blackboard software
Microsoft SQL Server
Development environment software
C
Simple DirectMedia Layer SDL

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Programming
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
design
Arts and Humanities
English language
Communications
multimedia
Math and Science
psychology

Education

  • 57% Bachelor's degree
  • 19% Associate's degree
  • 10% Some college, no degree

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Quality Control Analysts

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, & Illustrators

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technologists & Technicians

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Video Game Designers Currently Selected

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Adirondack Community College

    Queensbury, NY

  • Aiken Technical College

    Graniteville, SC

Apprenticeships

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Artistic (Creator)
    • Enterprising (Persuader)

Work Styles

  • Innovation
  • Attention to Detail
  • Initiative
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Values

  • Independence
  • Achievement
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Attention

This is what Video Game Designers across the country typically make.

$23.18 / hour
$48,210 /year

Entry Level

$47.37 / hour
$98,540 /year

Median Level

$84.85 / hour
$176,490 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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