Video Game Designers
People classed as Video Game Designers design core features of video games. On the six-type interest model it reads AIE, meaning creative work with room for original expression comes first, followed by research, analysis and working through hard problems. The preparation level is considerable preparation, typically a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience. O*NET’s skill data points to programming, active listening, and reading comprehension as the ones to build. A regular part of the work is to balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product. You may also need to devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play. People who want creative work with room for original expression usually fit better here than those who need helping, teaching or caring for people.
What they 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.
Main tasks
- Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
- Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.
- Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
- Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.
- Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.
- Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.
Skills
- Programming
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You want room to make something in your own way.
- You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
- You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
- You are comfortable relying on programming and active listening.
May not suit you if
- You prefer clear instructions to open creative briefs.
- You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 2.3 out of 7 here.
- You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code AIE takes the three highest, and Artistic comes first here.
Preparation
Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.
Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Also called
- Design Director
- Designer
- Environmental Artist
- Game Design Consultant
- Game Designer
Related careers
Is this your direction?
See how your interests line up with AIE and 906 other careers.
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.