Video Game Designer

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  Computer and Mathematical Occupations

Video Game Designer

Also Called: Design Director, Designer, Environmental Artist, Game Design Consultant, Game Designer, Gamemaster, Level Designer, World Designer, Design Director, Designer, Environmental Artist, Game Design Consultant, Game Designer, Gamemaster, Level Designer, World Designer

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.

$48,210
Starting Salary (2023)
$98,540
Median Salary (2023)
15.2%
Projected Job Growth
111,060
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.
Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.
Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features.
Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Adaptability/Flexibility
Cooperation
Attention to Detail
Initiative
Achievement/Effort
Persistence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Programming
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Complex Problem Solving
Judgment and Decision Making

Expected Knowledge

Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Common Activities

Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

More Info

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