Video Game Designer

What a Video Game Designer Does

Game designers work to design the structure of video and computer games. This can mean laying out the rules for how they'll be played or designing specific elements of the game like backgrounds and characters. There are many areas of specialization in this field, and the vast majority of game designers will work within one area before taking on a whole project. Within the field there are also many different levels of designers. There are lead designers who control the overview of the game, write dialogue and conceive the levels as well as designers who focus in one just one level or character, so daily duties in this field can vary widely based on experience. Game designers need to not only know a great deal about production, design and animation but also about a variety of technical aspects like programming, design software and graphics. The work of video game designers can be very rewarding but it can also be very challenging and stressful when working to meet deadlines.

How to Become a Video Game Designer

To work as video game designer you not only need a love of video games but some serious training as well. While there are not a large number of schools that offer video game design majors, the number is growing and most students will be able to find one if not in their own communities then online. Of course, this isn't the only option. What kind of degree you'll need to pursue really depends on the aspect of game design you find most intriguing. If you want to focus on programming you might be better served with a degree in computer science. If you enjoy rendering graphics a degree in art or design will be best. If you like script writing, consider creative writing. Through these programs, you'll hone your skills and learn to what it takes to develop, build and market a video game. Game designers new to the field will likely start out working on basic parts of the game as part of a larger team.

Career Outlook for Video Game Designers

Video games are a billion dollar industry and one that doesn't look to be slowing anytime soon as big names like Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft push more advanced and constantly changing systems to consumers. Because of the high demand for games from adults and kids alike, the industry has ballooned, providing more jobs and more opportunities for those who are qualified to work in this field and nearly a 26 percent jump in job growth. Opportunities and salaries will vary widely in this field and are largely dependent on things like experience, education, reputation and geographic location. Those who have worked with big companies or on popular games will have the best chances of finding employment. Salaries for those in this field can cover a wide range, some making $35,000 and others making $75,000 and up. Income will be dependent on years of experience as well as the role of the designer in the development process.