Game Designer Job Description Information

Game designers are professionals paid to create video and computer games. The field of game design is highly competitive, reports the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, with education and experience necessary to find employment.

 

Function

• Game designers develop the plot, theme and rules of a video or computer game, reports the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Once a basic story and framework is developed, designers take their ideas to artists and sound designers who create the visual and audio portions of the game.

Skills

• Successful game designers possess organization, familiarity with gaming and computer science, creativity, problem-solving abilities, writing and oral communication skills, and the ability to work on a team. The ability to use email and word processing software is typically required as well.

Education

• Employers typically prefer to hire game designers with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in fields like English, creative writing or computer science, reports the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. A few colleges also offer specialized courses and degrees in game design, which can help set applicants apart from others in the field.

Experience

• Game designers typically begin their careers working in other areas of game production like programming, game testing or art design, and then receive the opportunity to design their own games after several years of experience. Completing internships during college may lead to entry-level employment in the the field as well.

Compensation

• As of February 2010, the average annual salary earned by game designers was $66,000, according to Indeed.com.

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Game Designer Salary Information

In 2010, the video game industry is booming. With more than $7 billion in average annual revenue, there is a need for people who can design, develop and program video games. Programmers are paid very well as writing programming code is crucial to how a game works. Without proper programming, a video game can not function. While programming is often a volatile position in a gaming company and short contract jobs can be the norm, finding and maintaining new programming jobs can be the least difficult of all game development positions.

 

Programmers

• Entry level programmers and freelance programmers who do very basic or simple programming can start out earning $30,000 to $50,000 a year. Over a period of five to six years, that income can grow to more than $65,000 a year. Programmers can boost their yearly income by learning a variety of programming languages.

Lead Programmers

• Programmers who oversee general programming development, have more programming responsibilities or are writing more complicated code than basic programmers, can enter the industry at about $56,000 a year. After six years, that can grow to more than $90,000 a year.

Technical Directors

• Programmers who oversee all technical programming aspects of game design and are responsible for complex game mechanics can make an entry level income of about $60,000 a year. After six years, that can grow to anything from $110,000 a year to about $190,000 a year.

Coder Potential

• Programmers who perform experienced coding, such as developing advanced game engines, can earn upward of $300,000 per year. This is often considered a form of computer science and can require advanced knowledge of math, physics, algebra, calculus and multiple scripting languages.

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How to Become a Game Designer

Becoming a video game designer requires a strong knowledge of computer technology skills, and training in industry related skills. Video game designers can train in a traditional classroom setting with hands-on creating components, or online. Jobs in the video game designing field allow designers to make money, while creating exciting and interactive computer and gaming system products.

1. Learn the terms and skills associated with video game related careers. Video game designers are also referred to as graphic designers. Prospective video gamer designers must be familiar with photography, special effects, graphic design, and 3D animation. Talent and inspiration are integral aspects associated with this career, but successful designers must also be educated in current techniques and graphic animation. Enrolling in either online or traditional courses in graphic design is the first requirement in jump-starting a career in video game design. Most employers will not consider an applicant, which doesn't boast at least some training. A certificate of coursework, workshop, or a two-year degree in graphic design is the building blocks of a successful career in video game design.
2. Earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts, four-year degree in graphic design. This will open more doors for a novice graphic designer. Entry-level positions in established companies do not always consider designers with less education. A four-year degree program also offers a practicum component to the education process. This allows new video game designers to show actual on the job experience, making the candidate more attractive to potential employers. Students in this type of education program create their own video game during prior to graduation, offering a real example of the skill level possessed during job interviews.
3. Apply for a video game design job, during industry career nights. Major video game companies such as Nintendo, Playstation, and Wii network with educational institutions during job fairs and career nights. Students become potential employees during these events. Video game designers should approach the company representatives with confidence and a short, rehearsed verbal resume, and if possible sample game for the representative.
4. Offer references. Hiring representatives will be seeking video game designers who have a proven track record of meeting deadlines, and well as problem solving skills. Novice designers may have to rely on course instructors and practicum evaluators to provide a work history assessment. Students should be aware of the high value placed on completing a task, working out "bugs" in a program, exhibiting problem-solving skills, and dealing with stress and deadlines when they first begin the education process. Lack of time management skills and mental meltdowns due to programming frustrations can kill the career of a video game designers, regardless of the grades received on a report card.
5. Create games for a broad range of demographics. According to industry guides and reports, the age and gender of video game fans is growing in several directions. Adults in their 20's and 30's, who grew up playing games, are an increasing purchasing demographic for video games. Women are also far more likely to play video games than they were just a decade ago. A designer, who can supply ideas and completed games appealing to these age groups, and to women, will be able to fill a niche, which is under-served, and a focus of industry experts.

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