Game Designer Career in the Video Gaming Industry

You must be passionate about working in game development or dream of becoming a Game Designer. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here, right? 

I assume you want to turn your love of video games into a prosperous and fulfilling career. Becoming a video game designer may be the perfect job for you. 

In this blog post, we’ll analyze what a video game designer does. Why would someone want to pursue this career? What are the differences between designing games for PC/console vs. mobile? And what are go-to tools to be successful in this field?

What will you find in this article? 

1. Why Become a Video Game Designer?
2. What Does a Video Game Designer Do?
3. How to find a job in Game Design?
4. PC/Console Game Design vs. Mobile Game Design: What’s the Difference?
5. Tools of the Trade: What Do Good Video Game Designers Use?
6. FAQs

Why even consider becoming a Video Game Designer?

I know, you probably think “What kind of question is that?”, but for the sake of giving you proper knowledge and SEO, we’re gonna dive into it. 

You probably read in every other article that the video game industry is massive and worth millions of dollars, blah-blah-blah. 

We know – you get it. It’s worth a lot. But you’re not here only for the sake of moneyz *although compensation is also important*

Game designers are an essential part of this industry. Without game designers, there is no gaming industry. Plain and simple. 

Anyway, game design can be an incredibly rewarding career for those with a passion for gaming. Designers get to see their ideas come to life, with the opportunity to create games that can change people’s lives. 

Video game design is also a creative field that allows for personal expression and innovation. Designers can explore new gameplay mechanics, storytelling techniques, to make unique and exciting pieces of quality entertainment™.

Moreover, video game design is a continually evolving field, with new technologies and trends emerging all the time. Designers must stay up-to-date with these changes, making the job challenging and dynamic. 

Finally, game design can also be financially rewarding. Check out here what an average Video Game Designer’s salary is. 

What does a Video Game Designer do?

TL:DR Video Game Designer creates engaging games for players to enjoy. Designers work on all aspects of the game, from the initial concept to the final product. 

Some of the specific tasks a video game designer may undertake include:

• Conceptualizing Game Ideas – Game Designer’s role

Game designers are responsible for coming up with the ideas behind a video game. They work closely with other development team members (programmers, artists, marketing people) to ensure that their ideas are feasible and align with the game’s overall vision.

• Designing Game Mechanics – Game Designer’s role

Game mechanics refer to the rules, systems, and structures of a video game. Designers must create mechanics that are challenging yet accessible, with the right balance of risk and reward. 

• Storytelling and Narrative Design – Game Designer’s role

Narrative design is an essential aspect of video game design, particularly for story-driven games. Designers must create engaging and compelling stories that immerse players in the game’s world.

If you would like to explore what are specific paths in the vast enviro like Game Design, we suggest you study our Detailed Guide to Game Design Roles

How to find a job as Game Designer?

#1 Build a Portfolio

To become a game designer, you’ll need to demonstrate your skills and creativity through a portfolio of your work. If you have any kind of game prototypes, or pieces of Game Documentation that you’ve prepared, you’re onto something. (Of course, don’t violate any NDAs, don’t get into troble sharing docs you’re not supposed to share). 

If you lack an experience in big studios (or any experience), attend Game Jams. If you feel hesitant cause you need to learn how to start – don’t worry – we have a guide on that as well. Click here to learn how to Game Jam like a Pr0!

#2 Networking and Industry Events

Attending industry events and networking with game developers and other game designers can be an excellent way to break into the industry. You can meet other designers, learn about new trends and technologies, and potentially find job opportunities. Remember what we wrote about Game Jams? These are also great for building relationships with other industry peeps. 

#3 Build an Ultimate Game Designer’s Linkedin Profile

A well-designed Linkedin Page is a great way to succeed in landing a cool game design job. 

Read or detailed guides on how to get recruiters’ attention. 

• Step by Step guide to building a good Linkedin profile
• Top tips for making a killer Linkedin profile

What’s the difference between PC/ Console Game Designer and a Mobile Game Designer? 

Designing games for the PC/console is different from creating games for mobile devices. Some of the main differences are:

Hardware

PC and console games typically have more powerful hardware, allowing for more complex and detailed games. Designers can create games with larger environments, better graphics, and more complex game mechanics.

Mobile games, on the other hand, are designed for devices with limited hardware capabilities. As a result, mobile game designers must create games that are optimized for smaller screens, have simple controls, and can run smoothly on devices with lower processing power.

Playability and Accessibility

PC and console games are typically played by hardcore gamers who are willing to invest time and money in gaming. These games can be more challenging and have more complex mechanics.

Mobile games, on the other hand, are designed to be more accessible and easy to play. They are often free-to-play with in-app purchases, making them more appealing to casual gamers who may not have the time or inclination to invest in more complex games.

How to Become a Video Game Designer?

If you’re interested in becoming a video game designer, there are several steps you can take to break into the industry:

Education and Training

While no specific degree is required to become a game designer, some designers have a degree in computer science, game design, user experience or a related field. But if you’re interested in a list of game design colleges, here’s our article on that. 

Here’s a list of recommended books for Game Designers.

But remember that any amount of training, tutorials, and books cannot be replaced by going into the field and designing actual games in the real game development process. Even the simplest ones. So download one of the two most recognized game engines (Unreal Engine, and Unity Game Engine and start prototyping)

Tools of the Trade: What Do Good Video Game Designers Use?

Video game designers use a variety of tools and software to create games. Some of the most commonly used tools include:

Game Engines

Game engines are software frameworks that developers use to create games. Popular game engines include Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot.

Google Docs 

Game Designers write a ridiculous amount of Game Documentation. So other people know exactly what a specific feature does. Knowing how to write good and clear documentation is one of the most crucial skills a game designer has.

If you’re not an english native speaker, you can use add-ons like Grammarly, which can be of a big help while writing documentation in English.

FAQs

Q: What skills do I need to become a video game designer?

A: To become a video game designer, you need to know industry trends. Being on top of what is actually being used in the industry is a must. You’ll also need creativity, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of game mechanics. and being able to communicate efficiently and clearly. 

Q: Do I need a degree to become a video game designer?

A: While a degree in computer science or game design can be helpful, it is not always necessary. However, having a degree or relevant coursework / experience in Game Jams can give you a competitive edge in the job market.  

Q: What is the average salary for a video game designer?

A: The average salary for a game designer varies depending on experience and location. However, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a video game designer in the United States is $85 000 per year.

Q: How long does it take to become a video game designer?

A: The amount of time it takes to become a video game designer can vary depending on your level of experience, education, and skillset. I know that you would like to have a fixed date, but sorry my dudes, no one can give you solid data on that. 

But we’re pretty sure you can become an awesome Game Designer with your passion and determination. Just go out there and start designing some sweet game prototypes. 

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