• Game Designer Job Description

    A game designer is someone who conceptualizes and develops a game. A game designer plans a game concept and decides on so many issues including the theme of the game, the rules of the game, how many characters will be in the game, and the number of levels the game will have and their difficulties.

    A game designer starts a game creation process with an idea, which s/he further develops to establish the game storyline, gameplay, feature list, target audience, schedule, budget estimates, etc. After designing the game, the game designer explains the game concept to the game artist who creates the game art and the game programmer who creates the computer code that enables the game to function.

    A game designer should be perceptive, imaginative and creative to come up with interesting and original concepts for games. They should be good at planning, problem-solving, communicating and managing projects. They should also have self-learning skills and the ability to stay up-to-date with developments in the game industry.

  • What does a Game Designer do?

    Game designers may do some or all of the following:

    • conduct research to create games
    • design and sketch games based on their own or others' ideas
    • write the game script, and develop the game functionality
    • create the game environment, levels, and missions
    • brief and assign tasks to the various specialists involved in the game development
    • work with the game artist and programmer to develop a prototype
    • create and incorporate sound into the game
    • make changes where necessary in the game design during the production cycle
  • Where does a Game Designer work?
  • Working Conditions

    Game designers usually work normal office hours, but may sometimes work evenings and weekends to complete projects. They work in offices or game studios.

  • What is Required to Become a Game Designer?

    To become a game designer, a diploma or degree in a computer or design-related discipline and experience of game design and development is helpful. You can gain experience and prepare for future employment in this field by doing an internship or apprenticeship with a game development company. Some game designers start out as game testers and after a while, they advance to become game designers.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Game designers need to have:

    • patience
    • passion for games
    • self confidence
    • creativity and imagination
    • discipline and determination
    • adaptability and versatility
    • good attention to detail
    • good interpersonal skills
    • good observation skills
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • good listening and communication skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • game testing skills
    • the ability to work calmly under pressure
    • the ability to learn and apply new knowledge
    • knowledge of computer programming
    • knowledge of video graphic design and scripting languages
    • knowledge of 3-D art and animation computer software
    • knowledge of game development and game platforms such as Xbox, Nintendo or PlayStation
    • knowledge of computer systems and processes
    • knowledge and experience of game playing
    • knowledge of legal ownership rights such as copyrights and patents

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Fine Artist
  • Computer Scientist
  • Game Programmer
  • Game Artist
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