Video game design is a creative and rewarding career that combines storytelling, visual design, and technology to create immersive and interactive experiences for gamers. Video game designers are responsible for developing the game’s storyline, characters, rules, levels, and gameplay mechanics. They also collaborate with other professionals such as programmers, artists, animators, and sound engineers to bring their vision to life.

If you are passionate about video games and want to join this exciting and fast-growing industry, here are some steps you can take to become a video game designer.

What is a Video Game Designer?

A video game designer is someone who creates the core elements of a video game, such as the plot, characters, setting, rules, and challenges. They also design the user interface, feedback systems, and game balance. A video game designer may focus on one or more aspects of game design, such as:

• Level design: Creating the layout, environment, obstacles, and objectives of each stage or level of the game.
• Character design: Developing the appearance, personality, abilities, and backstory of the game’s characters.
• Mechanics design: Defining the rules and systems that govern how the game works and how the player interacts with it.
• Narrative design: Crafting the story, dialogue, and cutscenes that drive the game’s plot and theme.
• Art direction: Establishing the visual style, mood, and tone of the game’s graphics and animation.

A video game designer works as part of a team that includes other designers, programmers, artists, animators, sound engineers, testers, and producers. They use various tools and software to create prototypes, mockups, flowcharts, diagrams, and documentation to communicate their ideas and feedback.

Benefits of Becoming a Video Game Designer

Becoming a video game designer can offer many benefits, such as:

• Career prospects: The video game industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the entertainment industry. According to Statista, the global video game market revenue was estimated at $180 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $268 billion by 2025. This means that there is a high demand for skilled and talented video game designers who can create innovative and engaging games for various platforms and audiences.
• Salary expectations: According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary of a video game designer in the United States was $81,202 in 2022. This figure includes an average base salary of $69,069 and $12,133 in additional pay. The salary may vary depending on factors such as experience level, location, company size, and project scope.
• Personal fulfillment and creativity: Becoming a video game designer can allow you to express your creativity and passion for games. You can create your own original worlds, characters, stories, and mechanics that can entertain and inspire millions of players around the world. You can also enjoy playing games as part of your research and development process.

Required Skills for a Video Game Designer

To become a successful video game designer, you will need a combination of technical skills and soft skills that can help you design games that are fun, functional, and feasible. Some of these skills include:

• Technical skills: You will need to be proficient in programming languages such as C++, Python, Java, or C#, as well as game design software such as Unity, Unreal Engine, GameMaker Studio, or RPG Maker. You will also need to have a basic understanding of graphics software such as Photoshop or Illustrator. These skills will enable you to create prototypes, implement features, and debug issues in your games.
• Creative skills: You will need to have a strong sense of imagination, storytelling, and character design. You will also need to have an eye for aesthetics, color, and composition. These skills will enable you to create games that are original, engaging, and visually appealing.
• Problem-solving skills: You will need to be able to think logically, analytically, and critically. You will also need to be able to test hypotheses, experiment with solutions, and learn from feedback. These skills will enable you to design games that are balanced, challenging, and satisfying for players.
• Teamwork and communication skills: You will need to be able to work effectively with other professionals in your team, such as programmers, artists, animators, and sound engineers. You will also need to be able to communicate your ideas and feedback clearly and respectfully. These skills will enable you to collaborate and coordinate with your team members to create games that are coherent, consistent, and high-quality.

Educational Pathways to Become a Video Game Designer

There are various educational pathways that can help you become a video game designer. Some of the most common ones are:

• Relevant high school subjects: If you are still in high school, you can start preparing for a career in video game design by taking subjects such as math, physics, computer science, art, and English. These subjects can help you develop the foundational skills and knowledge that are essential for game design.
• College degrees and courses: You can pursue a bachelor’s degree in game design, computer science, or a related field from a college or university that offers specialized programs or courses in game design. These programs or courses can help you learn the theory and practice of game design, as well as provide you with opportunities to work on projects and portfolios that can showcase your skills and abilities.
• Online courses and certifications: You can also enroll in online courses or certifications that can teach you the fundamentals and advanced topics of game design. These courses or certifications can be offered by reputable platforms such as Coursera, edX, Udemy, or Skillshare. These courses or certifications can help you learn at your own pace and convenience, as well as provide you with feedback and support from instructors and peers.

The Role of Internships and Entry-level Positions

One of the best ways to gain practical experience and exposure in the video game industry is to apply for internships or entry-level positions at game studios or companies. These opportunities can help you:

• Learn from professionals: You can learn from experienced game designers who can mentor you and provide you with valuable insights and advice on how to improve your skills and craft.
• Build your network: You can build your network of contacts and connections who can support you and refer you to future opportunities in the industry.
• Enhance your resume and portfolio: You can enhance your resume and portfolio by adding relevant projects and achievements that can demonstrate your skills and abilities to potential employers.

You can find internships or entry-level positions by searching online job boards such as Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor. You can also visit the websites of game studios or companies that interest you and check their careers page for openings. Alternatively, you can attend industry events or join online communities where you can network with other game designers and professionals who may have leads or recommendations for you.

Building a Portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of your best work that showcases your skills and abilities as a game designer. A portfolio is essential for applying for jobs or opportunities in the video game industry, as it can help you stand out from other candidates and impress potential employers. Some tips on how to build a portfolio are:

• Include a variety of projects: You should include a variety of projects that demonstrate your range and versatility as a game designer. You can include projects that you have worked on individually or as part of a team, as well as projects that you have completed for school, internships, or personal interest. You should also include projects that cover different genres, platforms, and audiences of games.
• Focus on quality over quantity: You should focus on quality over quantity when selecting the projects to include in your portfolio. You should only include projects that are polished, functional, and original. You should also avoid including projects that are incomplete, outdated, or irrelevant to the position or opportunity you are applying for.
• Provide context and details: You should provide context and details for each project in your portfolio. You should include a brief description of the project, such as its title, genre, platform, target audience, goal, and features. You should also include your role and responsibilities in the project, such as what aspects of game design you were involved in, what tools and software you used, what challenges you faced, and what feedback you received. You should also provide links or screenshots of the project, as well as any testimonials or reviews from players or clients.
• Update your portfolio regularly: You should update your portfolio regularly to reflect your current skills and abilities as a game designer. You should add new projects that showcase your latest work and achievements, as well as remove old projects that are no longer relevant or representative of your work. You should also review your portfolio periodically to ensure that it is properly organized.
• Showcase your portfolio online: You should showcase your portfolio online to make it accessible and visible to potential employers and clients. You can create your own website or blog to host your portfolio, or use platforms such as itch.io, Game Jolt, or Behance to share your projects. You should also include your contact information and social media links on your portfolio, as well as a resume or bio that summarizes your skills and experience as a game designer.

Industry Networking

Networking is the process of building and maintaining relationships with other professionals in your field or industry. Networking can be beneficial for your career as a video game designer, as it can help you:

• Learn from others: You can learn from other game designers who can share their knowledge, experience, and advice with you. You can also learn from other professionals in related fields, such as programmers, artists, animators, and sound engineers, who can offer you different perspectives and insights on game design.
• Find opportunities: You can find opportunities for jobs, internships, collaborations, or projects through your network. You can also get referrals or recommendations from your contacts who can vouch for your skills and abilities.
• Raise your profile: You can raise your profile and reputation in the industry by showcasing your work and achievements to your network. You can also get feedback and recognition from your peers and mentors who can help you improve your craft.

Some tips on how to network effectively are:

• Attend industry events: You can attend industry events such as conferences, workshops, seminars, or meetups where you can meet and interact with other game designers and professionals. You can also participate in game jams, hackathons, or competitions where you can showcase your skills and work on projects with others.
• Join online communities: You can join online communities such as forums, groups, or platforms where you can connect and communicate with other game designers and enthusiasts. You can also follow and engage with influencers, experts, or organizations that are relevant to your field or interest.
• Be proactive and respectful: You should be proactive and respectful when networking with others. You should introduce yourself and express your interest in their work or field. You should also ask questions, listen actively, and offer value or assistance when possible. You should also follow up and maintain contact with your network by sending thank-you notes, sharing updates, or asking for feedback.

Continuing Education and Skill Development

The video game industry is constantly evolving and changing due to new technologies, trends, and demands. As a video game designer, you will need to keep learning and developing your skills to stay relevant and competitive in the industry. Some ways to do this are:

• Follow industry news and trends: You should follow industry news and trends to stay updated on the latest developments and innovations in the field of game design. You can read blogs, magazines, newsletters, or podcasts that cover topics such as game design theory, best practices, case studies, reviews, or analysis.
• Play games: You should play games regularly to explore different genres, platforms, and styles of games. You should also play games critically and analytically to identify what makes them fun, functional, and feasible. You should also play games that inspire you or challenge you to improve your skills or creativity.
• Take courses or certifications: You should take courses or certifications that can teach you new skills or topics related to game design. You can take courses or certifications online or offline, depending on your preference, availability, and budget. You can also take courses or certifications that are offered by reputable platforms, institutions, or organizations that are recognized by the industry.
• Seek feedback and mentorship: You should seek feedback and mentorship from other game designers or professionals who can help you improve your craft. You can ask for feedback on your work, projects, or portfolio from your peers, mentors, or clients. You can also seek mentorship from experienced game designers who can guide you, advise you, and support you in your career.

Final Words!

Becoming a video game designer is a rewarding career that requires passion, creativity, and skill. To become a video game designer, you will need to follow these steps:

• Earn a high school diploma
• Obtain a bachelor’s degree
• Get experience
• Build a resume and portfolio
• Learn new skills
• Pursue an area of focus
• Apply for internships or entry-level positions
• Build a portfolio
• Network with others
• Continue learning

By following these steps, you can become a video game designer who can create games that are fun, functional, and feasible for millions of players around the world.