Video Game Designers
Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.
Common Job Titles
- Design Director
- Designer
- Game Designer
- World Designer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeCreate innovative game mechanics, storylines, and character biographies for video game projects, integrating player psychology and narrative design principles.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign core gameplay systems and role-play mechanics using game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, balancing complexity with player engagement.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive design documentation and technical specifications using tools such as Microsoft Visio, JIRA, and version control systems to maintain project coherence.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate game design prototypes and player experience feedback during iterative development cycles, making data-driven decisions to refine mechanics.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze technical constraints and system requirements collaborating with programmers and artists to ensure design feasibility across platforms.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply programming concepts in C++, C#, or Python to prototype gameplay features and communicate technical requirements with development teams.Proficient
- KnowledgeSynthesize cross-disciplinary knowledge of design, psychology, and technology when conceptualizing player engagement strategies and monetization models.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate creative vision with production constraints and team input when negotiating design trade-offs with interdisciplinary stakeholders under tight deadlines.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate player-centric design principles and accessibility standards while balancing commercial objectives and technical limitations in production meetings.Proficient
- MindsetEngage production staff through clear communication and collaborative problem-solving during all phases of game development to align team efforts with design objectives.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Video Game Designers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
111,400
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $47,840. 25th percentile: U.S. $64,990. 50th percentile: U.S. $98,090. 75th percentile: U.S. $141,860. 90th percentile: U.S. $192,180. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $47,840 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $192,180 |
| Workers on average earn | $111,450 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Design4.3/5
- Computers and Electronics4.2/5
- Communications and Media3.5/5
- Psychology3.3/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Atlassian JIRA
- C
- C#
- C++
- Extensible markup language XML
- Git
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- MySQL
- Oracle Java
- PHP
- Perl
- Python
- Structured query language SQL
- TypeScript
Technology Skills
- 3D graphic design software
- Adobe ActionScript
- Advanced business application programming ABAP
- Autodesk 3ds Max
- Autodesk Maya
- Autodesk Scaleform
- Balsamiq Studios Balsamiq Mockups
- Blackboard software
Tools & Equipment
- Audioconferencing systems
- Computer data input scanners
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
- Smart phones
- Tablet computers
- Video gaming equipment