Video Game Designers
Also known as: Computer Game Designer, Computer Video Game Designer, Concept Artist (+23 more)
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.
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What You'll Do
- Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.
- Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.
- Keep abreast of game design technology and techniques, industry trends, or audience interests, reactions, and needs by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences.
- Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.
- Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.
- Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
- Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.
- Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.
- Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design.
- Prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups.
Essential Skills
Career Fit Overview
Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.
Top passions
- Artist: Creating original work and expressing ideas feels natural.
- Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
- Leader: Taking charge and moving ideas forward motivates you.
Common styles
Innovation, Intellectual Curiosity, Adaptability, Achievement Orientation, Dependability
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Key Abilities
This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:
Technologies & Tools
Work Environment & Strengths
Common Strengths for This Career
- Innovation (High importance: 5.0/5)
- Intellectual Curiosity (High importance: 4.55/5)
- Adaptability (High importance: 4.53/5)
- Achievement Orientation (High importance: 4.43/5)
- Dependability (High importance: 4.33/5)
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Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Some positions may also require experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level work to strengthen your candidacy.
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Also Known As
This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:
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