What Video Game Designers DoDesign 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.
- Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
- Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.
- Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
- Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.
- Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.
Video Game Designers Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings9,100 Annually
Median Earnings
$130,240 in California
$98,090 Nationally
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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Being creative or artistic
- Influencing or leading others
you value
- Accomplishing things
- Having freedom
- Job security
you are skilled in
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Video Game Designers Explained
Video Game DesignerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Hybrid CollegeA hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
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