Description

Video game designers typically develop programs for different platforms (such as gaming computers and computer systems) to develop playable games. The process of creating a game involves generating an idea and a storyline, and sketching it out for other people in the team of game designers to assist with the development process. Designers generally use a flowchart for making a game's storyboard. The game needs to undergo a thorough test to make sure that any flaws or bugs that occur that occur during play are fixed. Game designers can focus on specific aspects of gameplay, such as the environment or the game's rules system or even coordinating the work of the design team. Through the entire development process they must review the code and then recode it code to make any necessary modifications that are discovered during testing. They can also conduct tests themselves, recording any flaws or bugs that are discovered.

While a college degree isn't strictly necessary to be a game designer for video games however, a majority of firms prefer a bachelor's degree related to computer science, or computer engineering. Experience is usually recommended or required. Video game designers should possess excellent designing and programming skills and be able to work in a group setting and be able to work independently with little supervision.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Video Game Designer with 0-3 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Collaborate with the development team to design and implement gameplay mechanics, features, and systems. Work closely with programmers, artists, and sound designers to bring game ideas to life.
  • Create and refine game concepts, storylines, and characters. Develop compelling narratives and engaging gameplay elements.
  • Conduct playtesting and gather feedback to improve game mechanics and user experience. Analyze player behavior and make adjustments to enhance gameplay enjoyment.
  • Assist in the creation of game documentation, including design documentation and design guidelines.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Video Game Designer job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficient in industry-standard software and tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Autodesk Maya to design and create engaging and immersive game environments.
  • Strong creative and artistic abilities to conceptualize and design characters, levels, and game mechanics that align with the overall vision and gameplay experience.
  • Solid understanding of game design principles, mechanics, and player psychology to develop compelling narratives, gameplay features, and progression systems.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and address gameplay issues, balancing challenges, and optimizing user experience for both casual and hardcore gamers.

Essential Skills For Video Game Designer

1

UI and UX Design

2

Any Programming Language

3

Animation

4

Game Designing

5

3D Game Development

Skills That Affect Video Game Designer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Unity

4%

C#

6%

Career Prospects

The role of Video Game Designer is an exciting opportunity for professionals with 0-3 years of work experience in the United Kingdom's gaming industry. For those looking for alternative career paths, here are following options to consider:

  • Level Designer: This role involves creating and designing the gameplay levels, puzzles, and challenges for video games, ensuring a seamless and immersive player experience.
  • Game Tester: As a game tester, you would test and analyze video games for bugs, glitches, and overall quality assurance, providing valuable feedback to the development team.
  • User Interface UI Designer: This role focuses on designing the graphical user interface elements, menus, and interactive features that enhance the overall usability and visual appeal of a video game.
  • Game Writer: If you have a passion for storytelling, becoming a game writer allows you to create compelling narratives, dialogues, and character development within the video game's universe.

How to Learn

The role of Video Game Designer in the United Kingdom is expected to witness significant growth in the market. Over the next 10 years, this job role is projected to experience a remarkable surge in demand. As the gaming industry expands with technological advancements, the need for skilled designers is expected to rise exponentially. With new gaming platforms emerging and the growing popularity of virtual reality, the employment opportunities for Video Game Designers in the future are likely to be abundant. According to recent data, this trend is expected to continue, making it a promising career choice for individuals interested in the gaming sector.