Game Designers develop and create designs, maintain and debug software programs that articulate program specifications and documentation detailing innovative gameplay mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Perform integration of art, lighting and sound assets. Design application program interfaces (APIs) and features to support ongoing product development.  Provide new tools to facilitate development of code, art, sound, 2D and 3D gaming levels and testing. Game Designers may also design and store triggering and tuning entities (such as enemies and objects) to create fun absorbing gameplay. 

A Glossary of Terms  is contained in a section that follows and should be referred to for clarity.

JOB DUTIES   

Game Developers may: 

Create document specifications for game systems and tools required to develop a product

Create scenarios, placing and scripting entities (such as enemies, movers, and objects) to create fun, absorbing gameplay

Design and program scripts using various technologies such as object oriented scripting language

Collaborate with team members to define and refine gameplay mechanics, level puzzles, and scripted events

Identify problems, analyze the situation and make appropriate recommendations and decisions

Oversee projects and supervise other workers such as programmers, artists, musicians and graphic designers throughout the lifecycle of product development

Test and debug software programs to correct any problems that might occur

Click here to watch a video on how to break in to the Game Design Industry!

The tools and equipment used may include: 

Application Program Interface: Variant of Application Programming Interface (API). An interface between the operating system and application programs, which includes the way the application programs communicate with the operating system, and the services the operating system makes available to the programs. For example, an API may make it possible for programs that run under it to open windows and display message boxes.

Script:  a list of commands that can be executed without user interaction.

Object:  A discrete item that can be selected and maneuvered, such as an onscreen graphic. In object-oriented programming, objects include data and the procedures necessary to operate on that data.

Mechanics:  The functional and technical aspects of an activity.

Gameplay:  rate or score the quality of the experience had by gamer while playing a particular game.

Trigger:  is a SQL procedure that initiates an action (i.e., fires, an action) when an event (INSERT, DELETE or UPDATE) occurs.

SQL (Structured Query Language): is a standardized query language for requesting information from a database.

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Game Designers may specialize in these areas: 

VIDEO GAME ARTIST  creates, sketches, and designs various images and graphics that simulate realistic movements or environments that will bring the game designer's ideas and concepts to life.

VIDEO GAME PROGRAMMER  creates, develops and writes the code utilizing programming languages such as C++ and Java and/or 2D and 3D software to develop the games. 

VIDEO GAME LEVEL DESIGNER  designs, organizes, and places structures that will create different aspects in the game world.

VIDEO GAME PRODUCER  manages the budget, coordinates testing and debugging procedures, and oversees other team member's progress to ensure that the product will be completed by the scheduled release date.

VIDEO GAME SOUND DESIGNER  creates and modifies voice-overs, sound effects and musical compositions for games.

VIDEO GAME WRITER  develops, creates, and narrates storyboards, scripts, and plots for video games.

Occupations which involve computers and programming are often highly related to each other, with persons in one field often performing the tasks of another. In addition to learning about this occupation, you may find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts: 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

Game Designers work in pleasant offices which are well-lighted and ventilated. Much of the work is done at a computer screen using a keyboard. Most game developers have a 40-hour work week. However, they may be required to work additional hours during the evenings and/or weekends to meet project deadlines. 

One of the pressures of the job is keeping current with continuously developing technologies. Companies may not feel that they are responsible for providing training for their employees to keep current with technological changes. Companies may prefer to hire outside their ranks to bring in people with newer skills and competencies. Again, this is determined by the setting. Most large entertainment software companies will typically have in-house training programs to update their employee's skills which are critical in competing in today's market. 

Being an avid game player will allow the Game Designer to analyze certain aspects in the game which could aid them in the creation of their own games.  For example, a Game Designer can analyze how a game is created, what elements of the game that makes the game fun for player(s), the various characters, the storyboard, the level of difficulty, etc. 

Game Designers develops and creates document specifications that will control the outcome of the game. For example, a Game Designer will develop the gameplay, characters, rules and levels for the video game.  Game Designers may also work as game programmers.  This critical skill is needed to allow the Game Designers the ability to execute their vision and ideas into the particular game that they are developing. 

Game Designers duties change depending on the work environment. If they work for some of the larger game developer firms they will be involved in large-ranging projects, but perform a small-defined role within this type of project. Game Designers will create video games that will enable the player to choose particular paths that will allow them to explore different elements of the game.  A Game Designer will normally work within a group that may include other game designers, artists, sound designers and the computer programmers. 

Game Designers may join professional organizations such as the International Game Designers Association, Entertainment Software Association or the Software & Information Industry Association. Members of such organizations pay periodic fees. 

You should prefer:

• Activities of a logical, scientific and technical nature

• Activities which involve the use of math and statistics

• Activities which bring recognition or appreciation from others

• Activities which require self-motivation

You should be able to:

• Think logically in a clear and organized manner

• Understand and use high level mathematics

• Compare/see differences in size/shape/form of objects/lines/figures

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Rate information by using personal judgment or standards which can be measured or checked

• Plan/direct/control an entire activity and the activities of others

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

• Make decisions

• Work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment

• Analyze and solve problems based on accurate information

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve: 

Factor: 12w + 10w  - 8

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend: 

A document specification detailing the different elements of the game.  For example, the storyboard, characters, plot and levels are all elements that will be a part of the game's design.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce: 

Prepare a written documentation specifying the details of the video game from start (plot, mission, rules, characters, etc.) to finish (production and release of the game to vendors).

 Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Produce: 

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills and be a detail oriented problem solver when developing, coding and testing the video game software.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

NOTE: An Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation. 

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script: 

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***  

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

GAMING AND DESIGN

Programs in Gaming and Design, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Mathematics provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for becoming a Video Game Designer. 

Listed below are schools located in the State of Michigan that offer Certificate, Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master Degree programs in Game Design and Programming.

In addition to viewing the curriculum for Gaming Design Schools in Michigan, here is a list of the top ten schools throughout the United States that offer Certificate, Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master Degree programs in Game Design and Programming.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script. 

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in gaming and design, computer science or mathematics as the minimum level of education for a Game Designer. Internships and cooperative work/study programs are typically available through the colleges or universities. Few opportunities for exploration exist without specific training. To enter this occupation once you have completed training, apply directly to employers, locate positions through college placement offices, and consult newspaper want ads.

There are various ways to gain experience in the gaming and design industry.  Most Game Designers start out in the Quality Assurance Department as a part-time Game Tester.  They may advance to Lead Tester, Producer, Game Designer, and Senior Game Designer. From these positions they may advance to management, consulting or they will have the expertise and knowledge on how to start up their own video game design company. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as: 

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Game Designers varies with the employer and the geographic location of the company. For instance, salaries in California tend to be much higher than salaries in Florida. California has many opportunities for Game Designers because of the large number of game development software firms located in this area. Smaller companies tend to pay less than larger firms. Earnings also vary with experience, ability and education. For example, Game Designers frequently are hired for their expertise in developing a project from start to finish. 

The Game Developers Magazine in conjunction with the 2009 Game Developers Conference produced its 8^th annual salary survey.  Game Designers had average annual earnings as follows: 

The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.

Most Game Designers receive fringe benefits such as paid vacations, holidays and sick leave; life, health, accident and disability insurance retirement and have educational reimbursement plans and stock purchases/savings plans. Benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer. 

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

According the International Game Developer's Association, there are approximately 73,800 Game Designers residing in the United States. In a recent survey conducted by Game Designers Magazine, about 6% of Video Game Designers are women.  

Despite a sluggish economy, software companies who develop and manufacture video games have seen a tremendous growth within the industry.  As the demand for video games increases, job opportunities in the video game industry should be plentiful. Cell phone companies are also taking advantage of the video game industry by adding additional features to their cell phones that will enable their subscribers to play video games directly from their phone.

Playing games online is becoming increasingly popular every year.  Games that are developed for PC's both on DVD's and online will also affect the need for entertainment software companies to hire more Game Designers to create and design more games for this particular market.

The development of new game consoles will also increase the demand for more video game titles, thus creating a need for more video game designers, programmers, artists etc. However, jobs within the video gaming industry will face stiff competition from software development companies overseas.  This trend will also affect the need for U.S. companies to hire talent that will be able to produce more game titles that will meet consumer demands. 

Some smaller start-up entertainment software companies are only open during the duration of the project.  This will create more competition for Game Designers as they search for more job openings within the industry. 

There are about 1,700 Game Designers residing in Michigan. The demand for higher level Game Designers with experience in developing a solid concrete idea who will also have the ability to see the project through from start to finish will have the greater chance in finding employment.

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION    

Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth