Fresh off the Beaten Path: Video Game Design

Published on 2008-04-28

Combing through job search engines when you'd rather be playing your PlayStation or Wii? Some might say you'd be wasting valuable job hunting time, but you just might be on the right track! If you have a real passion for video games and think you have what it takes to actually create them, video game designing might be the job for you.

Video Game Design: What Exactly Is It?

Video game design sounds like a lot of fun, and it is - but it also takes serious skills and a commitment to hard work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics publication, Occupational Outlook Quarterly, video game (VG) designers write the "...game concept, character interactions and gameplay elements." In short, they create "...the blueprint of the game" for the video game developer. Lead designers oversee the overall concept of the game, level designers work in conjunction with artists and programmers and writer-designers create the verbiage directly and indirectly associated with the game from scripts and dialogues to manuals and tip books.

Personality Profile: Is Video Game Design Right for Me?

VG designers are passionate about playing all kinds of video games - even, and sometimes especially, the bad ones! Highly observant, thorough and productive, they are perfectionists, always interested in improving game quality. They are extremely creative but also have a strong grasp on reality: they understand that the best ideas must be innovative as well as achievable. VG designers have fantastic verbal and storytelling skills, rendering them prime candidates for a variety of writing jobs. Because they must translate ideas into readily accessible visual forms too, designers are often deft at drawing and diagramming, and it's no surprise that VG designers are therefore also well-suited for many art jobs. Additionally, VG designers are equally adept in mathematics, logic and computer science (computer related jobs often appeal to these types as well). Highly social and collaborative, a designer's success is contingent on his or her ability to work well in a team environment. Positive, unflaggingly optimistic personalities are best suited for this work since many games never see the light of retail day. Because the job requires long days and weekends, VG designers must have great stamina and flexible personal schedules.

Education, Training and Experience: How Do I Become a Video Game Designer?

As with most entertainment careers, the paths to a career in video game design are many and varied. Most designers studied math, English and/or computer programming in college. Some earned degrees from schools offering courses and programs in digital entertainment development, such as DigiPen or Full Sail. Additionally, others may have taken gaming-related, technical school courses. Regardless of their educational backgrounds, most VG designers began their careers with internships or as game testers in quality assurance departments.

Video Game Design: Where Would I Work?

While some VG designers may enjoy in-house, full-time opportunities working for video game companies, most work on a freelance, project basis. According to the BLS, many designers take jobs in Maryland, Massachusetts and Texas or are employed in Washington, California and Illinois jobs, because while smaller companies do operate throughout the country, the largest video game companies are based in the aforementioned states.

The Future for Video Game Designers

Although the video gaming industry continues to expand, the field is still highly competitive. However, the talented, technologically adaptive and dedicated are sure to find success. For video game and other related job vacancies in your area, explore Fresho.com.