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Occupation AtlasVideo Game Designers

O*NET · 15-1255.01

Video Game Designers

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.

Also called 3D Artist · Computer Game Designer · Computer Video Game Designer · Concept Artist · Content Creator · Design Director · Designer · Environment Artist
26 more

Environmental Artist · Game Design Consultant · Game Designer · Game Developer · Game Engineer · Game Master · Game Tester · Gamemaster · Gameplay Engineer · Interactive Multimedia Designer · Level Designer · Mobile Game Engineer · Motion Designer · Narrative Designer · Prototype Developer · Technical Artist · Three Dimensional Artist (3D Artist) · Video Content Creator · Video Game Creator · Video Game Designer · Video Game Developer · Video Game Engineer · Video Game Maker · Video Game Tester · Videogame Designer · World Designer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code AIE35 skills on file

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Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

AIEArtistic · Investigative · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • A Artistic6.38
  • I Investigative4.15
  • E Enterprising3.92
  • C Conventional3.85
  • R Realistic2.77
  • S Social2.30

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma10%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent15%
  • Some College Courses10%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10%
  • Bachelor's Degree55%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (45%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (30%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Programming4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Write a statistical analysis program to analyze demographic data
  • Active Listeningbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Complex Problem Solving3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Active Learningbasic3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Time Management3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Systems Analysis3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Writingbasic3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Systems Evaluation3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Speakingbasic3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
Show the other 23
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Coordination3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Persuasion3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Negotiation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Operations Analysis3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Technology Design3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Instructing2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Mathematicsbasic2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Service Orientation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Operations Monitoring2.32.5Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Quality Control Analysis2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Sciencebasic1.40.5
  • Equipment Selection1.1—
  • Installation1.1—
  • Troubleshooting1.1—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Operation and Control1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

24 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.4.7
  2. Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.4.5
  3. Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.4.5
  4. Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.4.4
  5. Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.4.4
  6. Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.4.4
  7. Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.4.2
  8. Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.4.2
  9. Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.4.2
  10. Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design.4.1
  11. Guide design discussions between development teams.4.0
  12. Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.4.0
Show the other 12
  1. Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers.3.9
  2. Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision.3.9
  3. Prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups.3.8
  4. 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.3.7
  5. Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.3.6
  6. Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.3.6
  7. Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features.3.6
  8. Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.3.6
  9. Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software.3.5
  10. Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.3.5
  11. Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.3.3
  12. Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Design4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Computers and Electronics4.25.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Communications and Media3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • English Language3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Mathematics3.34.8Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Psychology3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Engineering and Technology2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.83.8Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
Show all 33
  • Education and Training2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Fine Arts2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Play a minor part in a local theater play
  • Administration and Management2.63.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Administrative2.43.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Physics2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Sales and Marketing2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Telecommunications2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • History and Archeology2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Customer and Personal Service1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Philosophy and Theology1.82.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Law and Government1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Production and Processing1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Geography1.61.7Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Foreign Language1.4—
  • Biology1.3—
  • Mechanical1.3—
  • Public Safety and Security1.3—
  • Transportation1.3—
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Chemistry1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Fluency of Ideas4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Near Vision4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Originality4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Written Comprehension4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Information Ordering3.93.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Comprehension3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Written Expression3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive Reasoning3.83.9
Show all 52
  • Inductive Reasoning3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral Expression3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Selective Attention3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Speech Recognition3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Visualization3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Speech Clarity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Category Flexibility3.03.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Perceptual Speed3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Far Vision2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number Facility2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Speed of Closure2.82.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Finger Dexterity2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Memorization2.62.8
  • Time Sharing2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Auditory Attention2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control Precision2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Manual Dexterity2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Depth Perception1.60.6
  • Trunk Strength1.60.9
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.50.6
  • Dynamic Strength1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Thinking Creatively4.96.4Level 7 looks like: Create new computer software
  • Working with Computers4.94.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.75.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.35.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting Information4.14.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Processing Information4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
Show all 41
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.74.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.75.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.64.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Developing and Building Teams3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.34.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.03.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.93.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.94.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Training and Teaching Others2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.63.4Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.62.9
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.12.2Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.12.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.12.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.30.4Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.0—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.0—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Spend Time Sitting4.8
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Level of Competition4.4
  • Contact With Others4.1
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.1
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.1
  • Time Pressure4.1

Technology

57 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (7)

  • Adobe Photoshophot
  • C#hot
  • C++hot
  • Pythonhot
  • Autodesk Maya
  • Unity Technologies Unity
  • Unreal Technology Unreal Engine

Hot (26; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Atlassian JIRA
  • C
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Git
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • JavaScript
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • MySQL
  • Oracle Java
  • Perl
  • PHP
Show the other 2
  • Structured query language SQL
  • TypeScript
Other tools (24)
  • 3D graphic design software
  • Adobe ActionScript
  • Advanced business application programming ABAP
  • Autodesk 3ds Max
  • Autodesk Scaleform
  • Balsamiq Studios Balsamiq Mockups
  • Blackboard software
  • C for Graphics cg
  • Graphical user interface GUI design software
  • Job control language JCL
  • Lua
  • Microsoft DirectX
  • Microsoft Expression Blend
  • Microsoft High Level Shader Language HLSL
  • Objective C
  • OpenGL
  • Perforce Helix software
  • Perforce software
  • Ruby on Rails
  • Scheme
  • Simple DirectMedia Layer SDL
  • Sound development software
  • Virtual Battlespace 2 VBS2
  • Vulkan Graphics API

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Web and Digital Interface Designers
  2. Special Effects Artists and Animators
  3. Graphic Designers
  4. Web Developers
  5. Computer Programmers
  6. Film and Video Editors
  7. Software Developers
  8. Producers and Directors
  9. Computer Hardware Engineers
  10. Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.