Introduction to Video Game Designing
Video game designing is a career path that is filled with creativity, imagination, and innovation. As a video game designer, you will be tasked with creating virtual worlds within a game setting. You will design and oversee the development of characters, levels, and game mechanics meant to entertain and challenge players. This industry has been growing rapidly and will continue to grow as long as there are gamers willing to try new and exciting games.
Career Values, Traits, and Skills
To succeed in this career, you must possess a creative mindset, be passionate about video games, and have the technical skills to design and develop games. As a video game designer, it’s crucial to have strong communication skills, be a team player, and have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Adaptability, flexibility, and resilience are also necessary traits that will come in handy when dealing with the fast-changing gaming industryβs ever-changing demands.
Career Path
There are several routes to becoming a video game designer, but the most common one is pursuing a degree in game design, computer science, or a related field. While in college or university, you start building your portfolio by designing small games and participate in game jams that will help you get noticed by employers in the gaming industry. Some entry-level jobs include Quality Assurance Tester, Junior Game Designer, and UI/UX Designer. With the right determination and experience, you can rise through the ranks to become a Lead Game Designer, Creative Director, or even start your own game development company.
Salary Range
The salary range for video game designers can vary depending on the location, the employer, and the level of experience. According to Glassdoor, video game designers in the United States earn an average of $66,009 annually. Those who work in major gaming hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, can earn as much as $80,000 to $120,000 per year.
Tips for Success
To excel in this field, you need to be up to date with the latest advancements in technology and the ever-changing gaming landscape. Your work must be original, creative, and exciting to attract and retain a broad audience of gamers. It’s essential to network with other professionals in the industry, attend industry conferences and events, and showcase your work to potential employers. Your portfolio should be up-to-date and your resume tailored for video game design jobs, adding details about the games you participated in along with any awards or accolades that you received. Lastly, don’t be afraid of failure. With each failure, comes learning and a new opportunity to design a game that will stand out.
