Game Designer Responsibilities

Computer Game Designer should be able to:

• be creative, imaginative and original
• be fluent in a number of software packages
• have a thorough understanding of the market and target audience for computer games
• have problem-solving skills
• have storytelling ability
• have excellent communication and presentation skills
• understand the capabilities and benefits of different hardware including PCs, consoles and mobile devices, as well as the relevant software technologies and techniques
• have basic drawing and 3D design skills
• be able to adapt quickly to change
• work well in a team and alone
• work well under pressure and be able to meet deadlines
• take criticism well
• be willing to keep up to date with new developments and trends in the computer games market.

General Information:

Computer games designers devise new computer games and define the way the game is played and the 'game experience'. They develop:

• the rules of the game
• the setting
• story and characters
• props such as weapons and vehicles
• different ways the game may be played.

It is part of their job to convince other members of the team to develop the game. They work with programmers, artists, animators, producers and audio engineers to turn their original vision into a working game.

Games designers work around 35 hours a week, but they may need to work longer hours as deadlines approach. They work in offices and spend long periods sitting at a desk using a computer or attending meetings.

Salaries may range from around £19,000 to £55,000 a year.

A computer games designer should:

• be creative, imaginative and original
• be fluent in a number of software packages
• understand the market and target audience for computer games
• have problem-solving skills
• enjoy IT and playing computer games.

General Stats:

Around 6,600 people in the UK work in computer games development. They are employed by games development studios, which are either independent companies or owned by games publishers. Around half of the people working in the games sector are based in London and south-east England. The games market is likely to expand.

There are no set requirements, but most games designers are graduates. Most degree subjects are acceptable. Employers look for people with previous experience in the games industry - for instance as a games tester - and strong portfolios of relevant work. It may be possible to start on an Apprenticeship in QA and Games Production. Because of the level of experience required, most people are adults when they start this job.

Most computer games designers train on the job. They may attend short courses on technological developments and new software packages. It is important to keep up to date with developments in technology and the games market throughout their careers.

There is no formal promotion route for games designers. They may be promoted from junior designer to designer, and, with experience and management skills, to lead designer. Some designers move into management and marketing roles, or become self-employed.

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