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Video Game Designers design core features of video games. They create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.
It is also Called
World Designer - ????
Videogame Designer
Video Game Programmer
Video Game Maker
Video Game Engineer
Video Game Developer

Video Game Developers 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.

Outlook
2.00%
avg. annual growth
During 2014, this occupation employed approximately 25,000 people in California. It is projected that there will be 30,000 employed in 2024.

This occupation will have about 500 openings due to growth and about 320 replacement openings for approximately 820 total annual openings.
Preparation Required
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Wages
In 2016, the average annual wage in California was $95,970 with most people making between $42,680 and $154,940.
Education & Training
Human Computer Interaction
Industries that Employ this Occupation
Industry breakdown is not available for this occupation.
Interests
People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: AE.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Artistic interests, but also prefer Enterprising environments.
Things They Need to Know
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Things They Need to Be Able to Do
Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Work Values
People who work in this occupation generally prize Achievement, but also value Independence and Working Conditions in their jobs.
About the Job
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.
What They Do
Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.
Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.
Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software.
Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.
Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.
Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.
Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.
Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.
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.
Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision.










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About the Job
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.

It is also Called
World Designer
Videogame Designer
Video Game Programmer
Video Game Maker
Video Game Engineer
Video Game Developer
Video Game Designer
Video Game Creator
Senior Gamemaster
Senior Game Designer/Senior Environmental Artist
Senior Game Designer
Mobile Game Engineer
Mid Level Game Designer
Lead Level Designer
Lead Game Designer
Lead Designer
Interactive Multimedia Designer
Gameplay Engineer
Game Engineer
Game Designer/Creative Director
Game Designer
Designer/Writer
Design Director
Computer Video Game Designer
Computer Game Designer


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What They Do
Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.
Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.
Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software.
Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.
Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.
Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.
Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.
Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.
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.
Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision.
Interests
People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: AE.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Artistic interests, but also prefer Enterprising environments.

Work Values
People who work in this occupation generally prize Achievement, but also value Independence and Working Conditions in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do
Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Preparation Required
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Wages
In 2016, the average annual wage in California was $95,970 with most people making between $42,680 and $154,940

Outlook
2.00%
avg. annual growth
During 2014, this occupation employed approximately 25,000 people in California. It is projected that there will be 30,000 employed in 2024.

This occupation will have about 500 openings due to growth and about 320 replacement openings for approximately 820 total annual openings.

Education & Training
Human Computer Interaction
Industries that Employ this Occupation
Industry breakdown is not available for this occupation



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