Details Report for:
15-1199.11 - 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.
The occupation code you requested, 15-1099.13 (Video Game Designers), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 15-1199.11 (Video Game Designers) instead.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Education | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Create core game features including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
- Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.
- Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.
- Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.
- Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features.
- Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.
- Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.
- Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.
- Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.
- Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.
- Guide design discussions between development teams.
- Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision.
- Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software.
- Prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups.
- Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers.
- Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design.
- Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.
- Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.
- Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
- Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.
- Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.
- Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.
- 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.
- Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.
Education
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Computer Occupations, All Other*.
Employment data collected from Computer Specialists, All Other.
Industry data collected from Computer Specialists, All Other.
| Median wages (2010) | $38.10 hourly, $79,240 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 209,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 72,600 |
| Top industries (2008) | Government (37% employed in this sector)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Computer network, systems, and database administrators
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.