Summary 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
- 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.
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) |
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.