The video game design industry generates more revenue than the Hollywood and music industry combined. To set a perspective, the industry is set to reach $180.1 billion by 2021. As the games become more realistic with the help of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR), more people are finding their next adventure in the virtual world.

Before moving ahead, it is essential to know the difference between a game designer and a game developer so that you know you are in the right place.

A video game designer is responsible for conceptualization and design, testing of the game. This includes storyboarding, and 2D and 3D character and environment designing. A video game developer works with actual code to give this concept a shape that leads to an end product.

Job Outlook for Video Game Designer

Design studios are now focusing on high-quality video games over high quantity. Video game customers are looking for more realistic games with advanced, realistic graphics and special effects. Increasing expectations will lead to a rapid, complex, and disruptive evolution in gaming hardware and software. Accordingly, the job market for skilled video game designers is expected to grow at 9.3% between 2016 and 2026.

There are various roles in which video game designers can work. These include designers, programmers, artists, audio engineers, producers, and QA testers. Designers can further be classified into game mechanics designers, level designers, lead designers, and so on. Similarly, there are multiple specialized roles one can work in as an artist, namely concept artist, modeler, and animator.

The following table shows the states with the highest number of game design studios in the US.

If you have the skillset, there is no dearth of opportunities in video game designing job space with an attractive pay scale.

How Much Do Video Game Designers Make?

According to research by payscale.com, the average salary of video game designers in the US is $65,264 including bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing (if applicable). This brings us to an average hourly rate of $25.13. The table shown below gives a breakdown of median salaries in the US based on experience –

The table below shows the salaries of popular game design studios in the US.

The figures given above are based on surveys. However, not all designers earn the same. The better you are at your work, the more value you can add to the studio, and the better salary you can negotiate. Primary factors that decide your salary are years of work experience, employer, job title, and location. Let’s look at some other salient factors below.

Factors That Decide the Game Designer Salary

Apart from the technical aspect, you need a different mindset to be a game designer. The skills that you are either expected to have or develop are –

• Attention to detail – There are numerous permutations and combinations in a video game that you need to think of and try to break the code accordingly. This includes the characters’ body mechanics, game levels, and event outcomes. You need to have an eye for detail to test and finesse these to perfection as per the design document.
• Creativity – Every studio wants their game to be the next Grand Theft Auto and earn revenue. This not only requires functionality but also creativity so that it is visually attractive to the player. As a game designer, you are expected to go out of the box and show your creative skills.
• Ability to solve problems – Game designing is a complex project that needs co-ordination between different teams and problem-solving skills on a day-to-day basis.
• Understanding of basic human psychology – As a game designer, you need to predict the psychology of the player and work accordingly. The more you can understand the psychology, the more intuitive your game will be, and the more the players will feel connected to it. Basic psychological research can help you take your designing skills to the next level.
• Time management – Like any other software project, game designing also runs on a stringent time scale which will require you to be good at time management.

You may want to get better at these skills over time, as any good design studio will look for these during the interview. Remember that it is a gradual process, and you will learn with time. This is not a sprint rather a marathon.

We hope this guide helps you understand the requirements to become a video game designer and the pay scale. Don’t forget the power of networking with the right people in your career. No matter how good you get, consider yourself a learner always.

Join online forums and specialist discussion groups. Connect with artists who are good at their work and learn from them. Visit gaming events and trade shows to stay updated with the latest in the market.

If you are choosing this profession for the love of designing games, the rest will follow.

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August 25, 2020