Page 9 - Jobs If You Like Video Games

At the Center of It All

“Design is really the go-between with all the disciplines. We
have to ride between art, code and production, driving the
product forward. It’s design’s job to try to have a vision of how
the game works, what makes it fun, and to be a leader on the
team to guide them towards that goal. . . . The best part is the
collaboration. Making games is a team sport and being a good
designer is about recognizing good ideas, not necessarily having
them yourself. Working with a team of talented people to make
fun, elegant games is the best part by far.”

—Kelly Toyama, video game designer

Quoted in Jason W. Bay, “How to Become a Video Game Designer,” Game Industry Career
Guide. www.gameindustrycareerguide.com.

the artwork or audio might not be capturing the right tone for the
project. The designer needs to think through options and decide
how to overcome obstacles.
A designer’s workday often involves collaborating and com-
municating with teammates. As deadlines near, tensions can rise.
There may be drama and confl ict to address, and the designer
needs to work through any issues and make sure the team con-
tinues working as a cohesive unit.

Education and Training
Game designers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer
programming, game design, or a related fi eld. They must have
strong technical knowledge and often study coding. They may
also be familiar with the computer programs used in creating
graphics and animation. Project management courses are ben-
efi cial, as designers oversee a game’s production timeline and
budget.

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