What is a game designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Expert
Abby Guido

Game designers work with a team of programmers, designers, artists, and management to oversee the complex task of creating a video game. They design, develop and implement game features as well as complete accurate documentation for all assigned features. They assist in managing budgets, work schedules, and project timelines. Also, they help with the constant review of the game's progress to adjust the implementation of assigned features. Additionally, they are responsible for writing the game codes and testing the early versions.

As a game designer, you'd be required to have a bachelor's degree in game design or a related field with a minimum of three years of experience working in a design capacity. Essential skills include communication, creativity, presentation, collaboration, project management, interpersonal, and analytical skills. You must also be familiar with computer systems and programming languages. Game designers make an average salary of $72,833 annually. Their salary varies between $48,000 and $112,000.

What general advice would you give to a Game Designer?

A
We've all heard the buzz about networking, and there is so much buzz because it works. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is both up to date and active. Connect with all of your past professors, classmates, and anyone and everyone you meet in a professional setting. I often tell students to get into the habit of searching for any classroom guests, or guest lecturers, to connect, thank them for their time, and build their network. Share content. Write articles, or reshare those you find interesting.

Every job I have ever received in my career has been through someone else I know. I share this with students to help them see the value in relationships. I always remember the students that took the time to write a handwritten thank-you note. And I think of them when I get an email asking if I know any students are looking for work.
ScoreGame DesignerUS Average
Salary
6.8

Avg. Salary $87,645

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.5

Growth Rate 3%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 11.76%

male 88.24%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.2

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
3.9

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Game Designer career paths

Key steps to become a game designer

  1. Explore game designer education requirements

    Most common game designer degrees

    Bachelor's

    74.2 %

    Master's

    10.7 %

    Associate

    10.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific game designer skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Unity9.97%
    UI6.10%
    Game Development5.96%
    Game Mechanics5.92%
    C++5.45%
  3. Research game designer duties and responsibilities

    • Lead brainstorming meetings to develop new ideas and concepts.
    • Manage the bug tracking database for the entire design team.
    • Lead the design of world-class social games on the Facebook platform.
    • Manage creative team including lead illustrator, lead painter, animation and sound design.
  4. Prepare your game designer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your game designer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a game designer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Game Designer Resume templates

    Build a professional Game Designer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Game Designer resume.
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    Game Designer Resume
  5. Apply for game designer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a game designer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Game Designer Job

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Average game designer salary

The average Game Designer salary in the United States is $87,645 per year or $42 per hour. Game designer salaries range between $60,000 and $127,000 per year.

Average Game Designer Salary
$87,645 Yearly
$42.14 hourly

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Game Designer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

It is something I enjoy! Something I’m good at! Something I could do as hobby and get paid for


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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