What is a video game designer and how to become one

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

What general advice would you give to a Video 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.
ScoreVideo Game DesignerUS Average
Salary
7.4

Avg. Salary $95,185

Avg. Salary $59,228

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 13.27%

male 86.73%

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
7.9

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
3.9

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a video game designer

  1. Explore video game designer education requirements

    Most common video game designer degrees

    Bachelor's

    74.4 %

    Associate

    11.5 %

    Master's

    6.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific video game designer skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Motion Graphics31.04%
    Video Content30.35%
    Adobe Photoshop10.31%
    Video Production9.93%
    Animation9.90%
  3. Research video game designer duties and responsibilities

    • Lead the design of world-class social games on the Facebook platform.
    • Develop effects and animation with clients watching and making final edits.
    • Collaborate with art director and animation lead to craft visuals supporting unique elements distinguishing archetypes from each other.
    • Review most important game of the industry, both AAA and Indie.
  4. Prepare your video game designer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your video 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 video 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 Video Game Designer Resume templates

    Build a professional Video 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 Video Game Designer resume.
    Video Game Designer Resume
    Video Game Designer Resume
    Video Game Designer Resume
    Video Game Designer Resume
    Video Game Designer Resume
    Video Game Designer Resume
    Video Game Designer Resume
    Video Game Designer Resume
    Video Game Designer Resume
  5. Apply for video game designer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a video 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 Video Game Designer Job

Zippi

Are you a Video Game Designer?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average video game designer salary

The average Video Game Designer salary in the United States is $95,185 per year or $46 per hour. Video game designer salaries range between $56,000 and $160,000 per year.

Average Video Game Designer Salary
$95,185 Yearly
$45.76 hourly

What Am I Worth?

Loading...
Loading...
salary-calculator

How do video game designers rate their job?

Working as a Video Game Designer? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Video Game Designer FAQs

Search for video game designer jobs

Loading...
Loading...

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.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs