1. Game Designer
The Games Designer creates the core elements of the gameplay, coming
up with the main game concepts, the ideas behind the game. They then
work with the rest of the development team to get this vision of the game
properly implemented.
Game Designers need to be able
to think logically and strategically, as they
need to plan out the game logically.
Because of this they also need a strong
understanding of game theory.
Key Skills Required:
Communicating both verbal and in
written work is key to this role. If the
Game Designer canʼt properly get
across the vision to all the different
departments then the game wonʼt
come together.
Imagination and creativity is required, as
well as narrative and story telling skills.
The Game Designer will be creating the
world, characters, and plot-lines in the
game, which must be unique and
engaging to the player.
Ways to Enter the Job Role:
There isnʼt a specific qualification needed to be a Game Designer, however you do need to be
someone in the industry. They donʼt hire straight into the job, so Game Designers will have
worked theyʼre way up from a lower position in game development. Starting out as a
programmer or artist with the plan to work up to Game Designer is the most common way into
the job.
Contribution made by a Games Artist on a TripleA title:
Phil Fish - Game Designer - ʻFezʼ
Fish designed the game ʻFezʼ creating itʼs unique and
innovative gameplay, and then working with a programmer
to create the game. His unique game design is the core
mechanic of the game, were players can rotate a
seemingly flat pixel art world, to reveal itʼs in fact a 3D cube
world. Players explore the world, rotating it to solve puzzles
or reveal new pathways.
Another way would be to make Indie projects, game designing your own games and
releasing them on the internet etc. This will build up a portfolio and could introduce you to
industry contacts.