GameDev Job Role : Game Designer

What does a Game Designer do?

Game Designers devise what a game consists of and how it plays. They plan and define all the elements of a game: its setting; structure; rules; story flow; characters; the objects, props, vehicles, and devices available to the characters; interface design; and modes of play. Once the game is devised, the Game Designer communicates this to the rest of the development team who create the art assets and computer code that allow the game to be played.

Sometimes the Game Designer comes up with the game’s premise. More often, most of the core ingredients are already defined and they must decide how to create the best game using these elements, within a certain budget and timescale.

Game Designers are employed by development studios, both independent and publisher-owned. The game design process is usually shared between a number of different people, overseen by a Lead Designer.

Game Designers should have a deep understanding of the capabilities and benefits of different hardware platforms (e.g. PC, console, mobile device, etc.), as well as familiarity with software technologies and techniques appropriate to each platform.

During development, the Game Designer makes adjustments to the original specification for the game to respond to technical constraints which have been identified and to incorporate new programming and art creation methods developed by the team. They also train QA Testers to play the game, making sure that they understand what is expected of the finished product.

The design process goes through different stages:

• After some initial research, the Game Designer puts together the concept document or initial design treatment, used to convince other members of the team that the game is worth taking forward
• The development of a proof of concept, where a small team of artists and programmers work with the Game Designer to build a prototype, while the Game Designer puts together the full game design document

This document describes the intended playing experience and defines all the game functionality and associated art and animation assets required to create it. It is referred to by all development staff throughout the development process. It may require changing and updating to reflect production and technical decisions taken during the production cycle for the game.

Is this role right for me?

To do this role, you will need to:

• be able to work in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams
• be able to communicate your vision to artists, programmers, producers, marketing staff, and others involved in the development process
• be able to accept constructive feedback on your work
• be able to present your ideas both verbally and on paper
• be imaginative and creative
• have good written and verbal communication skills
• have good basic visual design and drawing skills
• be reasonably fluent in a range of 2D and 3D graphics and animation packages, such as 3D Studio Max, NUKE or Maya
• have some programming skills at least at ‘scripting’ level
• have an awareness of the various games platforms and technologies
• possess a thorough understanding of game play theory
• have storytelling and narrative development skills
• be skilled in information design and user interface design
• be able to think systematically and strategically
• have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures