Video Game Designer

English: Tony Warriner, a video game designer, design Beneath a Steel Sky. Français : Tony Warriner, notamment designer de Beneath a Steel Sky. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Video Game Designers usually work as part of a team creating the concept, appearance, movement, and method of keeping score for a video game. A significant aspect of the work of a video game designer is computer programming. Computer programming involves creating a set of instructions that a computer must follow in order to complete a certain function. This set of instructions is usually based on the programming language being used. Video game designers write programs that are able to make sounds, create screens that scroll, show three-dimensional graphics and have some form of artificial intelligence. A video game designer also needs to consider the capacity of the average expected user’s computer system to ensure that the program runs properly and at an acceptable speed.

Education and Training

In the U.S., video game designers may need the following education and training:

• a two-year technical degree certificate will provide some employment opportunities
• a bachelor’s degree from a four-year program with a concentration in computer science and programming may be required for more advanced work (about 60% of all computer programmers hold at least a bachelor’s degree)

Career path: Because of the increased level of specialization in computers, many employers look for candidates with specific programming experience. For example, a certain manufacturer of video games may only look at candidates that have experience with a particular programming language. Some companies will train current employees if they prefer not to hire new programmers.

On the Job

Video game designers may work in office settings. Because of Internet technology, a growing number work at home. In either case, video game designers often spend most of their time working on the computer. When problems occur and deadlines approach, video game designers may be called upon to work longer hours.

Math on the Job

Video game designers must be able to organize and create a logical sequence of instructions for a computer program. A flow diagram may be used to illustrate the procedures being written. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and logic are essential skills for any computer programmer.