Are you a creative visionary with excellent problem-solving skills and an understanding of game mechanics and player psychology? Do you want to turn your love of gaming into a lucrative and rewarding career as a video game designer? If so, start looking for video game designer jobs and join an industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars worldwide.
In this role, some of your tasks may include:
- Developing ideas for games, including the story, setting, characters, and gameplay.
- Designing game rules, mechanics, and systems and balancing game difficulty.
- Creating a document that outlines game objectives, rules, and mechanics.
- Working closely with programmers, artists, animators, writers, testers, and other team members to bring games to life.
- Creating game prototypes and testing them with players to gather feedback and make improvements.
Video game designers often work standard office hours during the regular phases of game development. However, you may need to be flexible and work additional hours during critical periods to meet project deadlines. You could work in various environments, including game development studios, game publishing companies, or education and research institutions.
Salary for Video Game Designer Jobs
Salaries for video game designers vary depending on your experience level, employer, and location. While the national median pay for a video game designer is $74,044, your earning potential can be as high as $108,854. The highest-paying cities are Irvine (CA) with a median pay of $74,609, and Los Angeles (CA) at $74,114.
Use Monster's Salary Tool to research and compare earnings for video game designers across the U.S. You'll also see the skills needed to boost your value and steps to help advance your career.
How to Find the Video Game Design Job That Fits You
Determining what you want in a video game designer job requires self-reflection and understanding your interests, skills, and career goals. Start by evaluating your skills and interests related to game design.
Consider the aspects of game design you enjoy the most, such as level design, gameplay mechanics, storytelling, character development, or user interface design. Identify your strengths, and the skills you want to further develop.
Read the Job Description Thoroughly
Reviewing a job description is crucial to understanding the specific requirements, responsibilities, and qualifications expected from candidates. Here are some key steps to effectively review a job ad:
- Carefully examine the responsibilities section of the job description. Pay attention to aspects such as level design, gameplay mechanics, prototyping, documentation, collaboration with other team members, and any additional responsibilities mentioned.
- Review the required skills and qualifications section to understand what's expected. Look for technical skills related to game design tools, software, programming languages, or art-related software. Also, note any specific experience, education, or certifications mentioned.
- Some job descriptions may include preferred qualifications or "nice-to-have" skills. While these are not mandatory, possessing them can give you an advantage against other candidates.
- Pay attention to the experience level specified in the job description. Some positions for video game designer jobs may be suitable for entry-level designers, while others may require mid-level or senior-level experience.
Assess Your Qualifications and Career Goals
Assessing your qualifications and career goals for video game designer jobs is crucial to building a successful career in the industry.
- Start by reflecting on your skills and experience, both technical and soft skills. Consider personal projects, internships, or coursework that demonstrate your abilities. Consider seeking feedback from industry professionals and mentors to gain insights and improve your abilities as well. Then, identify your strengths and weaknesses, so you can effectively leverage your strengths and focus on areas for improvement.
- Next, set clear career goals in the video game industry. Determine the specific roles or areas of specialization you aspire to, such as level design or narrative design, and consider long-term aspirations like leadership positions.
Stay updated on industry trends and requirements, researching in-demand skills and qualifications. Create a development plan that outlines steps to enhance your qualifications, such as acquiring new technical skills, gaining more experience, or pursuing further education. By comprehensively assessing your qualifications and aligning them with your career goals, you can effectively chart your path in the video game design field and pursue opportunities that bring you closer to your aspirations.
Research the Work Culture
Take time to consider your preferred work environment. Reflect on the type of projects, team dynamics, and company culture that align with your preferences.
For example, do you prefer working in a large studio with a structured hierarchy or a smaller indie team with more creative freedom? Would you enjoy working on a specific genre of games, such as role-playing games (RPGs) or puzzle games?
How to Apply to Video Game Designer Jobs
Once you've set your sights on the jobs that interest you, get started on your applications. Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific role and make sure you know how to submit your application correctly.
Create an Effective Resume
Before you apply for video game designer jobs, you'll need to ensure your resume is worthy of an award. Keep the design visually appealing and easy to read. Remember to include relevant video game design keywords like game mechanics, character design, animation, user experience (UX), and prototyping.
Also, keep in mind that employers look for certain video game design skills, so make sure to include these in your resume. These include:
- communication
- collaboration
- problem-solving
- game design principles
- scripting
- programming
As a huge component of your work is visual, you'll also need a compelling portfolio to showcase your personality, unique design skills, and experience. You could include game prototypes or demos, concept art, game design documents, or any game development projects you've worked on. Include a link to your portfolio in your resume so a potential employer can access it easily.
Check out our animator resume sample for more ideas and inspiration. If you need more help creating a video game design resume, use Monster’s Professional Resume Writing Services.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter
Your cover letter should complement your resume and provide additional insights into your qualifications and motivation for game design. Here are some key tips:
- Emphasize specific projects, internships, or work experiences that demonstrate your expertise in game design. Discuss your proficiency in level design, gameplay mechanics, prototyping, or any other relevant skills mentioned in the job description.
- Include examples of your achievements and how they contributed to the success of the projects you worked on.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the company and how your skills align with their goals and values.
- Showcase your genuine passion for video game design and convey your motivation to contribute to the industry. Explain what inspires you about game design and how you stay up to date with industry trends and advancements.
- Check out our cover letter samples for more ideas on how to make yours stand out.
Submit Your Application
When applying for video game designer jobs, create a free Monster account before submitting your application. Once signed into your account, you can upload your resume or use the resume builder. Then, post your resume to your profile and click on the option to make it visible to employers.
When you're ready to apply for a specific job, just submit your profile to a prospective employer, having filled it out with as much detail as possible first. Remember to double-check and proofread your application first for any spelling or grammatical errors.
How to Follow Up with an Employer
Following up after submitting your job application involves knowing when the right time is, how to compose your email message, and who to address. Remember, hiring managers often receive a high volume of applications, and yours might get lost in the mix. Following up helps keep your application fresh in their minds and increases the chances of it being reviewed and considered.
Timing Your Follow Up
Give the employer some time to review your application and make initial selections. Typically, waiting around one to two weeks is appropriate before following up. However, within 24 hours of the interview, you should send a personalized thank-you email to demonstrate your professionalism and enthusiasm for the position.
How to Follow Up
Following up after submitting a job application demonstrates your interest and proactive approach to the hiring process. Make sure to include the following information in your email:
- Politely inquire about the status of your application and ask if there is any additional information that they require from you. Avoid sounding impatient or demanding but express your eagerness to move forward.
- Reference something specific about the company or the job that attracted you and explain why you believe you are a strong fit. This shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.
- Convey your gratitude for the opportunity to apply and thank the recipient for their time and consideration.
Who to Follow Up With
When following up, it's always best to contact the hiring manager or recruiter. If you don't have their information, look for it on the job posting, company website, or professional networking platforms. If you can't find a specific contact, you can address your follow-up to the human resources department or the company's main email address.
Interviewing Tips for Video Game Designer Jobs
The more you prepare and practice for your job interview, the better equipped you’ll be to showcase your skills, experience, and suitability for the position. Follow our tips to help ensure a successful outcome.
Preparing for the Interview
Start with thoroughly researching the company you're interviewing with, including their portfolio of games. Play their games or watch gameplay videos to understand their style, mechanics, and target audience. This will show your genuine interest and allow you to discuss their games during the interview.
Increase your chances of acing your interview by practicing your answers to common interview questions. Also, expect the hiring manager to ask questions about your design process, experience with game engines, and your favorite video games.
You should anticipate some curveball questions designed to assess your creative thinking and personality. Recruiters also use these to determine if you fit into their work culture.
The Interview Process
The interview process for video game designer jobs can vary depending on the company and specific position. However, assessing your skills, experience, and fit for the role typically involves several stages. Here is a general outline:
- The process often begins with a phone interview or initial screening. This is a chance for the employer to assess your basic qualifications, experience, and interest in the position.
- Many companies will request a portfolio of your game design work. They’ll review it to assess your design skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and the quality of your previous work.
- Some companies may require a technical assessment to evaluate your game design skills. This could involve completing a design challenge, creating a prototype, or solving specific design problems.
- You may be invited for an in-person or virtual interview if you pass the initial screening and portfolio review. A panel of interviewers will typically conduct this interview, including hiring managers, game designers, and other relevant stakeholders. They may ask a mix of technical, situation and behavioral questions to assess your skills, experience, and fit with the company culture.
- In some cases, you may be invited for a final interview or asked to present to a broader group of stakeholders. This could include senior leadership, other designers, or members of different departments. It's an opportunity for you to demonstrate your expertise, articulate your ideas, and showcase your passion for game design.
How to Follow Up
Once you’ve been through the interview process, it’s generally appropriate to follow up in an email after about a week unless the interviewer mentioned a specific timeline for the hiring decision. Still, you should send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours to each person you interviewed with to express your appreciation for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.
If you don’t hear back from the employer within a week, contact them with a follow-up. Understand that hiring decisions for video game designer jobs can take time, and the company may be interviewing other candidates or going through an internal decision-making process.
What to Do When You Get an Offer
Before you sign a contract, carefully review the job offer details, including the position, salary, benefits, work schedule, start date, and any other pertinent information. Ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of the offer.
Then, assess the job offer in relation to your career goals, aspirations, and personal circumstances. Consider factors such as the company's reputation, projects you'll be working on, growth opportunities, work-life balance, and the overall alignment with your professional objectives.
Evaluate the salary and benefits package to ensure it meets your expectations and the market value for the role. Consider base salary, bonuses, stock options, health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits.
If you feel there are areas of the offer that you would like to query, such as salary, benefits, or additional perks, you can start a negotiation process. Research industry standards, gather relevant information, and present your case professionally and respectfully.
Once you have evaluated the offer and decided, promptly communicate your response to the employer. If you accept the offer, express your enthusiasm and acceptance of the position. If you decide to decline the offer, do so professionally and appreciatively, providing a clear and concise explanation.
Career Paths in Video Game Design
This is a great time to start your career in video game design. The industry has experienced significant growth over the past decade and continues to show strong potential for the future.
Advancements in technology such as virtual reality, augmented reality integration and more powerful gaming hardware have had a profound impact on the industry. As such, there is a high demand for skilled professionals like you.
So, whether you’re interested in design, engineering or project management, there are plenty of options to consider when choosing career steps from video game designer jobs, such as:
Education for Video Game Designer Jobs
To apply for video game designer jobs, you'll typically need a degree in game design or a related field, such as multimedia design, computer science, or graphic design. Consider looking for internship opportunities or entry-level positions in game development companies or studios to gain experience and build your network.
You could also participate in game jams - short game development competitions that can help you make new connections, gain valuable experience, hone your skills, or test existing ideas. Always keep in mind that the gaming industry is competitive and constantly evolving, so it's essential to keep learning and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
Video Game Designer Jobs: Similar Career Paths
There are many other opportunities in computing, design, and tech. Check out the following jobs if you’re interested in something a little different: