Computer Game Designers are professionals who turn the ideas and specifications of imagination into games that people can actually play. They do this by writing computer code or using a range of programming tools that generate code for them.
Computer Game Designers are involved in the creation and production of games that range from the computer, handheld, console, and arcade games to games on the internet, mobile phones, and other wireless game applications. Their work involves either design or programming which includes art and animation.
Games development is a fast-moving, multi-billion pound industry. The making of a game from concept to finished product can take up to three years and involve teams of up to 200 professionals. There are many stages, including creating and designing a game’s look and how it plays, animating characters and objects, creating audio, programming, localization, testing, and producing.
Computer Game Designer Eligibility
The minimum educational qualification for becoming a Computer Game Designer is a Bachelor’s Degree in Animation, Graphic Design, Fine Art, or Illustration related subjects.
Computer Game Designer Required Skills
- Computer Game Designers possess excellent computer skills; wide knowledge and understanding of computer games; creativity and imagination.
- They should have a logical approach to problem-solving; good teamwork and communication skills; flexibility and adaptability.
- They are required to have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; patience and attention to detail.
- They also have basic drawing and 3D design skills; be able to adapt quickly to change; work well in a team and alone; work well under pressure and be able to meet deadlines.
- Computer Game Designers must be creative, imaginative, and original; be fluent in a number of software packages; have a thorough understanding of the market and target audience for computer games; have problem-solving skills, and have storytelling ability.
How to Become a Computer Game Designer?
One has to follow the below-given steps for becoming a Computer Game Designer
Step 1
After passing the 12th class preferably in fine arts or other gaming-related subjects, students have to get admission in Bachelor’s Degree in gaming-related subjects like Animation, Graphic Design, Fine Art, or Illustration. For having admission to these courses, sometimes, they have to appear in entrance tests. Sometimes percentages of the 12th class also matter in it.
Bachelor’s Degree Courses:
- B.A. (Animation & Computer Graphics)
- B.A. (Animation and Graphic Design)
- B.Sc. (Animation & Gaming)
- B.Sc. (Animation Game Designing and Development)
- B.Sc. (Graphics, Animation, and Gaming)
- B.Sc. Multimedia (Animation & Graphics)
Step 2
After getting Bachelor's degree one can join some organizations for on job experience or can go for Post Graduation as some organizations give preference to PG in job offers, these posts are mostly advanced researching activities in gaming.
Master’s Degree Courses:
Institutes offering Courses for Computer Game Designer
- Global School of Animation and Games, Delhi
- Manipal University, Manipal
- Arena Animation, Chandigarh
- Global Institute of Gaming and Animation (GIGA), Bangalore
Computer Game Designer Job Description
Designing a computer game is quite a complex multi-step process that involves a large team. Thus a Computer Game Designer has to perform multiple tasks to reach the appropriate product. Some of the duties of a Computer Game Designer are:
- Evaluating competitive products prevailing on the electronic and print media to generate new game design ideas.
- To keep himself updated about the latest game design technology and techniques, industry trends, audience interests, and requirements. To be one step ahead of the competition he communicates with his colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, and participating in professional organizations or conferences.
- Provide feedback about his experience to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.
- Supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.
- Develop and maintain design-level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.
- Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.
- Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.
- Create core game features including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
- Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers.
- Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.
- Collaborate with artists to achieve the appropriate visual style.
- Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.
Computer Game Designer Career Prospects
Computer Game Designers have good career progression within games development. Many who enter the industry at the junior level end up at the leadership level within five to seven years and can reach the senior level within their first ten years. Senior-level positions include technical directors, developers, producers, and team managers.
Higher level and specialist programming skills are increasingly in short supply and this is currently an area in which career development can be particularly fast. They have also freelance work which is possible after a good experience, some games developers choose to build up their own business and set up their own development studio or similar.
Computer Game Designer Salary
Computer Game Designers’ salaries vary depending on the employer, specific job description, and qualifications. Entrants should expect starting salaries ranging from Rs.30,000 to Rs.40,000 per month. This can rise considerably with experience and proven expertise.
Candidates’ performance and experience are the factors that determine the pay packages in this industry. Candidates having industrial experience can earn up to Rs.60,000 to Rs.80,000 per month. Candidates who work in reputed firms are paid between Rs.10,00,000 and Rs.12,00,000 annually. Experienced candidates can earn salary hikes according to their performance.
