Video Game Designers

Key Responsibilities

• Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
• Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
• Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.
• Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.
• Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features.
• Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.
• Prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups.
• Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.
• Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.
• Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.
• Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software.
• Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.
• Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.
• Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers.
• Keep abreast of game design technology and techniques, industry trends, or audience interests, reactions, and needs by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences.
• Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.
• Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.
• Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.
• Guide design discussions between development teams.
• Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.
• 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.
• Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision.
• Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design.