Game Design Careers
Game design is a multi-disciplinary field that involves the creation and development of games, including video games, board games, and card games. Careers in game design combine elements of computer science, art, storytelling, and psychology to create compelling and engaging interactive experiences.
Game designers work collaboratively to create engaging, fun, and challenging games that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. You will be responsible for creating game concepts, developing gameplay mechanics, designing levels, and crafting a game’s story and characters. You’ll also need to work with programmers, artists, writers, and other team members to bring your vision to life.
Praxis Courses
Game Design
This online, interactive journey explores the general concepts of game design from initial idea to finished concept. Students will develop and build prototype games, playtest designs, and learn to critically evaluate systems with respect to formal and dramatic elements. Together, students will develop computer games (artifacts) using suitable game engines and libraries. Qualifies for the Game Design digital badge.
Praxis Credentials
Game Design
Earners of the Game Design credential have successfully demonstrated experiential skills in the elements of game design, prototyping and playtesting, functionality, UI, accessibility, and game development along with proper design documentation. The Game Design badge requires 50+ hours of hands-on activities and labs across 14 skills in Game Design. The Game Design credential was built in collaboration with expert game designer Chris Thompson.
Top Game Design Careers
Here are the top 10 entry-level careers in game design, along with their required skills:
- Game Designer: A game designer is responsible for conceptualizing and designing game mechanics, gameplay features, and the overall game experience. They work closely with other members of the development team to ensure that the game is both fun and functional. Skill requires by Game Designers include Game Design Fundamentals, Formal Elements of Games, Dramatic Elements of Games, System Dynamic of Games, Game Conceptualization, Working in Teams, Agile Game Development and Project Planning, Communicating Game Designs, Understanding the Game Industry.
- Game Artist: A game artist creates the visual elements of a game, including character designs, environments, and user interfaces. They use a variety of tools, including digital art software, to create 2D and 3D graphics. Skills required by Game Artists include Working in Teams, Communicating Game Designs, Artistic and Graphic Design skills.
- Game Programmer: A game programmer is responsible for coding and scripting the various components of a game. They work with the game designer to implement game mechanics, user interfaces, and other features. Skills required by Game Programmers include System Dynamic of Games, Working in Teams, Agile Game Development and Project Planning.
- Game Writer: A game writer is responsible for creating the narrative elements of a game, including the dialogue, characters, and storyline. They work with the game designer and artist to ensure that the game’s story is engaging and fits with the overall game experience. Skills required by Game Writers include Dramatic Elements of Games, Game Conceptualization, Working in Teams, Agile Game Development and Project Planning, Communicating Game Designs.
- Level Designer: A level designer creates the individual levels and environments of a game. They work with the game designer and artist to ensure that the levels are challenging, fun, and visually engaging. Skills required by a Level Designer includes Game Design Fundamentals, Formal Elements of Games, Dramatic Elements of Games, System Dynamic of Games, Game Prototyping, Digital Prototyping, Working in Teams, Agile Game Development and Project Planning, Communicating Game Designs.
- Quality Assurance Tester: A quality assurance tester is responsible for testing a game to ensure that it is functional, enjoyable, and free from bugs and glitches. They work with the development team to identify and fix any issues with the game. Skills required by Game Quality Assurance Testers include Game Playtesting, Testing Games for Functionality, Accessibility in Games, Working in Teams.
- User Experience Designer: A user experience designer is responsible for creating the overall experience of playing a game, including the game’s user interface, controls, and overall flow. They work with the game designer and programmer to ensure that the game is easy to play and intuitive. Skills required by User Experience (UX) Designers include Game Playtesting, Testing Games for Functionality, Accessibility in Games, Understanding the Game Industry, Communicating Game Designs.
- Sound Designer: A sound designer creates the audio elements of a game, including music, sound effects, and voiceover. They work with the game designer and artist to ensure that the game’s audio complements the visuals and overall gameplay. Skills required by Sounds Designers include Game Playtesting, Game Conceptualization, Working in Teams, Agile Game Development and Project Planning.
- Game Producer: A game producer is responsible for overseeing the development of a game from concept to release. They work with the development team to ensure that the game is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest possible quality. Skills required by Game Producers include Game Conceptualization, Working in Teams, Agile Game Development and Project Planning, Understanding the Game Industry.
- Game Marketer: A game marketer is responsible for promoting a game to the public, including through social media, advertising, and other channels. They work with the development team to ensure that the game is positioned and marketed effectively.
