Video game designers are the masterminds behind every video game you’ve played—whether as a kid or as an adult. Games like Minecraft, Call of Duty, Fortnite, Animal Crossing, The Legend of Zelda, and hundreds more all come from the creative mind and technical skill of a game designer. Their role is to focus on the function of the game–creating systems, rules, virtual settings, and functionality all to ensure that the player has fun.
Aside from prioritizing entertainment and function, game designers must be highly technical and able to solve complex problems ranging from coding to color design on a daily basis. While the job description can differ, generally the more complex the game, the larger the team. Some of the traditional roles of a video game designer are separated out into more specialized roles such as “Level Designer” and “System’s Designer.”
Are There Only Video Games to Work On?
In 2015, McDonald’s launched the Happy Meal App, which transitioned to the Family Fun Hub. This resource offers games, augmented reality experiences, and online books that children and families can access with the purchase of every Happy Meal. The app’s initial launch focused on menu browsing and coupon use. However, over time it expanded to include features like mobile ordering, rewards, and access to the virtual content within the Family Fun Hub.
This virtual world was developed by Star Fort Games (under the name Arctic7), a “next-generation media services company.” They utilize gaming as their core foundation, but leverage knowledge across multiple offerings in transmedia, film & TV, virtual production, and digital services. They have worked with popular games such as FIFA, Assassin’s Creed, and Ghostbuster’s Reimagined, but outside of gaming they have worked on media projects such as the Star Wars Universe (The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, The Mandalorian), Avatar: The Last Airbender, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and others.
How Can I Connect to the Video Game Design Community?
The Game Design Community is like any other–you get connected by spending more time with those already involved. There are several ways to get “plugged in,” but here are a few that can help you grow professionally:
Leverage online platforms like LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit (especially r/gamedev). Actively participating in online communities, joining relevant groups, and engaging in discussions can help you create online relationships within the industry and expand your own knowledge.
Participate in Game Jams like Ludum Dare or Global Game Jam to meet developers and showcase your skills. If you are interested in entering the field, use it as an opportunity to ask questions and learn more!
Attend Conferences such as the Game Developers Conference (GDC) where you can participate in workshops, summit sessions, roundtables, and career development sessions.
Video game designers have an interesting title because the skill set they develop can be utilized in ways that far exceed just game design. As we’ve seen, they can work in fields from corporate creative design, movie development, and app creation to special effects and animation. Anywhere an augmented reality experience, interactive app, or eBook is used, a video game designer’s skill set is needed. The opportunities in a continually tech-forward world are limitless for video game designers.
Sources:
https://www.cgspectrum.com/career-pathways/game-designer
https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/family-fun-hub.html