Careers in Video Game Design

The video game business as a multi-billion dollar industry has opened career opportunities for video game designers. There is an increasing demand to create new and more challenging games, following the release of the Nintendo Wii, PS3, and the Xbox 360 to the market. For skilled game designers, graphic designers, and game testers, now is the best time to build a career.

To build a career in video game design, keep in mind that you work with a team of specialists with individual job responsibilities that contribute to creating a marketable game. You can specialize and have a career in one aspect of the game in order to be involved in the team collaboration as a:

1. Character artist or animator who creates the objects and characters that are found in video games. Skills in working with 3D programs like 3DS Max or Maya are needed.
2. Level designer who creates the video environment according to the look and feel that the design team envisioned for a game. You create the levels or sections of the game where the player interacts.
3. Concept/storyboard artist who sketches, paints and creates the characters, levels, transportation, weapons, and other elements in a game. Collaboration with the character artists and level designers is needed.
4. Programmer who is responsible for managing the video game engine and AI that make the video game run properly. Expertise in C++ is usually the game programming language required.
5. Texture artist who ensures that textures are properly laid out in the 3D backgrounds and objects in a game, to give convincing skins to the characters and levels.
6. Interface designer who creates the HUDs or Heads Up Display elements, menus, and buttons in a game.
7. Sound/audio designer who is in charge of producing the background music and sound effects to make a game more challenging.
8. Professional testers who are hired to spend long hours playing new games to find the bugs and other potential problems.
   
9. Video game marketing specialist who analyzes trends and launches new games to generate sales and audience interest in the new software.

You should have the following qualifications studios and game companies look for in a video game designer:

1. A passion for playing video games. Companies prefer to hire people who are experienced, have the confidence to talk about what makes a game good or bad, and know what a good level design is, and what players like.
2. Excellent problem solving skills with the patience and perseverance to find solutions. You must have the skills and willingness to solve expected potential problems, and find the bugs in a game.
3. The proficiency, efficiency and patience to handle the stress and demands of producing a marketable game.
4. A course or degree in graphic design or digital media, as well as knowledge of the latest design software and the newest and best game programming languages. For marketing specialists, knowledge of the viral marketing tactics in broadcast, web, and print channels that increase consumer awareness of new products.

Successful programmers, designers, animators, and game marketing professionals have built their careers in the company they have started. Expand your skills to increase your value in the workplace. Complete a college degree in at least one gaming-related course to add to your area of expertise. Stay in one organization, accept new challenges, and broaden your skills and experience while you build your career.