107 · Become a video game designer

Becoming a video game designer is a profession requiring a real passion and a substantial investment of learning time. It’s also a sector with very high growth potential, attracting many young developers and artists from all walks of life. But why such a passion for this profession? Is it just the chance to bring imaginary worlds to life, or is there more than that?

• Here's the program
• Introduction
• Understanding the Role of a Game Designer
• Essential skills and qualities
• Video game engines
• How do you become a video game designer?
  • 1. Learn how to become a video game designer
  • 2. Gaining experience
  • 3. Working in the video game industry
• How can I make money as a video game designer?
• How do I find game ideas?
• The future of game development
• Tips and tricks
• Conclusion
• EcoTips
• Pros and Cons
• Information recap

Introduction

Video games are a constantly evolving industry, offering a wide range of career prospects for those seeking to merge creativity and technology. It’s currently one of the most popular sectors, thanks in part to the explosion of the video game industry, which continues to extend its influence far beyond consoles and PCs, the growing number of gamers, and the technological advances that are constantly opening up new creative horizons.

In this article, we’ll explore the different facets of the profession of video game design. We’ll discuss the many roles that make up this field, the motivations behind choosing this career, and the essential steps for those aspiring to enter this fascinating world. Whether you’re motivated by a thirst for creating games, or simply attracted by a dynamic, fast-growing industry, this guide is for you.

Understanding the Role of a Game Designer

The role of a designer working as part of a team is multi-faceted, encompassing a variety of responsibilities throughout the game development process. Overall, the designer is responsible for designing and creating the game experience, taking into account creative, technical and entertainment aspects. This includes the generation of gameplay ideas, the design of game mechanics, the creation of levels and virtual worlds, as well as the narration and construction of coherent universes.

Game designers therefore rarely work alone, and instead collaborate with a variety of departments within a development studio, with the aim of transforming an abstract idea into an entertaining, interactive product. But these responsibilities can vary greatly depending on the size of the team, the budget, and the style of the game in question.

The creation of video games relies on a multitude of distinct professions, each contributing to a facet of the final product. These include:

• Game Designer: This can be a generic term used to indicate the person who develops a game alone, but it can also refer to the “conductor” who, as part of a team, imagines and designs the game structure, including rules, story, characters and levels. Note that in this case he doesn’t make decisions alone, but often collaborates with his team in brainstorming sessions to define the broad directions of the project.
• Game Developer: Focuses on the technical side of game creation, coding the software so that the game works according to the established design.
• Programmer: Specialist working more specifically on AI behavior coding, graphics or game physics.
• Game Artist: responsible for the entire visual dimension of the game, from characters and backgrounds to the user interface.
• Music Composer/Sound Designer: Creates the game’s soundtrack, from sound effects to music, enriching the player’s immersive experience.
• Other professions: There’s also a scriptwriter, a modeler, a 3D animation specialist, and so on. In fact, a team can range from 3 to over 100 people, depending on the scope of the project and production budgets.

Each of these roles requires a specific set of skills as well as a deep passion for video games. Understanding the distinction between these professions allows you to fully appreciate the extent of collaboration required to create a video game. However, with the right tools and a healthy dose of determination, a single individual can take on many, if not all, of these roles at once, to bring his own game to life.

Yes, it’s entirely possible to create a game from scratch on your own, and there’s no shortage of examples: “Minecraft”, originally created by Markus Persson, “Undertale”, the work of Toby Fox, or “Stardew Valley”, developed by Eric Barone. These are just a few examples of how an individual vision can become a global phenomenon.

Video game creation is a dynamic, constantly evolving field, where technology, art and storytelling come together to create unique and captivating experiences. Whether you aspire to work in a large company or develop your own projects independently, understanding these roles and responsibilities is an essential step in choosing the best path to follow.

Minecraft is certainly the most iconic game created by a single, passionate developer (at least, in the early days).

Essential skills and qualities

Before getting to the heart of the matter, I think it’s essential to understand that the profession of video game design requires a diverse set of skills and qualities. Whether we’re talking about creating the framework of a virtual world, fine-tuning game mechanics or scripting complex interactions, versatility is the key here.

Technical and creative skills

• In-depth knowledge of game engines: mastering software such as Unity or Unreal Engine to bring concepts to life is basic, but I’ll come back to that just after this.
• Programming: Solid understanding of programming languages like C++, C#, and JavaScript, essential for game development.
• Graphic design and animation: The ability to create attractive visual elements, from characters to environments and user interfaces.
• Sound design: The ability to integrate sound effects and music that enrich the game experience. Note that this task can be entrusted to a musician/composer, or you can even buy them from a sound bank.
• Narration: Talent for telling compelling stories and building coherent worlds that immerse the player.
• Technical problem solving: Ability to identify and resolve bugs and other technical problems that may arise during development. This will probably be your most useful skill. 😋

Qualities required

Beyond technical skills, personal qualities also play a major role in success in this field.

• Creativity: the ability to imagine innovative concepts and think “out of the box”.
• Patience and perseverance: Developing a game can be a long, even very long process, fraught with pitfalls. Perseverance is therefore essential.
• Teamwork: Most game projects are the result of a collective effort. It is therefore important to be able to work effectively with other team members.
• Adaptability: The video game industry is rapidly evolving, so it’s vital to be able to adapt to new technologies and trends.

Unity is often considered the most versatile game engine, and the most suitable for beginners. Thanks to its user-friendly interface, vast user community and abundance of available learning resources, Unity makes it easy to enter the world of game development, yet powerful enough for more complex, professional projects.

Video game engines

Game engines are the backbone on which modern games are built. They provide a set of ready-to-use tools that enable game designers to create complex environments, realistic animations and interactive game mechanics without having to develop every component from scratch.

By simplifying the development process, these engines make game creation more accessible and less time-consuming, while offering the power and flexibility needed to realize complex creative visions. Each has its own strengths, and the choice will depend on the type of game you want to create, your level of programming expertise, and the technical specifics of your project.

Finally, note that most engines offer a free version, but with certain limitations or conditions. Here is a selection of the most popular video game engines:

• Unity: Renowned for its flexibility and ease of use, Unity is a popular choice among independent game developers and professional studios. Its ability to export games to virtually any platform makes it an extremely versatile tool for 2D and 3D game development.

  Examples of games developed with Unity: Escape from Tarkov, Among Us, Subnautica, Ori and the Blind Forest, Rust…

• Unreal Engine: Known for its cutting-edge graphics and advanced rendering system, Unreal Engine is often the choice for developers aiming for breathtaking visual quality. It is particularly appreciated in the creation of big-budget 3D games and immersive simulations.

  Examples of games developed with Unreal Engine: Fortnite, Hogwarts Legacy, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Valorant, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, STALKER 2…

• Godot: A free, open-source engine, Godot’s appeal lies in its royalty-free policy and active community. It is suitable for a wide variety of games, from simple 2D to complex 3D, and its scene and node system offers great design flexibility.

  Examples of games developed with Godot: Sonic Colors: Ultimate, Endoparasitic, Cassette Beats, The Legend Of Lumina…

• GameMaker Studio: Specially designed for 2D developers, GameMaker Studio is renowned for its ease of use. It’s ideal for beginners, thanks to its integrated scripting language, GML, which lets you quickly create games without in-depth knowledge of programming.

  Examples of games developed with GameMaker Studio (surtout des petits jeux indés): Undertale, Hyper Light Drifter, and Chicory: A Colorful Tale…

• RPG Maker: As its name suggests, RPG Maker specializes in the creation of classic-style role-playing games (RPGs). It provides easy-to-use tools for maps, characters and scenarios, allowing creators to concentrate on story and gameplay rather than programming.

  Examples of games developed with RPG Maker (surtout des petits jeux indés): OMORI, Enishia and the Binding Brand, Fear & Hunger…

Unreal Engine lets you create spectacular environments that are both beautiful and hyper-realistic.

How do you become a video game designer?

The path you take to becoming a game designer can vary greatly from person to person. This profession, at the crossroads of art, technique and storytelling, is accessible by various routes, each requiring 100% dedication. Here’s how you can get started and progress.

1 Learn how to become a video game designer

As with any profession requiring technical skills, you’ll first need to go through an apprenticeship phase, which can take varying lengths of time, depending on the path you choose to follow, and the level of skill and specialization you wish to achieve.

It’s often best to go through the classic courses in computer language programming, graphic design, 3D animation, etc., offered by universities and specialized schools. These programs provide a solid grounding in the fundamentals of game development and design, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. They also offer the advantage of internships and final-year projects that can serve as a springboard to a first job in the industry.

Self-training is another way worth exploring. Online training platforms such as Codecademy, ClassCentral, GameDev, or Udemy offer a variety of courses, from basic programming to more advanced topics such as the use of specific game engines (Unity or Unreal Engine), graphic design, animation, and even music and sound effects for games.

The advantage of these online courses is their flexibility, allowing you to progress at your own pace while balancing other commitments, but also their reliability, since they are taught by industry professionals. What’s more, the pedagogical approach is often highly practical, involving the completion of concrete projects that will serve to build up your portfolio.

Finally, with a multitude of free resources available on the Internet, including video tutorials, discussion forums, dedicated blogs, etc., it’s entirely possible to build up a bespoke knowledge base.

Obviously, self-study requires great discipline and constant motivation, but it also allows great freedom in the choice of subjects to explore. Self-learners have the advantage of being able to focus on the aspects of game development that interest them most, whether it’s coding, design, scripting, or a combination of these skills.

The best thing to do, if you’re not sure, is to start by watching a few YouTube tutorials and reading articles, then try your hand at a few simple games, just to see how they work and, above all, to find out if you like this. You can then move on to other steps, such as online training platforms, or better still, take a university course if you have the time and means.

2 Gaining experience

Becoming a video game designer means starting with little knowledge and progressing gradually, seizing every opportunity to learn and demonstrate your skills. There are many effective ways to build this valuable experience.

Starting out by creating small games yourself is a great way to get started. Not only does it allow you to put what you’ve learned into practice, but it’s also a great way to start filling your portfolio with personal projects. Using accessible game engines like Unity or Godot can facilitate this process, offering the tools needed to develop games without requiring a full team.

Internships with game development companies can also provide valuable experience and insight into the inner workings of the industry. These opportunities allow you to observe the game development process up close and learn from professionals more experienced than you.

On the other hand, building a professional network is crucial in the gaming industry. Attending conferences, participating in online forums and engaging with the community can open doors and lead to collaboration or employment opportunities.

Generally speaking, the best way to gain experience is to practice intensively and continuously. So look for every possible opportunity to work on projects closely related to the world of video game creation.

3 Working in the video game industry

Working in the video game industry offers a wide range of career paths, especially for those who decide to embark on an independent career. The freedom to create and develop one’s own game projects is both exciting and motivating. It also lets designers to fully express their creative vision. However, starting up as a solopreneur presents some challenges, such as financial stability and recognition in what can be a highly competitive sector.

Considering an experience within a company can therefore be an effective springboard, especially when you’re just starting out. It will give you a great opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, familiarize yourself with large-scale game development processes, and acquire valuable skills in managing complex projects.

What’s more, job security and a steady stream of income ensure a certain level of comfort, and also allow you to devote yourself to personal projects in your spare time, reducing the financial risks associated with starting up on your own.

That said, considering a solo career in video game development is not unrealistic. Independent publishing platforms, such as those I talk about in the next chapter, offer accessible channels for reaching the market. Social networks and crowdfunding campaigns are also powerful tools for building a community around your projects and raise the funds needed for development.

And you don’t have to release a triple-A title to make a living. Take Aleksei Pajitnov, the Soviet engineer who released the game Tetris in 1984. He had a good idea, wrote a few lines of code, and that was it. This is the most emblematic case, but there are many other examples.

To sum up, even if your goal is to work independently, don’t underestimate the importance of experience gained on the job. It can improve your skills and understanding of the industry, but also increase your chances of success as a freelancer. It’s best to take things step by step, with perseverance and a well-thought-out strategy.

How can I make money as a video game designer?

Making money as an independent video game designer is a realistic goal, but one that requires an effective strategy and a versatile approach. The video game industry offers many ways to monetize one’s passion and talent, and for independent creators, the key lies in the ability to diversify revenue streams while building a strong personal brand and a community of committed fans.

Here are some of the most common ways for a game designer to generate revenue:

• Direct game sales: Publish your games on popular platforms such as Steam, Itch.io, Epic Games, or the Apple App Store and Google Play. These platforms offer visibility to a wide audience, but often take a cut of the revenues generated.
• Crowdfunding: Use platforms like Kickstarter, GoFundMe or Indiegogo to finance the development of your game. This allows you to generate revenue even before the game’s release, in addition to building a community of supporters.
• Subscriptions and fan support: Platforms like Patreon, Buy Me A Coffee or Ko-fi enable fans to financially support developers on a regular basis, offering a more stable source of income in exchange for exclusive content or special benefits.
• Downloadable content (DLC) and microtransactions: Offer additional paid content for your games, such as extra levels, weapon and character skins, or other elements that enrich the gaming experience.
• Partnerships and advertising: Collaborating with brands or including advertising in your games can be a source of revenue, especially if your games reach a large audience.
• Online courses and tutorials: Share your expertise in video game design by creating paid courses or tutorials. You can then offer them on eLearning platforms such as those I mentioned earlier in this article.
• Competitions and prizes: Participating in game development competitions can not only offer visibility, but also monetary prizes for the winners.

How do I find game ideas?

One of the greatest challenges facing every video game designer is to come up with ideas for new games that are both original and captivating. And this is especially true when you’re working alone. The creative process can be difficult, but there are many ways to stimulate your imagination and discover concepts that have the potential to appeal to gamers.

Start by observing the world around you. It’s an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Everyday life, human interaction, nature and even seemingly mundane routines can become exciting play elements. Pay attention to personal stories, natural phenomena or social problems. Every aspect of life can serve as the foundation for a unique game scenario. The important thing is to look at the world with curiosity and constantly ask “What if?” to explore different possibilities.

Then delve into various forms of art and media. Books, films, music and visual art offer a wealth of ideas, themes and narratives. Exposure to different cultures and historical periods can also open your mind to innovative game concepts. Don’t underestimate the impact of transposing elements from one genre or medium to another; it can lead to surprising and original combinations that captivate players.

For example, “Bioshock Infinite” draws heavily on American history and dystopian science fiction. It draws its inspiration from the American Renaissance period and integrates steampunk elements to create a fascinating and unique game world.

Another great way to stimulate your creativity is to take part in game jams. During such events, designers are challenged to create a game within a limited timeframe, often around a theme imposed on them. This constrained framework is rather disabling, but it actually encourages innovation by pushing you to think quickly and creatively. What’s more, interaction with other developers and designers during these events can lead to a fruitful exchange of ideas.

The history of video games itself is a goldmine of inspiration. Exploring classic games as well as recent indie titles can reveal forgotten or underused gameplay mechanics that can be reinvented or combined in new ways. Analyze what makes these games engaging or unique, and consider how you might incorporate similar elements into your own creations.

Finally, don’t be afraid to dream big or think outside the box. The most innovative ideas are often those that seem the riskiest or strangest at first. Remember that failure is an integral part of the creative process. Every idea that fails to materialize brings you closer to the one that may revolutionize the video game industry.

Examples of indie games available on Steam

The future of game development

Current technological developments are radically transforming the world of video games. Recent tools, boosted in particular by artificial intelligence, facilitate many creative processes, from coding to image and script generation. What’s more, access to libraries of textures and 3D models, as well as high-quality, ready-to-use sounds and music, via sites such as Epidemic Sound, considerably simplifies the entire production process.

This “simplification” has naturally led to a significant increase in the number of games released since last year. In 2023 alone, no fewer than 14,000 new titles were released on the Steam platform. And this trend is set to intensify in the coming years, propelled by ongoing advances in AI, as well as the supply of ready-to-use resources. As a result, the market is becoming increasingly saturated, making it difficult for new games to stand out from the crowd.

The risk of your game being completely drowned out by this profusion is therefore extremely high. To counter this, developer Thomas Brush suggests focusing on three strategic aspects: story, visuals and game mechanics. An effective approach to innovation is to look at what’s already been successful, then consider creative crossovers that blend stories, aesthetics and mechanics from different games, while incorporating elements that are currently trending.

Thomas also stresses the importance of building a community not only around your games, but also and above all around your creator persona. Opening direct communication channels such as a YouTube channel, a TikTok and Instagram account, and engaging with your audience on a regular basis are effective ways of strengthening this community. Success in video game development, he believes, lies in this ability to establish a direct, authentic link with gamers, turning them into an active, engaged community.

Tips and tricks

As I already mentioned, the video game industry can be very competitive, so you’ll need to take a more pragmatic approach to maximize your chances of success. So, here are a few more tips to help you through the various stages of becoming a successful video game designer and achieving your objectives.

• Keep your current job: If you currently have a job, don’t quit it to start developing your indie game full-time. This job provides you with the security you need to live and pay your bills.
• Develop a signature or unique style: Just as artists have their own style, developing a recognizable personal touch in your games can help you stand out from the crowd. This can involve narrative, aesthetics, game mechanics or a combination of these elements. Hideo Kojima, the creator of “Metal Gear Solid” and “Death Stranding”, is just one example of a developer who has succeeded in making his mark on the industry thanks to his unique and innovative vision.
• Leverage data and feedback: Use analytics tools to collect data on how players interact with your games. User feedback can also be a goldmine for optimizing and iterating your creations.
• Organize in-house gaming sessions: Playing games as a team, whether your own or those of other designers, can stimulate creativity and encourage the exchange of ideas. It can also strengthen the cohesion of your team if you’re working with others.
• Participate actively in the developer community: Get involved in forums, discussion groups and events dedicated to video game developers. Sharing experience and knowledge can open up new and very rewarding perspectives.
• Rapid prototyping: Develop working prototypes of your games as early as possible. This will enable you to test ideas and receive rapid feedback, essential for iterating and improving your concept.
• Keeping abreast of trends: The video game industry is changing fast. Keep abreast of the latest trends, technologies and market successes to inspire your own creations and anticipate gamers’ expectations.
• Balancing originality and accessibility: While seeking to innovate, make sure your game remains accessible. A concept that is too complex or far removed from convention can put players off.
• Optimize for multiple platforms: Increase your game’s reach by making it available on multiple platforms. This often involves design and performance adjustments, but can mechanically expand your audience.
• Networking: Building a strong network with other video game professionals can open doors to collaborations, valuable advice and business opportunities. Attend industry events, both online and offline, to meet other passionate professionals like you.
• Manage time and resources effectively: Developing a game can be a time-consuming and costly process. Learn how to manage your time and resources effectively to avoid burnout and maximize the quality of your work.
• Cultivate an online presence: Use social networks and forums to share your work, your thoughts and engage with the community. A strong online presence can help build a dedicated fan base even before your game’s release.
• Learn from failure: Don’t be afraid of failure. Every unsuccessful project or mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Analyze what went wrong and why, then apply these lessons to your future projects. But don’t give up too soon either. Sometimes a game’s success depends on very little (a change in gameplay, a part of the story, a different approach to communication, etc.).

Conclusion

Embarking on a career as a video game designer is an exciting adventure that combines creativity, technique and innovation. However, the path to success in this competitive industry requires much more than just a passion for games. It requires deep commitment, a willingness to learn and adapt continuously, and a keen understanding of the market and gamers’ needs.

The advice shared in this article offers a foundation on which to build your journey as an independent video game designer or within an established company. Whether it’s through mastering programming languages, strategically using game engines, developing meaningful experience or creating an impactful portfolio, each step is crucial to forging your path in the industry.

Remember that success often comes after failures, iterations and constant learning. Stay open to new ideas, be ready to adjust your strategies and always keep in mind the ultimate goal: to create memorable gaming experiences that appeal and fascinate your public.

About you? What motivates you to become a video game designer? What kind of games would you like to develop? And what are your favorite games? Tell me all about it in the comments section.