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Games designer

The Irish games industry is growing rapidly and making waves on the international stage. Now is an ideal time to put all those hours spent zapping aliens to good use and become a games designer.

Alternative job titles for this role

Video game environment designer

Video game systems designer

Video game mechanics designer

Introduction

Games developers design or programme games for a variety of formats, such as consoles, wireless applications, the internet and mobile phones. They are involved in various stages of the creation of a game. Most specialise in a particular area such as design, programming, animation, audio, editing or production. Lead designers coordinate the design aspects. A game mechanics designer works on the balance of the game and its rule system. The environmental designer creates the different scenarios and environments of the game.

What the job involves

Come up with new and appealing game ideas
Develop ideas for gameplay
Experiment with several themes and genres
Develop plots and storylines
Develop characters
Develop maps, scenarios, and levels of difficulty
Come up with ways of winning and losing the game
Develop user interface concepts
Improve existing games

How your career can develop

Creativity, innovation and technical know-how and experience are all-important in the games world.

Why games design matters

The head of Nintendo, Shigeru Miyamoto, also invented the first fitness video game of note for the Wii Fit. The US Navy has even used the Wii Fit for physical therapy.

Skills

Creativity
Artistic vision
A passion for the world of video games
Storytelling ability
Wide-ranging knowledge of gaming trends
Strong analytical frame of mind
Excellent programming skills
Ability to work as part of a team

Typical employers

Video games developing companies
Marketing companies

Typical salary

Graduate/Starting: €36,000
Senior/Potential: €70,000+ dependant on experience

Typical qualifications

Degrees in computer games development/design, graphic design, animation, software engineering or computer science are common gateways. However, experience and a portfolio of work are all-important in a very competitive industry.