Explore This Path

Video Game Designer

💰 Earn $86K-$175K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 Month Training

📈 7% Job Growth

Design immersive worlds and captivating stories for gamers to explore and enjoy.
Shape the future of gaming by crafting engaging experiences and innovative mechanics.
Transform creative ideas into interactive adventures that captivate global audiences.

What Video Game Designers DoDesign core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.
Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.
Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.

Video Game Designers Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationBachelor Degree

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time2 to 4 years

Job Openings9,100 Annually

Median Earnings

$130,240 in California

$98,090 Nationally

$25K

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Being creative or artistic
Influencing or leading others

you value

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Job security

you are skilled in

Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Complex Problem Solving
Mathematics

Go Deeper: Video Game Designers Explained

Video Game DesignerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

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