What is a video game designer?
Before we dive into a typical day in the life of a video game designer, let’s first define what it means to be a video game designer. A video game designer is responsible for creating the concept and rules of a video game. They brainstorm ideas, design game mechanics, and develop storylines that will keep players engaged throughout the game.
What does a typical day look like for a video game designer?
Now that we know what a video game designer does let’s take a closer look at what a typical day looks like for one. The workday of a video game designer varies depending on the stage of the project and the team size, but there are some common tasks that designers do every day.
1. Brainstorming ideas
A typical day for a video game designer starts with brainstorming ideas. They think about what they want to create, what players will enjoy, and how they can make their game unique. This process can take hours or even days, as designers try to come up with the perfect idea that will capture the attention of players.
2. Designing game mechanics
Once an idea has been developed, the video game designer starts designing the game mechanics. They create the rules and systems that govern how the game is played, such as character movement, combat, and puzzles. This process involves a lot of testing and iteration to ensure that the game is balanced and fun for players.
3. Developing storylines and narrative arcs
Another important aspect of video game design is developing storylines and narrative arcs. The designer creates the backstory of the game, the characters’ personalities, and the plot that drives the game forward. They also work with writers to ensure that the dialogue and cutscenes are engaging and add depth to the game.
4. Collaborating with other team members
As mentioned earlier, video game designers work closely with other team members such as artists, programmers, and producers. They collaborate on the game’s visuals, code, and overall production quality to ensure that everything works together seamlessly. This process involves a lot of communication and coordination to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
5. Playtesting and iterating
Finally, video game designers spend a significant amount of time playtesting their games and iterating on them based on player feedback. They try to identify any bugs or issues with the game’s mechanics, storyline, or visuals and work to fix them. This process helps to ensure that the game is polished and ready for release.
Real-life examples of what video game designers do
Now that we’ve looked at a typical day in the life of a video game designer let’s take a closer look at some real-life examples of what they do.
Case study: Moby Dick
One example of a successful video game designed by a video game designer is “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville. The game was created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the publication of Melville’s classic novel and was designed to be an immersive experience that allowed players to explore the world of the whaling industry.
Case study: Minecraft
Another example of a successful video game designed by a video game designer is “Minecraft” by Jens Bergensten and Markus Persson. The game was created as a sandbox building game that allowed players to create their own worlds and explore the vast landscapes of the game’s world and included a rich narrative arc that followed the story of an adventurer who travels through the game’s world and encounters various challenges along the way.
Case study: Tetris
A classic example of a successful video game designed by a video game designer is “Tetris” by Alexey Pajitnov. The game was created in 1984 and quickly became one of the most popular games of all time, with over 70 million copies sold worldwide.
FAQs
Now that we’ve explored what video game designers do let’s answer some common questions about their work.
What skills do you need to be a video game designer?
Creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for video game designers. They also need to have a good understanding of game mechanics, programming, and design principles.
How long does it take to create a video game?
The time it takes to create a video game can vary greatly depending on the team size, complexity of the game, and the stage of development. Some games can take several years to complete.
What is the most challenging part of being a video game designer?
The most challenging part of being a video game designer can be balancing the game mechanics, storyline, visuals, and overall production quality while also keeping players engaged throughout the game. It requires a lot of creativity, communication, and attention to detail.
Summary
In conclusion, being a video game designer is a challenging but rewarding job that requires a lot of creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills. Video game designers work closely with other team members to create immersive, engaging, and fun games that players will love. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to become a professional video game designer, there’s no better time than now to explore this exciting field.
