15-1255.01 Bright OutlookApprenticeship

Video Game Designers

Design 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.

Career Cluster:Digital Technology
Job Family:Computer and Mathematical
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
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Technology Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopAdobe After EffectsAtlassian JIRACC#C++Extensible markup language XMLGitHypertext markup language HTMLJavaScriptLinuxMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointPerlMySQLMicrosoft Visual StudioMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordOracle JavaPythonTypeScript

Key Tasks

  • 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.
  • Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.
  • Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.
  • Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.
  • Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.
  • Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.
  • Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.
  • Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design.
  • Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.
  • Guide design discussions between development teams.
  • Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers.
  • Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision.
  • Prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups.
  • Keep abreast of game design technology and techniques, industry trends, or audience interests, reactions, and needs by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or partici
  • Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.
  • Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.
  • Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features.
  • Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.
  • Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.
  • Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software.
  • Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.
  • Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.

Skills

Programming
75%
Active Listening
72%
Reading Comprehension
69%
Critical Thinking
69%
Complex Problem Solving
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
Active Learning
63%
Time Management
60%
Systems Analysis
60%
Writing
56%
Systems Evaluation
56%
Coordination
53%
Speaking
53%
Monitoring
53%
Operations Analysis
50%
Persuasion
50%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Negotiation
50%
Technology Design
50%
Instructing
47%
Mathematics
47%
Learning Strategies
47%
Service Orientation
44%
Management of Personnel Resources
44%
Operations Monitoring
31%
Quality Control Analysis
25%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Management of Financial Resources
22%
Science
10%
Troubleshooting
3%
Installation
3%
Equipment Selection
3%
Repairing
0%
Operation and Control
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Design
82%
Computers and Electronics
79%
Communications and Media
62%
Mathematics
58%
Psychology
58%
English Language
56%
Sociology and Anthropology
45%
Engineering and Technology
45%
Fine Arts
41%
Education and Training
41%
Administration and Management
39%
Administrative
34%
Physics
28%
Telecommunications
26%
Sales and Marketing
26%
History and Archeology
25%
Customer and Personal Service
23%
Economics and Accounting
23%
Philosophy and Theology
21%
Personnel and Human Resources
19%
Law and Government
16%
Production and Processing
16%
Geography
15%
Foreign Language
10%
Public Safety and Security
8%
Mechanical
6%
Biology
6%
Transportation
6%
Building and Construction
5%
Therapy and Counseling
5%
Medicine and Dentistry
1%
Food Production
0%
Chemistry
0%

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Abilities

Fluency of Ideas
78%
Near Vision
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Originality
75%
Information Ordering
72%
Oral Comprehension
72%
Written Expression
72%
Oral Expression
69%
Deductive Reasoning
69%
Problem Sensitivity
69%
Inductive Reasoning
69%
Selective Attention
60%
Visualization
56%
Speech Recognition
56%
Speech Clarity
53%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Category Flexibility
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Far Vision
47%
Number Facility
47%
Mathematical Reasoning
47%
Visual Color Discrimination
47%
Speed of Closure
44%
Memorization
41%
Finger Dexterity
41%
Time Sharing
41%
Hearing Sensitivity
28%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
28%
Auditory Attention
25%
Control Precision
25%
Manual Dexterity
25%
Depth Perception
16%
Trunk Strength
16%
Wrist-Finger Speed
13%
Dynamic Strength
3%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Reaction Time
0%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Night Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Multilimb Coordination
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Rate Control
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Thinking Creatively
98%
Working with Computers
96%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
93%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
83%
Getting Information
76%
Processing Information
74%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
70%
Analyzing Data or Information
69%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
68%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
66%
Documenting/Recording Information
65%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
65%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
65%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
59%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
58%
Developing and Building Teams
58%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
54%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
53%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
50%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
48%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
48%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
47%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
46%
Selling or Influencing Others
46%
Scheduling Work and Activities
44%
Training and Teaching Others
41%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
40%
Coaching and Developing Others
39%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
29%
Performing Administrative Activities
28%
Assisting and Caring for Others
28%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
26%
Staffing Organizational Units
26%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
23%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
18%
Controlling Machines and Processes
17%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
11%
Performing General Physical Activities
8%
Handling and Moving Objects
6%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
0%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
0%

Work Context

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

100%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

100%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

96%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

94%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

94%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

93%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

84%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

76%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

76%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

76%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

76%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

74%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

71%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

71%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

63%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

60%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

58%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

54%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

54%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

53%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

49%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

45%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

34%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

30%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

28%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

28%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

26%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

26%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

20%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

13%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

13%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

11%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

8%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

5%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

4%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

4%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

3%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

3%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

3%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

3%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

1%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

1%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

1%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

1%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

1%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

0%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

0%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

0%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

0%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

0%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

0%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

0%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

0%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

0%

Education

Bachelor's degree

55%

High school diploma or equivalent

15%

Less than high school diploma

10%

Interests

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

90

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

52

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

50

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

48

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

28

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

23

Work Styles

Innovation
100%
Intellectual Curiosity
78%
Adaptability
77%
Achievement Orientation
71%
Dependability
67%
Cooperation
66%
Self-Confidence
66%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
65%
Attention to Detail
64%
Initiative
63%
Perseverance
62%
Leadership Orientation
56%
Social Orientation
48%
Stress Tolerance
48%
Self-Control
33%
Optimism
26%
Integrity
25%
Empathy
21%
Sincerity
21%
Humility
9%

Work Values

Achievement
83%
Independence
83%
Working Conditions
70%
Recognition
56%
Support
45%
Relationships
33%

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