The Job and What's Involved

Computer games designers develop concepts for new computer games. They come up with original ideas and they also create new games from existing ingredients.

A computer game usually goes through several design stages:

1. The designer puts their initial thoughts down on paper in the form of notes and sketches.
   
   
2. From this they create a concept document - an outline of what they imagine the game will consist of and how it will play.
   
   
3. This is then used to help ‘sell’ the idea to the decision makers in the company.

Before the company invests money in it, they must be convinced that people will want to buy the game. Their decision is based on lots of factors, including timing, e.g. football games are popular in World Cup years, and what their competitors are producing.

If the idea is strong enough the next step is to build a prototype, or sample, of the game. This does not include all the elements, but should prove whether the game will work. The designer works with a small team of artists and programmers to build the prototype and, at the same time, puts together the design document (or the design ‘bible’).

Lots of people are involved in building a game if it goes into full production, including programmers, artists, animators, producers and audio engineers, and this document is used by all of them, so it must define all the elements as clearly and concisely as possible, including:

• The world of the game - its setting and all the different levels.
• The story flow.
• The rules.
• The characters.
• All the objects, props, vehicles and devices.
• The different ways of playing the game.

There are many key creative people who have a say in the decision-making process of creating a game. The games designer listens to their suggestions and makes changes as necessary, but they remain responsible for the overall vision of the design. The designer also trains testers to play the game, making sure they understand what the finished game is supposed to be like, so they can spot any problems.

The work may vary from company to company. Some designers work across the whole game, while others might concentrate on one aspect of the design. The development of a new game is a large project and there may be several designers involved, in which case a lead designer usually oversees the design process.

Computer games are very popular and the sector is expected to grow as new platforms and technologies are developed. Each new generation of platforms will be more powerful, offering the possibility of better graphics and more innovation. The trend is towards longer and larger scale projects. As a result, companies are likely to take fewer risks and will look for designers, not just with originality and creativity, but also who understand markets and target audiences. Games designers with the ability to go on learning and developing their skills are in demand.

Jobs may be advertised through specialist recruitment agencies for the computer games industry, on company websites, and in specialist games publications and websites. The Skillset website provides a number of links, www.skillset.org.

Talented designers may even be offered opportunities to work abroad.

Education and Training

There are no specific entry requirements for computer games designers, but most people in the computer games industry are graduates. The usual entry requirement for a degree is a minimum of five GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3) and two A levels/three H grades, or equivalent qualifications. Degree subjects vary, from computer science to art and design, but more important are the individual’s personal qualities, especially their ability and willingness to learn.

Games design courses are becoming more widely available and some of these have good links with local industry, sometimes offering work placements. A list of relevant courses can be found on the Skillset/British Film Institute database available on their website at:
www.bfi.org.uk/education/courses/mediacourses.

This is a complex job that almost always requires previous experience in the games industry. Employers expect to see portfolios of work, which may include completed game projects or written game design documents and proposals.

Many designers move into the role from other areas of game development. A typical way in is by working first as a tester in a quality assurance (QA) department. This is a good way to find out about other areas of game development.

Training

Training is mostly carried out on the job, through self-learning and mentoring by experienced colleagues. Some companies may occasionally send employees on short courses to learn new packages, but most training is done in-house.

People working in the computer games industry need to keep ahead of technical changes and update their skills throughout their careers. There is no typical progression route, as it varies between different companies. Generally, as people gain experience, they may be promoted from a role as a junior designer to designer and, eventually, to lead designer.

For many, achieving the role of games designer is the ultimate goal. Progression to the role of lead designer requires project and people management skills, in addition to creative design ability.

Some designers may become more involved in the management and marketing sides of the business. Setting up a company is also a possibility, but this is becoming increasingly difficult and unlikely.

Personal Qualities

Computer games designers need:

• creativity, imagination and originality

• storytelling ability

• knowledge of the entire game development process and all aspects of a game

• basic drawing and 3D design skills

• systematic and strategic thinking

• some programming knowledge

• good communication skills - both on paper and verbal

• excellent presentation skills, to convey their ideas to people working on a game

• the ability to work well in teams and on their own

• the ability to work hard under pressure of deadlines

• the ability to take criticism

Interests

It is important for a computer games designer to:

• have a strong interest in computer games

• be interested in following what other designers are doing

• enjoy analysing computer games - finding out what makes a successful game or a bad game

• enjoy playing computer games

Get Further Information

British Computer Society, 1 Sanford Street, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 1HJ  Tel: 01793 417417
Website: www.bcs.org/BCS

British Interactive Media Association (BIMA), Briarlea House, Southend Road, South Green,
Billericay, Essex CM11 2PR  Tel: 01277 658107  Website: www.bima.co.uk

The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA), 167 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WL  Tel: 020 7534 0580  Website: www.elspa.com

e-skills UK, 1 Castle Lane, London SW1E 6DR  Tel: 020 7963 8920
Website: www.e-skills.com

The Independent Games Developers Association ( TIGA), Brighton Business Centre,
95 Ditchling Road, Brighton BN1 4ST  Tel: 01273 605053  Website: www.tiga.org

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA)  Website www.igda.org

Skillset (The Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries), Prospect House,
80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1HB  Careers helpline:
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Tel: 08080 300 900
In Scotland: Tel: 0808 100 8094  Website: www.skillset.org/careers

 

Careers information and vocational qualifications change rapidly. The information in this career note was accurate at the time of going to print, but readers should check it with professional bodies or careers advisers before making decisions.