Do you like to play video games? Do you enjoy working with computers, graphic design, and learning technical and computer-related skills? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you may have a future as a video game designer.

Video game design is a multi-billion dollar industry that is growing rapidly. The demand for video game designers–- especially talented designers–-is strong, and will only get stronger in the coming years. If you have the skills and the imagination, and you’re eager to work in a job that offers good pay and a casual work environment, then you should seriously consider video game design as your next career.



Job Description

Video game designers are normally highly-creative people who 
can envision entire worlds in their imagination, and then have the ability to write down every aspect of that world in great detail. This document then becomes the “bluprint” for a new video game. Video game designers need to be visual, detail-oriented, and have the ability to communicate and work well with others.



Training Requirements

A college degree isn’t necessary for a career in video game design, but you’ll need to be thoroughly about the gaming industry. You’ll have to know or learn the “lingo” specific to this industry, and who the big and small players are in the marketplace. Most aspiring video game designers spend hours playing and researching various games across the most popular gaming genres and platforms. They also buy and read magazines and trade journals relating to the gaming industry.

A video game designer needs to have a love for and extensive knowledge of games and the gaming world. Technical skills are also a must, along with some competence in graphic design, writing, storytelling, and computer programming. Don’t worry if you’re not fluent in all those areas – you can learn most of these skills over time and at your own pace. But also be aware that the more skills you have, the more attractive you’ll be to a prospective employer.

Some specific skills that employers are looking for is the ability to work with a ‘level editor,’ which is a computer program that allows you to edit the various levels of a particular game. If you don’t have one of these level editor programs, buy one and learn how to use it. You can practice by adding levels to two or three of your favorite games. 

You can also gain valuable experience by reviewing games for the online or offline gaming magazines, by volunteering to test new games when they hit the market, and by spending time in the online gaming chat rooms and multi-player environments.


Landing that first job

Be prepared to apply to often before you land you first job in the video gaming industry. You might have to start out as an apprentice, working with a more experienced designer and learning the ins and outs of the business. Some of the larger companies do pay a stipend during these internships, but don’t expect to make much money in early stages of your career.

If you are lucky enough to land one of these internships, be friendly and professional at all times, even if the setting is a casual one. Network and make as many contacts as you can, and take careful notes and be a good listener. These industry contacts can be an invaluable resource when you’re out looking for a full-time job as a video game designer.

When it comes time to apply for a position, there are a host of specialized online job sites that recruit aspiring video game designers. Another route is to target a specific studio, do your research on the company, and find out if they’re hiring. If they are, send your resume and portfolio to the hiring manager or human resources department.



Build your portfolio

Just like an artist or photographer, a video game designer needs to build a high-quality portfolio of work over time. A portfolio should showcase a few well-crafted game proposals that display your creative and technical skills. If you’re already working with a designer, he or she should be able to help you put a portfolio together. 



Attend Trade Shows


Another way to network and learn about the video gaming industry is to attend conventions and trade shows. Many companies will have recruiters at these shows, and you might even get lucky and schedule an interview on the spot. At the very least you’ll learn about industry trends and new products hitting the market, along with the previous year’s duds.

Some of the major conferences and trade shows include the Computer Games Developers Conference, Future Play 2005, Game Writers Conference in Austin, Montreal International Game Summit, and Online Games Summit in Paris. 


Conclusion

If this sounds like work you’d like to do, then consider a career as a video game designer. Just learn as much as you can about the industry, network aggressively, and keep building your portfolio and sending out your resume. And before long, your passion for playing video games might just turn into the career of your dreams.

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