Computer Games Designer

Computer games designers devise new computer games and define the way the game is played and the 'game experience'. They develop:

• the rules of the game
• the setting
• story and characters
• props, such as weapons and vehicles
• different ways the game may be played.

It is part of their job to convince other members of the team to develop a game. They work with programmers, artists, animators, producers and audio engineers to turn their original vision into a working game.

Games designers work around 35 hours a week, but they may need to work longer hours as deadlines approach. They work in offices and spend long periods sitting at a desk using a computer or attending meetings.

Salaries may range from around £19,000 to £55,000 a year.

A computer games designer should:

• be creative, imaginative and original
• know a number of software packages
• understand the market and target audience for computer games
• have problem-solving skills
• enjoy IT and playing computer games.

Around 6,600 people in the UK work in computer games development. They are employed by games development studios, which are either independent companies or owned by games publishers. Around half of the people working in the games sector are based in London and south-east England, but there are also opportunities in other parts of the UK. The games market is likely to expand.

There are no set requirements, but most games designers are graduates. Most degree subjects are acceptable. Employers look for people with previous experience in the games industry - for instance as a games tester - and strong portfolios of relevant work. An Apprenticeship in QA and games production for the computer games industry is available

Most computer games designers train on the job. They may attend short courses on technological developments and new software packages. It is important for games designers to keep up to date with developments in technology and the games market throughout their careers.

There is no formal promotion route for games designers. They may be promoted from junior designer to designer, and, with experience and management skills, to lead designer. Some designers move into management and marketing roles, or become self-employed.

Further details