A career in game design

Contributed by the Game Developers’ Association of Australia

The most important attributes (in addition to the technical skills) are excellent interpersonal, communication and team work skills (including a work ethic), and a passion for and knowledge of games.

For artists, the specific skill and knowledge requirements depends on the specialised areas into which they are required. However, you need to know the specific technical limitations in which the art will be incorporated. In game development, this requires graphics that have polygon budgets which need to be respected. Console games have very high production values.

A portfolio with a few well chosen and relevant examples of your work to demonstrate specific skills is the best way to sell your ability.

For programmers, C/C++ is an absolute pre-requisite for console games (Java for wireless), and a strong understanding of mathematics and physics is important. On top of this, you need to understand the work process (software engineering), to solve problems and to be efficient and methodical about coding. Having created or modified a game is the best way to demonstrate programming aptitude.

Most enterprises set tests in art and programming for job applicants.

For designers, you need experience; this is not just a role you can just walk into. Many designers come to this role through an art background but a programming background is also helpful. Skills required depend on the design role. Lead or level designers need a wide knowledge of games and extensive knowledge of game mechanics and construction.

Sound and audio designers require a good ear and creative music ability. Creativity, and the ability to communicate and document your ideas and design visions, is essential. Providing examples of the breadth as well as the depth of your experience is the way into design roles.

For production people, the skills and attributes required vary markedly, depending on the level of the position (i.e. whether it is a junior position or senior producer role).

A quality assurance (QA) tester requires little more than a deep burning passion and lots of experience with game play. A lead tester requires people management ability on top of their game experience.

Producers and senior producer roles require problem solving ability, people and task management skill, ability to multi-task and manage complex projects (within a given timeframes and budget). Business acumen is the icing to achieve top positions. Producers usually come to the role through either an art or programming background. The key thing to demonstrate is a working knowledge of all aspects of game development and good management skills.

For business managers, administrators and office personnel, an ability to look after the business side of things is the main attribute. Quite obviously the more skills and experience you have across a wide array of areas the greater value you are to a game company. Some roles may ask for marketing and public relations ability, procedural or office skills, human resource management (HRM) experience, or other specific attributes. Senior management positions require demonstrable experience.


For more information visit the Game Developers’ Association of Australia website.