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Career Profile

Game designer

Game designers shape how a game plays, creating the mechanics, levels, characters and player experience that make a game engaging and fun.
Creative and MediaIT and Digital
Average weekly salary
$2252
Future demand
Very strong
Most common education level
Bachelor degree

What does a game designer do?

A game designer shapes how a game plays. They create the rules, mechanics, levels, characters and overall player experience, and they balance a game so it is challenging, fair and fun. Game design is the creative side of making games, focused on ideas, systems and how players feel, rather than the code that runs underneath. On small teams a designer may also do some programming or art, while larger studios keep design as its own role.

Game designers work in game studios, software and technology companies, and creative or entertainment firms. The same skills apply beyond entertainment, in areas such as education, training and simulation. Studio work is common in city creative hubs, and freelance or contract work is widespread.

Is a career in game design right for me?

A career in game design may suit you if you are creative, imaginative and love games, and you enjoy shaping how something feels to play. You need creativity, an eye for detail, and the ability to take feedback and keep refining your ideas.

Other desirable skills and attributes of a game designer include:

Adaptability
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.
Communication
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Creativity and innovation
Creative expression, storytelling and original thinking.
Digital and technical capability
Proficiency in using technology, digital tools, and relevant software.

Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.

Teamwork
An ability to work effectively and collaborate with a range of stakeholders.

How to become a game designer

Most game designers build skills through a degree in digital design, game design or a related creative field, and develop a portfolio of design work. Because studios want to see what you can make, working on game jams, personal projects and student teams is one of the best ways to learn the craft and show your skills.

Every journey to study is individual, and there are several paths into game design. A common path to becoming a game designer include:

  1. Build creative skills in game design, including mechanics, levels and player experience.
  2. Complete a degree in digital design, game design or a related creative field.
  3. Create a portfolio of game designs, prototypes or finished projects.
  4. Learn industry tools, including game engines such as Unity or Unreal.
  5. Gain experience through game jams, internships or junior studio roles.

How long does it take to become a game designer?

A bachelor degree in digital design usually takes three years of full-time study, or longer if you study part-time. During your degree you build design skills and a portfolio of game work.

Many people start building their portfolio while studying, then move into a junior design role after graduating. How quickly you progress depends on the strength of your portfolio and the experience you gain.

Start your journey with UniSQ

Study game design with UniSQ's Bachelor of Digital Design, where you can major in game design and build a portfolio of creative projects.

Bachelor of Digital Design
Go to degree
Need help planning your career journey?
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Responsibilities and work settings

Day-to-day responsibilities

Designing game mechanics, levels and player experiences.

Creating and refining game rules and systems.

Prototyping and play-testing ideas.

Balancing difficulty and pacing so games are fun and fair.

Working with artists, programmers and writers through production.

Where you might work

Arts and creative organisations

Data analytics and artificial intelligence organisations

Digital business and marketing agencies

Media, publishing and broadcasting organisations

Software development and technology companies

Universities and higher education providers

Game designer FAQs

Pay for game designers varies with experience, studio and location. For an indicative figure, view the salary information on this page.

Most game designers hold a degree in digital design, game design or a related creative field. There is no single mandatory qualification, so a strong portfolio of game design work matters as much as the degree.

A game designer focuses on the creative side, such as gameplay, levels, characters and player experience. A game developer writes the code that makes the game work. On small teams one person may do both, while larger studios keep the roles separate.

Game design is a competitive but rewarding field for people who love games and creativity. The skills also apply to education, training and simulation. A UniSQ Bachelor of Digital Design with a game design major gives you the skills and portfolio to get started.

Related careers

Animator
Game developer
Computer programmer
Software developer
Web designer

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Disclaimer: UniSQ’s Career Finder is a guide only. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, career information may change over time. Career statistics are sourced from Your Career and Jobs and Skills Australia. © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Salary figures listed on this page are in Australian Dollars (AUD).