Game designers create the worlds inhabited by players of video, computer
and online games. They weave memorable storyline with compelling
characters who adventure through exotic environments in search of
valuable treasures. The job typically requires years of game-play
experience, among other factors. Their salaries vary by job location and
educational background.
Game designers average $48,281 per year in salary, according to the 2012
Annual Salary Survey compiled by Game Developer magazine. Their
compensation put them in the middle of the gaming field where the
highest wages went to business and legal people, at a mean $50,375
yearly, and quality assurance testers at $37,000. Game designers must
combine the technical knowledge of a programmer with the artistic
creativity of the storyteller. They must also have the communication
skills to describe their ideas to programmers, artists and project
managers.
For many companies, the minimum educational requirement for game
designers is a high-school diploma. This level of education boasts the
highest salaries, averaging $79,500 per year. Larger companies may
demand at least a bachelor’s degree, which offers mean annual pay of
$73,703. Designers with master’s degrees average $90,870 yearly and
those with some doctoral training receive $67,500 a year. More important
than education is experience as evidenced by the designer’s portfolio.
This collection of an individual’s best work shows off his creative
abilities and should ideally consist of complete games. They may also
show maps of game levels, character sketches and outlines of game
stories.
