Video Game Designers

Skills

• Programming

  Writing computer programs for various purposes.

• Active Listening

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Critical Thinking

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Reading Comprehension

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Complex Problem Solving

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Abilities

• Fluency of Ideas

  The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

• Near Vision

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Originality

  The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

• Written Comprehension

  The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Information Ordering

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

• Bachelor's degree
  55 %
• High school diploma or equivalent
  15 %

  or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

• Less than high school diploma
  10 %

Work Activities

• Thinking Creatively

  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

• Working with Computers

  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Getting Information

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Detailed Work Activities

• Design video game features or details.
• Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
• Test software performance.
• Document design or development procedures.
• Communicate project information to others.

Work Interests

• Artistic

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Investigative

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Enterprising

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.