Game designer
Game designers are game developers responsible for designing the game concept, mechanics and game experience. They define how the game works, how it feels and what rules, challenges and objectives it contains. Game designers create the core content of the game, such as character abilities, level planning and missions. They cooperate with game graphic designers, programmers and producers to ensure implementation. The profession requires creativity, analytical thinking and a strong understanding of what makes a game entertaining and attractive.
Companies in the game industry.
Game designers must have versatile competence, as they are responsible for planning the game functions and game experience. Above all, a game designer must master the design of game mechanics, game level structure and storytelling. They must be able to understand the players’ thinking and experiences and create challenging, entertaining and rewarding gaming experiences. In addition, having technical competence, such as the use of game development tools and basic knowledge of programming, is useful in turning ideas into reality.
Game designers are also expected to have good communication and cooperation skills, as they work closely with game graphic designers, programmers and producers. The profession also requires the ability to document plans clearly and manage the development project. Creativity, analytical thinking and knowledge of gaming industry trends are essential for the success of a game designer. Game designers are also required to be enthusiastic about gaming and games, as the profession requires knowledge of game genres and different games.
Game designers also need a business understanding that allows them to turn their game ideas into a finished product. An analytical approach and an ability to see the big picture are necessary for being able to form a functional whole of the game details. User-oriented thinking plays a key role in the work, as game design requires knowledge of different target groups and player types. Game designers must also be able to critically examine their own ideas and plans.
In addition to design competence, the work requires systematic reporting of development proposals and project management. Teamwork requires skills in working in a group and interaction skills. The job requires perseverance, as game development is typically a long process. English skills are necessary because the industry is international. Monitoring the development of the games industry is essential.
Game designers can enter the industry from a wide range of educational backgrounds. Vocational upper secondary education and training institutions offer vocational upper secondary qualifications in information and communications technology with a specialisation in software engineering. You can also complete a vocational qualification in media and visual expression (game production technician). You can also complete the qualification through an apprenticeship.
You can study information processing and complete a bachelor of business administration degree at a university of applied sciences. You can also complete a bachelor of engineering degree in a field such as information and communication technology at a university of applied sciences. In university, courses on the gaming industry may be organised in several disciplines, such as computer science.
Private sector
4600 €/mo
The data is based on the median income, meaning the amount of salary which is the middle of the salary amounts arranged in order of magnitude.
Source: Statistics Finland's structural statistics on wages and salaries