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O*NET-SOC 15-1255.01

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.Core16199
  2. Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.Core16208
  3. Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.Core16217
  4. Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.Core16201
  5. Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.Core16214
  6. Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.Core16209
  7. Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.Core16216
  8. Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.Core16198
  9. Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.Core16212
  10. Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design.Core16202
  11. Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.Core16211
  12. Guide design discussions between development teams.Core16207
  13. Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision.Core16206
  14. Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers.Core16204
  15. Prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups.Core16203
  16. Keep abreast of game design technology and techniques, industry trends, or audience interests, reactions, and needs by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences.Core16196
  17. Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.Core16194
  18. Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.Core16215
  19. Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.Core16200
  20. Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features.Core16213
  21. Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.Core16210
  22. Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software.Core16205
  23. Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.Core16197
  24. Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.Core16195

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 57 examples in 22 categories, 30 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • 3D graphic design software
  • Adobe Creative Cloud softwareHot Technology
  • Adobe IllustratorHot Technology
  • Adobe PhotoshopHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • Autodesk MayaIn Demand
  • Balsamiq Studios Balsamiq Mockups
  • OpenGL

Development environment software

  • Adobe ActionScript
  • Autodesk Scaleform
  • CHot Technology
  • C for Graphics cg
  • Microsoft High Level Shader Language HLSL
  • Microsoft Visual StudioHot Technology
  • Scheme
  • Simple DirectMedia Layer SDL
  • Unity Technologies UnityIn Demand
  • Unreal Technology Unreal EngineIn Demand

Video creation and editing software

  • Adobe After EffectsHot Technology
  • Autodesk 3ds Max
  • Sound development software
  • Vulkan Graphics API

Object or component oriented development software

  • Advanced business application programming ABAP
  • C#Hot TechnologyIn Demand
  • C++Hot TechnologyIn Demand
  • Lua
  • Objective C
  • Oracle JavaHot Technology
  • PerlHot Technology
  • PythonHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • TypeScriptHot Technology

Project management software

  • Atlassian JIRAHot Technology
  • Microsoft ProjectHot Technology

Data base user interface and query software

  • Blackboard software
  • Microsoft SQL ServerHot Technology
  • Structured query language SQLHot Technology

Enterprise application integration software

  • Extensible markup language XMLHot Technology

File versioning software

  • GitHot Technology

Graphical user interface development software

  • Graphical user interface GUI design software
  • Microsoft Expression Blend

Web platform development software

  • Hypertext markup language HTMLHot Technology
  • JavaScriptHot Technology
  • PHPHot Technology
  • Ruby on Rails

Operating system software

  • Job control language JCL
  • LinuxHot Technology
  • Microsoft WindowsHot Technology

Device drivers or system software

  • Microsoft DirectX

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot Technology

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology

Process mapping and design software

  • Microsoft VisioHot Technology

Word processing software

  • Microsoft WordHot Technology

Data base management system software

  • MySQLHot Technology

Configuration management software

  • Perforce Helix software

Metadata management software

  • Perforce software

Analytical or scientific software

  • Virtual Battlespace 2 VBS2

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

  • Test software performance.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Analyzing Data or Information

  • Analyze market or customer related data.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Thinking Creatively

  • Design video game features or details.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

  • Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 9 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Augments 1
    • Informs 8

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

  • Develop testing routines or procedures.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 33 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Replaces 4
    • Augments 20
    • Supports 9

Documenting/Recording Information

  • Document design or development procedures.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  • Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 10 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Augments 3
    • Supports 7
  • Communicate project information to others.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 26 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Augments 14
    • Supports 11
    • Informs 1

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

  • Manage documentation to ensure organization or accuracy.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

  • Supervise information technology personnel.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Manage information technology projects or system activities.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 5 of 5 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • Augments 1
    • Supports 4

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill5 of 12
Distinct tools76
Level mix
  • Replaces 4
  • Augments 38
  • Supports 30
  • Informs 9

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.