The gaming industry has witnessed tremendous growth over the last 10 years. With the Indian market touching the Rs. 1,300 crore mark in 2012, such growth has encouraged various international animation companies to outsource work to India. Today, people have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to various modes of gaming, be it console gaming, PC gaming or mobile gaming. This has created more avenues for game designers. Game designing is the part of the gaming industry in which the whole concept of a game is brought into existence electronically. As a game designer or game design artist, you may be required to devise what a game consists of and how it works. Your responsibility as a game designer might involve conceptualizing and defining all the elements of a video game such as its story, flow, character and interface design. Depending upon the type of assignment, a game designer may have duties like designing art, characters and levels. The work may also involve computer programming and writing codes. Typically, a course in game designing may include basics of art and design, 3-D concepts, script/scene modelling and animation.

Educational qualifications for a game designer

Applicants can usually enroll in a course in game design after completing the higher senior secondary certificate exam (10+2). Game designers may have a diploma or bachelor’s in game designing or a bachelor’s degree in computer science engineering or other related fields. There is no specific entry level degree for this profession, though undergraduate education is usually required. Students must be comfortable using computer programming languages. Those with a degree in engineering may have an edge over other candidates, as it can give a better understanding of technical aspects of computer applications. However, programmes specifically for game design or visual communication are also an option. Before enrolling in a course you should carefully evaluate the programme of study, keeping in mind the skills typically required for the gaming industry.

Skills required by game designers

As a prospective game designer, you must have excellent drawing skills. An understanding of programming languages and software programmes such as 3D Max and Maya is equally important. Game development requires clarity in presentation of ideas, both verbally and on paper, for which you need basic visual design and drawing skills. Game designers usually work in teams, which require good interpersonal skills. You should keep yourself up to date about the latest software and technologies to enhance your working skills. The success of a candidate can depend on skill set, which should be a blend of talent, technology and creativity.

Career & salary prospects for game designers

The gaming and multimedia industry is a growing phenomenon. Besides computer and console gaming, mobile games are a new part of the gaming sector; mobile gaming is a new market in India. More established jobs for a game designer include working with game developers or game publishing companies. These can range from small- to large-sized companies producing games for other vendors.

Annual national salaries begin at Rs. 121,641, according to PayScale. With a higher degree of experience in the industry, salaries could be higher, with a range of up to Rs. 1,374,155. It is advisable to do internships during the course of study for additional experience. One career path to game design could be starting as a game tester and then gradually moving on to game designing. This can offer a good grounding in the industry and enable insights into different areas, since employers seek some experience for mid-level positions.

Sources

“Ahead of the game,” India Today, Nandagopal Rajan, 23 June, 2013, http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/mobile-gaming-companies-look-beyond-india/1/194963.html
“BFA – Details of Courses,” College of Art, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, 7 June, 2012, http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/lib_collegeofart/Collegeofarts/Home/Programmes
“DGDI Career course in gaming,” MAAC, http://www.maacindia.com/game-design-courses/dgdi.htm
“Indian gaming industry,” IndiaBiz News, 31 May, 2012, http://www.indiabiznews.com/?q=node/3105
“Professional Diploma in Game Art,” Asian Institute of Gaming and Animation, http://aiga.in/professionaldiploma.php
“Video Game Designer Salary,” PayScale, 4 July, 2013, http://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Video_Game_Designer/Salary