How to become a video game designer?

Video game design is a profession that has gained enormous prominence in recent decades, combining artistic creativity with technical expertise in an industry that continues to grow and evolve.

To become a video game designer, you must understand that there is no single path. Some professionals come from an art background, others from programming, and many more from fields

as diverse as storytelling, sound design or project management. The key is to acquire a solid foundation of knowledge and develop the skills demanded by the market.

The video game industry in Spain has experienced remarkable growth, with over 650 active studios and an annual turnover exceeding 1,700 million euros. This has generated a growing demand for specialised professionals, making video game design a career path with excellent prospects.

Whether you’ve been passionate about video games since you were a child or have only just discovered your interest in this field, in this article we’ll guide you on what to study to become a video game designer and the skills you’ll need to develop.

What does a video game designer do?

A video game designer is the professional who conceives, plans and shapes the gaming experience. Their work goes far beyond simply ‘coming up with ideas’: they translate creative concepts into playable systems, interactive mechanics and engaging experiences for users.

The main responsibilities of a video game designer include:

• Mechanics design. Creating the rules and systems that define how the game works, its challenges and rewards.
• Level design. Structuring the environments and challenges the player will encounter throughout their experience.
• Interactive storytelling. Developing stories that integrate with the gameplay, creating immersive experiences.
• Game balancing. Ensuring that all elements of the game are balanced to provide the right level of challenge.
• Design documentation. Producing detailed documents that communicate the vision for the game to the rest of the team.
• Prototyping and testing. Creating preliminary versions of the game to assess how it works and make improvements.

A typical day in the life of a video game designer might include meetings with the team to discuss ideas, drafting design documents, working with prototyping tools, conducting playtests and making adjustments based on feedback received.

It is important to note that the designer does not work in isolation, but collaborates closely with artists, programmers, musicians and other specialists. This collaborative nature means that communication and teamwork skills are just as important as technical skills.

What should you study to become a video game designer? Training options

If you’re wondering what you need to study to become a video game designer, there are several educational options that can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills:

Specialised university degree 

The most comprehensive option is to take a Bachelor’s degree in Video Game Design. These programmes offer comprehensive training ranging from the fundamentals of design to technical aspects such as programming, 3D modelling, animation and interactive storytelling. The advantage of this option is that it provides a solid foundation and an official qualification recognised in the job market.

At UAX, for example, you can study the Bachelor’s Degree in Video Game Design in Málaga, a city that is developing into a major hub for technology and creativity.

Higher-level vocational training courses 

There are also other options such as the Advanced Vocational Training in Multi-platform Application Development or its online version, which , although more programming-oriented, provide valuable knowledge for designers who wish to build a solid technical foundation.

If you’re interested in web development – which can also be useful in certain aspects of video game design – you might consider the Higher Technical Diploma in Web Application Development.

Complementary and specialised training

In addition to formal education, there are numerous courses and bootcamps specialising in specific areas of video game design. These can be an excellent way to complement your main studies or to specialise in a particular area.

However, many professionals in the sector have supplemented their formal training with intensive self-study. The internet offers a wealth of free and paid resources:

• Online tutorials and courses on platforms such as Udemy, Coursera or Domestika.
• Official documentation for engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Books specialising in video game design.
• Conferences and talks available on YouTube.
• Game jams (events for rapid video game development).

Ideally, you should combine several of these options to build a well-rounded skill set.

Key skills and knowledge for becoming a video game designer

To be a competitive video game designer in today’s job market, you’ll need to develop a diverse set of skills ranging from technical aspects to more creative and social competencies.

Technical skills

Technical skills form the foundation upon which you will build your career as a video game designer:

• Programming knowledge. Although you do not need to be an expert programmer, understanding the fundamentals of programming will enable you to communicate effectively with the technical team and grasp the possibilities and limitations of the technology. Languages such as C#, C++ or Python are particularly useful.
• Applied mathematics. Concepts from geometry, physics and algebra are essential for creating coherent and realistic game systems. It’s not about being a pure mathematician, but about mastering their practical application in interactive environments.
• Understanding of gameplay. You must develop a deep understanding of how game systems work, player psychology and what makes an experience fun and rewarding.
• Knowledge of UX/UI design. The user interface and user experience are critical in video games. Understanding the principles of designing intuitive and accessible interfaces will give you a significant advantage.
• Knowledge of art and animation. Although you don’t need to be an artist, understanding the fundamentals of visual design, colour theory and animation will help you collaborate more effectively with art teams. 

If you want to delve deeper into more technical skills, you can explore career paths in Computer Engineering or Digital Art and Media (DAM) , as many of these skills are transferable to video game design.

Software and programmes you should be familiar with

Mastering the right tools is essential for bringing your ideas to life. Here are some of the most widely used software programmes in the industry:

• Game engines. Unity and Unreal Engine are the most popular, although there are others such as Godot or GameMaker Studio that also have their niche. These environments allow you to develop complete games without having to programme from scratch.
• Design software. Tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or Procreate for conceptualising and designing visual elements.
• 3D modelling tools. Blender (free), Maya or 3ds Max for creating three-dimensional models and environments.
• Audio software. Audacity, FMOD or Wwise for editing and implementing interactive sound.
• Project management tools. Trello, Jira or Asana for organising tasks and collaborating with teams.
• Prototyping software. Tools such as Figma or Adobe XD for creating mock-ups and rapid prototypes prior to implementation.

Soft skills

These skills are equally important for success as a video game designer:

• Creativity and innovative thinking.
• Problem-solving and tackling design, technical and creative challenges.
• Communicating your ideas clearly.
• Teamwork. Modern video games are created by multidisciplinary teams, so the ability to collaborate effectively is crucial.
• Time management and organisation. Video game projects have strict deadlines and budgets that require good planning.
• Adaptability. The industry is evolving rapidly, so the ability to learn new tools and adapt to change is highly valued.
• You’ll need to be open to receiving feedback and using it constructively to improve your designs.

These soft skills will not only help you in your career as a video game designer, but are also transferable to many other professional fields.

Specialisms within video game design

Video game design encompasses a range of specialisms that allow professionals to focus on the areas they are most passionate about. Understanding these specialisms will help you define your path when you ask yourself what you need to study to become a video game designer, based on your interests:

Systems Designer. 

The systems designer focuses on creating the fundamental rules, mechanics and dynamics of the game. They are responsible for defining how the game works at a basic level: combat systems, in-game economy, character progression, etc. This specialism requires an analytical mind and a good understanding of mathematics and game theory.

Level designer. 

The level designer creates the spaces and settings where the action takes place. Their work includes:

• Designing the architecture and layout of the levels.
• Strategically placing enemies, resources and obstacles.
• Creating puzzles and challenges.
• Guiding the player through the space using intuitive design.

The narrative designer or video game scriptwriter.

Responsible for creating stories, characters and dialogue. Unlike a traditional screenwriter, they must devise non-linear, interactive narratives that work with the game mechanics.

The video game UX/UI designer.

They specialise in creating intuitive interfaces and seamless user experiences. Their work is crucial in ensuring that players can interact with the game comfortably and without friction.

Monetisation designer.  

With the rise of free-to-play games, the monetisation designer has become essential. This professional designs systems that generate revenue without compromising the gaming experience: in-game shops, progression systems, rewards, etc.

The technical designer acts as a bridge between the design and programming teams.  

They have advanced knowledge of programming and technical tools, but apply them from a design perspective.

Each specialism requires specific training, but they all share a common foundation of knowledge about game design. It is most common to start with general training and then specialise according to your interests and strengths.
 

Tips for building your portfolio as a video game designer

Your portfolio is your most important calling card when seeking opportunities in the video game industry. These tips will help you create a portfolio that stands out:

Work on personal projects.

Don’t wait until you have a job to start creating games. Use engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine to develop small projects that showcase your skills. They don’t need to be big productions; recruiters value quality and originality more than size.

Take part in game jams.

Game jams are events where you have to create a game within a limited time (usually 48–72 hours). Platforms such as itch.io regularly organise virtual game jams. Taking part in these events:

• Forces you to complete projects quickly.
• Demonstrates your ability to work under pressure.
• Connects you with other developers.
• Adds interesting projects to your portfolio.

Document your creative process.

Studios don’t just want to see the end result; they’re also interested in understanding how you think and solve problems.

Specialise, but demonstrate versatility.

It’s good to specialise in one area, but also show that you understand other aspects of game development. A good designer understands how their work integrates with art, programming and audio.

Tailor your portfolio to each application.

When applying to a specific studio, tailor your portfolio to highlight the projects most relevant to that role:

• Research the studio’s games
• Highlight projects with similar elements
• Show that you understand their style and values

Include collaborative projects.

Video game development is a team effort. If you have the opportunity, take part in collaborative projects to demonstrate that you can work effectively with others.

Conclusion

Becoming a video game designer is a journey that combines academic training, the development of technical and creative skills, and a constant need to keep up to date in a dynamic sector. Throughout this article, we have explored what you need to study to become a video game designer and the many facets of this exciting profession.

The video game industry offers a wide range of opportunities for professionals with different profiles, from those with a more artistic focus to those with a more technical inclination. The important thing is to find your specialism and build a strong portfolio that showcases your abilities.

Whether through a university degree such as a Bachelor’s in Video Game Design , specialised vocational courses, or by combining various forms of learning, the key is to maintain a passion for video games and the determination to overcome obstacles.

The path to becoming a video game designer can be demanding, but it is also hugely rewarding. With dedication, the right training and a proactive attitude, you can become part of an industry that not only offers great career opportunities, but also the incredible experience of seeing your creations come to life and be enjoyed by players all over the world.