How To Become A Game Designer: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Top Colleges, Abroad, Jobs, Scope, Salary

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Ahana Bhaduri

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Game Designers are qualified and skilled professionals who create ideas, main mechanics, and rules of a game. Game Designers are also in charge of creating title, themes as well. Game Design courses have bachelors, masters and diploma degrees available in India and abroad. Internationally there are specialisations available too for regular Game Design programmes. The minimum eligibility criteria for admission is to be a class 12th pass out from any stream.

Checkout, Game Designing Courses

After finishing a course, the average annual salary is between INR 3,00,000 to INR 20,00,000 LPA for graduates. They can work as Level Designer, Content Developer, Game Modeller & Texturing Artist, Interface Artist, Game Tester at various Gaming Companies.

Quick Facts for Game Designer 

Industry Computer and Video Game Industry
Eligibility UG or PG Degree in the relative field
Average Annual Salary INR 3,00,000 to INR 20,00,000 LPA
Job Opportunity Game Designer, Game Artist, Software Engineer, Graphic Designer, Software Developer etc
Table of Contents
  1. Steps to Become a Game Designer

1.1 Decision Making

1.2 Subject Choices

1.3 Entrance Examination Preparation

1.4 Choosing the Right College

  1. Types of Game Designer

2.1 Level Designer

2.2 Content Designer

2.3 System Designer

2.4 UI Designer

  1. How to Become a Game Designer in India?

3.1 School Level Preparation

3.2 Graduation

3.3 Post Graduation

  1. Courses to become Game Designer in India

4.1 Diploma in Game Design

4.2 Bachelor of Design in Game Design (BDes Game Design)

4.3 B.Sc. (Game Designing and Development)

4.4 MSc Game Design and Development

  1. How to become Game Designer Abroad

5.1 UK

5.2 US

5.3 Canada

5.4 Australia

  1. Benefits of Career as a Game Designer
  2. Skills Required for Game Designer
  3. Salary of an Game Designer in India

8.1 Specialization Wise Salary

8.2 Gender Wise

8.3 Experience Wise

  1. After the Game Designer Course
  2. How to become a Game Designer: FAQs

Steps to Follow to Become a Game Designer 

A general guideline of steps to follow to become a Game Designer after class 12th has been described below.

Decision Making 

Before embarking on the journey to study to become a Game Designer it is important to make certain decisions. Understand what your interests are, which subjects do you have to study at class 12th and bachelors level, are there any specializations to choose from etc. Candidates must also understand the job outlook of the industry. They must research well about the Game Designing Industry and know about the pros and cons of the same. They must keep a check about the market trends as well as the demand of the industry as having these points in mind will provide an upper hand.

Subject Choices 

For a bachelors course, candidates need to pass their class 12th from a recognized board of education. They must have Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with Computers as an optional subject at their school level. They must also have English as their optional subject. For candidates with no programming knowledge, a diploma or certificate course in C+ or C++ or Python can be taken up. Masters level courses require candidates to possess a bachelor's degree in the same subject. They must wisely choose the stream at the undergraduate and postgraduate level as it will help them in making the way for their future.

Entrance Examination Preparation 

Admissions to bachelors and master-level courses are done through entrance tests. After shortlisting for a college and course, start preparing for the entrance test. Look up the syllabus and paper pattern. Download past papers to help with revision and practice. The entrance test, in most institutes, is the first step in the admission process. Students must go through the syllabus of the exam and solve previous year exam papers to get an overview of the exam pattern. They can also seek help from youtube or other online sources. They must prepare notes regarding the topics of the syllabus and revise thoroughly before the exam.

Selecting Correct Colleges 

Choosing the right college is important to ensure one is getting the most for their money. Look up national college rankings for the best college and best college subject wise. Take note of reviews and suggestions of graduated students on educational forums. They must research the top colleges offering the course, to become a Game Designer. They must evaluate the colleges on the basis of some important factors like Fees, Location, Faculty, Infrastructure, facility, Placement, etc. Having the right college at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level will help the student to easily excel and become a game Designer.

Types of Game Designers 

Within an organisation, based on the profession or job responsibilities there can be several types of Game Designers. Some of the types have been elaborated below.

Level Designer 

The Level Designer is responsible for designing all the levels in a game. The Level Designer decides where to put props, items, characters in each level. Much of the decisions made by the Level Designers are carried out by a Junior Designer while the Level Designer does some of the art parts. He or She is the creator of the levels within a game, mapping out the layout to functions within the rules of the game and executing gameplay as created by the Game Designer. 

Their responsibility includes Sketch and map out each level, Render each level to a 3D environment, Create entry and exit points for each level, etc. The average salary of Level Designer is INR 5.3 LPA which may gradually increase with experience.

Content Designer 

The Content Designer is responsible for the script of the game. A lot of emphasis is placed on the storyline of the game and a good story can make or break the game. The Game Designer controls the overall flow of missions and story progression of the game. They use data and testing to understand what people need and then try to meet those needs in an organisation. 

Content designers are responsible for creating, updating and reviewing content around the end-to-end user journey and are comfortable using evidence, data for the gaming industry. The average salary of such professionals is INR 5.5 LPA which gradually grows with experience and time.

System Designer 

The System Designer is hired to focus on one aspect of game design. For example, one System Designer might concentrate on character or avatar building while another might work on the weapons etc. Within an organisation, there will be multiple System Designers working with each other. They create the software systems that will power a video game. 

They are brought in early in the development process to analyse the scope and design of the game to set up the platforms in a game. They create detailed design documentation for the development of computer systems in accordance with business needs and the average salary is around INR 6 LPA.

UI Designer 

The UI Designer is tasked with ensuring the user experience while playing the game is smooth. They make sure there are no hitches in communication between the game and the player. Admittedly, this is one of the more important roles in Game Design. They work closely with user experience (UX) designers and other design specialists in an organisation. 

Their job is to make sure that every page and every step a user will experience in their interaction with the finished product will conform to the overall vision created by UX designers for a game. The average salary of a UI Designer is around INR 8 LPA depending upon various factors.

Basis of experience 

Junior Designer 

A Junior Designer is an entry-level job position. They work under a Senior or Lead Designer. Much of the work a Junior Designer does is to learn about the industry and the organization. If one is making the switch within game genres or systems, they can consider the Junior Designer position.

Senior Designer

A Senior Designer title is awarded to a person with much work experience and a vast portfolio of work. They are able to handle all responsibilities related to Game Design. A Senior Designer will have Junior Designers working under them.

Lead Designer 

The Lead Designer in an organization manages the entire team of designers. They ensure the goal of the game design is intact, any roadblocks are being tackled, work is being assigned and all designers are motivated. The Lead Designer also evaluates the work done by all designers and orders work to be redone if it is not up to mark.

Design Director

The Design Director is the person on top. They lead the entire division or design department. A candidate with more than 10 plus years of experience in the field and previous experience as a leader is usually chosen to be a Design Director. The Design Director is the best in the field and is considered the cream of the crop.

How to Become a Game Designer in India? 

For certain courses, one needs to pick up on specific streams and subjects at the class 12th level at school. For Game Design courses, the school level preparation has been described below.

School Level Preparation 

At the school level, candidates need to finish from any stream. If individuals wish to pursue a bachelors in Software Engineering then Science stream graduates are preferred. A minimum aggregate score of 50% and above is required from a recognized board of education.

UG Preparation 

After completing class 12th, applicants have the option to enrol on a bachelors course or a masters course. For a bachelor's degree, candidates need to apply for entrance tests at institutes and universities. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for personal interviews at the institute post which admission will be offered. The duration of a bachelor's degree in Game Design is 3 years. The degrees one can expect to earn are B.Sc, B. Des or B.A. in Game Design.

PG Preparation 

Masters level courses in Game Design are taught for over 2 years. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in a similar field. An admission test will also be conducted for admission in most institutes.

Courses to Become a Game Designer 

To get started in a career as a Game Designer, individuals need to be aware of the course choices. The available courses, at all levels of education, are as below.

Diploma in Game Design 

Diploma course in Game Design is a one-year long course that is taught both in online and offline mode. The course admits students who have finished their 10+2 level examination. Diploma courses are available in various specialisations and are perfect to add to a candidate’s resume.

Diploma in Game Design: Admission Process 

  • Open up the institute of choice’s website
  • Navigate to course and click on ‘Apply Now’
  • Create a profile and log in
  • Fill up the application form with correct details
  • Upload documents like mark sheets and photographs
  • Pay the application fee and click submit.

BDes Game Design 

BDEs Game Design is a 3 year UG course where students study topics related to the gaming industry and related fields. This course challenges students’ mind and teaches the nuances of creating compelling and clever gaming platforms.

BDes Game Design: Admission Process 

  • Take note of notification for entrance tests at universities.
  • Open up the university website and apply for the entrance examination.
  • Download the admit card and sit for the examination on said date.
  • After qualifying for a rank, attend subsequent admission rounds like a personal interview.
  • If an admission offer letter is given, apply by paying an admission fee.

B.Des. Game Design: How to Apply for the Exam 

  • Look up when the application window for examination of choice opens up
  • Open up the official website of the university
  • Create a profile using a valid phone number and email id
  • Log in and start applying by filling up the application form
  • Pay the application fee and download the receipt

B.Des. Game Design: How to Prepare for the Exam 

  • Download the examination syllabus and paper pattern
  • Download any past papers if available
  • Take advice and read through candidate experience of past examinations
  • Practice about learned material using

B.Sc. (Game Designing and Development)

BSc Game Designing and Development is a 3-year UG course that studies the fundamentals of game development that includes strategy, creativity and implementation. This course deals with advanced technical skills and code languages in a game.

BSc Game Designing and Development: Admission 

  • The candidates who want to pursue a BSc Game Designing and Development will have to fill the application form.
  • Few Game Design institutes may also conduct an admission test to intake students. 
  • The admission test is basically meant to test the designing skills and innovativeness of the candidates skills and knowledge.

MSc Game Design and Development

MSc Game Design and Development is a 2year PG course that makes students ready to take up a career in Game Designing, Game Development, Game Programming, and in various gaming related companies.

M.Sc Game Design and Development: Admission Process 

  • Apply for entrance test when the application window opens up
  • Download admit card and sit for the examination
  • Secure rank to be invited for the next admission round
  • Appear for the personal interview
  • Take admission by paying an admission fee.

How to Become Game Designer Abroad 

International universities in many countries offer Game Design courses in different specialisations. The top courses, country-wise, have been tabulated below.

UK 

The United Kingdom has full time and part-time bachelors and masters courses in Games Design. The duration for bachelors programmes is between 3 to 4 years while masters courses are of 2 years. International students need to submit English proficiency test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE etc. Among documents to be submitted a portfolio is essential for previous work.

Top Colleges 

University Name Programme Tuition
Abertay University INR 13.76 Lakh
Bournemouth University INR 12.54 Lakh
Middlesex University INR 12.43 Lakh
University of Arts London INR 20.35 Lakh
Teesside University INR 11.54 Lakh
University of Hertfordshire INR 12.38 Lakh
Staffordshire University INR 12.43 Lakh
De Montfort University  INR 13.09 Lakh
Manchester Metropolitan University INR 15.09 Lakh
Brunel University INR 15.87 Lakh

US 

In the United States universities have bachelors and masters courses in Game Design and Interactive Media Design. The duration of bachelors and masters courses is 4 years and 2 years respectively. Similar to UK universities, an English proficiency test score needs to be submitted. 

Accepted scores are TOEFL, SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE etc. Candidates also need to submit a portfolio, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose along with the application.

Top Colleges

University Name Programme Tuition
Rider University INR 12.75 Lakh
Full Sail University INR 53,433 per Lakh
Arkansas Tech University INR 33,830 Lakh
Rochester Institute of Technology INR 37.98 Lakh
American University INR 1.32 Lakh
Northeastern University INR 1.21 Lakh
University of Southern California INR 24.44 Lakh
University of Utah INR 22.05 Lakh
Digipen Institute of Technology INR 27.77 Lakh
Shawnee State University INR 10.67 Lakh

Canada 

Canadian colleges offer undergraduate and postgraduate certificates and diplomas in Game Design. International students need to be fluent in French or English and submit relevant test scores. Recommendation letters from a previous teacher have to be submitted with the application. Some colleges ask for a portfolio of previous work to be submitted.

Top Colleges

University Name Programme Tuition
Sheridan College INR 3.26 Lakh
Niagara College INR 8.1 Lakh
Conestoga College INR 7.54 Lakh
George Brown College INR 8.81 Lakh
Vancouver Institute of Media Arts INR 23.40 Lakh
Emily Carr University of Art and Design INR 1.04 Lakh
Cambrian College INR 5 lakh
Vancouver Film School INR 7.2 Lakh
Capilano University INR 19.82 Lakh
Seneca College INR 15.17 Lakh

Australia 

Universities in Australia have full-time and part-time degree programmes in Game Design. Courses are of duration in 3 to 2 years respectively. All international students must be fluent in English as classes are taught in English. Financial aid is available on the basis of eligibility criteria.

Top Colleges 

University Name Average Fee
Torrens University INR 2.07 lakh
RMIT University INR 2.22 lakh
Griffith University INR 17.46 lakhs
University of Technology Sydney INR 53,233 lakhs
University of Sunshine Coast INR 13.74 lakhs
University of Canberra INR 15.04 lakhs
Murdoch University INR 15.91 lakhs
Swinburne University of Technology INR 18.25 lakhs
Western Sydney University INR 18.24 lakhs

Benefits of Career as a Game Designer 

The benefits of a career as a Game Designer are unique and not enjoyed in other fields. If one has the ardency for video games and is adept at designing, Game Design is an apt career for them. Some other benefits one can expect to earn are as follows.

Salary 

Game Designing is a competitive and tough field to break into. If one is successful in securing a new job, the rewards are attractive. New graduates, with less than a year of experience, get paid INR 4.83 LPA. This amount increases up to INR 51 LPA with more experience.

Job Security 

To achieve job security in any field will require much perseverance and hard work from the candidate. With enough experience and networking in the field, people do enjoy job security. An impressive portfolio will also bring in job opportunities for candidates.

Positive Impact of the career 

For highly creative individuals, Game Design is a great way to exercise their creative legs. Several companies allow much independence to the designer in terms of the game design. A good game leaves many people, from young kids to adults happy.

Higher Studies 

Game Designers have the option of higher studies at all stages of education. For a class 12th student to a masters degree holder, the options are varied. Individuals can choose to study a diploma, pg diploma, bachelors or a masters in Game Design.

Unique Experience 

Game Design is a unique field in terms of job responsibilities. Game Designers need to possess a high level of creativity and passion for video games. The work is tough but a well-executed project is mentally invigorating.

Skills Required for Game Designer 

A good Game Designer needs to absorb skills and personality traits that will make them stand out from the competition. The table below lists the top skills required for a Game Designer to possess.

Knowledge of C++ Python Scripting capabilities with a related software
Passion for video games Strong written and communication skills
Team Working ability Project management skills
Flexible Mathematical knowledge
Analytical skills Creative and innovative

Salary of Game Designers in India 

The salary individuals can earn after completing a Game Design course depends on the work experience and capabilities of the individuals. Other factors that also matter are the gender of the applicant and specialisation. All salaries have been outlined below.

Specialisation Wise Salary 

Specialisation Wise Job Profile Average Annual Salary 
Lead Designer INR 8,45,051
Level Designer INR 4,40,000
Content Designer INR 2,43,540
System Designer INR 16,49,000
Technical Designer INR 5,17,560
UI Designer INR 4,90,306
Image

Experience Wise 

Experience Average Annual Salary LPA (in INR)
Entry Level (<1 year) INR 483,387
Early Career (1 to 4 years) INR 5,12,239
Mid Career (5 to 9 years) INR 9,82,635
Experienced (10 to 19 years) INR 51,00,000
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After the Game Designer Course 

New graduates of Game Designing courses have the option to either seek out a job or look for higher education options. Both options have been elucidated below.

Higher Education 

Depending on the level of education of the candidate, there is a higher education option. For class 12th graduates, diploma and PG diploma degrees in Game Design are available. At the next level, there is a bachelor's degree in Software Programming. Undergraduate degree holders also can enrol on masters courses in Game Design nationally and internationally.

Start Job 

The Game Design field is competitive and highly saturated. Individuals with relevant experience can work as Game Designer, Game Developer or Game Artists. The pay range for all experience levels of Game Designers is between INR 4.8 to INR 51 LPA.

How to Become Game Designer FAQs 

Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to bachelors courses in Game Design?

Ans. Bachelor's degree in Game Design accepts students who have finished class 12th in any stream.

Ques. What is the salary range for Game Designers?

Ans. The starting salary range for Game Designers is between INR 3,00,000 to INR 51,00,000 LPA.

Ques. Do Game Designers require programming knowledge?

Ans. Yes. Game Designers need to have programming knowledge. Languages one can learn are C+, C++ and Python.

Ques. What are accepted test scores for admission to USA courses?

Ans. For admission to USA universities candidates need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, GMAT, GRE etc.

Ques. What are some personality skills Game Designers need to have?

Ans. Game Designers need to have Passion for video games, strong written and communication skills, team working ability, project management skills, flexibility etc.

Ques. What are some job titles one can work on after completing a Game Design course?

Ans. Graduates can expect to work as Game Designer, Game Artist, Software Engineer, Graphic Designer, Software Developer etc.

Ques. Do female and male Game Designers earn different rates?

Ans. Yes. As per gender pay gap reports, male Game Designers earn 84% while female Game Designers earn 12%.

Ques. What is the admission process after qualifying for the entrance test?

Ans. After completing the entrance test round, personal interviews are held.

Ques. Is it necessary to submit portfolios for admission to international universities?

Ans. Yes. All international design schools require the submission of a portfolio of previous work

Ques. What are the job titles Games Designers can earn based on experience?

Ans. Game Designers progress in the following ranks, Junior Designer, Senior Designer, Lead Designer and Director of Design.

Master of Engineering [ME] (Engineering Design) : 3 answered questions

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Ques. Sir my gate score 630, ME general, any chance in IIT Bhubaneswar core mechanical department?

● Top Answer By Ankush Mehta on 14 Aug 20

Ans. Yes, there is a good chance that you will get a seat in IIT Bhubaneswar core mechanical department. In IIT Bhubaneswar, the selection is based on 70% weightage for the GATE score and 30% weightage for the performance in the Written Test and Interview. The department has 3 main branches i.e. Design, Thermal, and Manufacturing. The cutoff is most likely to be, Design>Thermal >Manufacturing in all IITs. As design seats get filled first, then thermal and then manufacturing. There are 18 seats for both Mechanical Systems Design and Thermal Science and Engineering in IIT Bhubaneswar. The basic eligibility criteria are 60% marks in B. Tech./B. E. in Mechanical Engineering with a valid GATE score. Although cutoff changes every year for each branch but based on last year’s record, in 2020, the expected GATE cutoff for Mechanical System Design(GEN) is 595- 605 in IIT Bhubaneswar. So, yes there is a good possibility that you will make the cut.Read more
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Ques. What is the placement scenario for an M.Tech in mechanical design in IIT Bhubaneswar?

● Top Answer By Shalini Sahu on 07 Jul 23

Ans. IIT Bhubaneswar M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering has a strong placement record. This year the institute recorded 100% of placements. Tabulated below are a few more statistics for IIT Bhubaneswar: Highest CTC  16 LPA Average CTC  10.23 LPA Median CTC  12 LPA Lowest CTC 6.3 LPA Alumni of this program are making huge contributions in a variety of industries like Automotive, Aerospace, Manufacturing, and Energy. A few past recruiters include Tata Motors, Reliance Industries, L&T, and Mahindra & Mahindra. Some graduates of this program have gone into the research field also.Read more
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Ques. Which is better among M.Tech in industrial engineering from IIT (BHU) or M.Tech in design from IIT Bhubaneswar?

● Top Answer By Aditi Sinha on 30 Apr 22

Ans. You should choose according to your career plan. M.Tech in Design is a core field of engineering. This branch will be better if you plan on pursuing a Ph.D.  If you want jobs with good salary packages, Industrial Engineering from IIT BHU will be better. Scop of Industrial Engineering is pretty good in India. Students of this branch get job opportunities from sectors like delivery/logistic companies, eCommerce sites, textile industries, FMCG, and manufacturing. IIT BHU offers a median CTC of around INR 15.1 LPA to the students of this branch. Read more
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