Your First Step to Become a Video Game Designer

No matter what it was, thank the game designer because they created every quest, every puzzle, and every dialogue box that ultimately led you to say, “just one more level…”

Now, the even more fun part — you could be a game designer too.

What game designers actually do?

Most people just think game designers will just play games all day, and - spoiler alert - they do not. Game designers are planners, storytellers, problem-solvers, and collaborators. They design how a game works, what the characters are like, and what makes each level challenging to the player. They are part writer, part engineer, and part psychologist.

If you are already the person questioning why a game is as fun as it is (and how it can be better), you are thinking like a designer.

The skills that will set you apart. Designers wear a lot of hats:

• Creativity - the ability to imagine new mechanics and stories for games.
• Communication - the ability to communicate that vision to artists, programmers, and sound designers so they can better implement your ideas.
• "A technical eye" - the ability to be familiar with game engines such as Unity or Unreal.
• Prototyping - the ability to prototype those ideas quickly to determine what works and what doesn't.

The best part, you don’t have to be a coding genius. You just need enough technical awareness when collaborating with your team.

Why you should go to school:

Could I self-teach? Absolutely. However, keeping you from going down the rabbit hole of frustration is why structured learning will speed up the process. 

Schools like MAGES Institute offer diplomas to Game Design, 3D Art, and XR Immersive. That means trying things, gaining feedback from your mentors as you learn, and creating a portfolio that leads to interviews.

And yes, portfolio. Studios want prototypes, levels, & project documents you have created to play instead of just a resume line.

Actual experience counts too:

• Theory is theory. Use your theory and create your own games (or projects). Join game jams, indie projects, or mod your favorite games. Each of these experiences builds your portfolio and communicates to potential employers that you can finish what you start.
• Internships, or relevant experiences that align with your position at an institution, also help. Many students have pitched the projects they created through the course with mentors in the industry; some received job offers after Demo Day.

The industry is massive and still growing

Here’s a number to chew on: 3.42 billion gamers worldwide. That’s the audience you’re designing for. And with the global gaming market on track to hit $198 billion by 2027, opportunities are expanding fast.

New tech like AR and VR are opening even more doors. Designers who adapt quickly will always stay ahead.

So, Where Do You Begin?

Start small. Learn the basics. Build prototypes. Show them off. Connect with other creators. And keep refining your craft, because game design isn’t a straight line—it’s a journey of constant evolution.

Want the full roadmap? Our blog breaks down the 7 practical steps to become a video game designer—from building your first portfolio to landing that first job.

Your dream of creating worlds players can get lost in is closer than you think. All it takes is that first step.