What Makes a Game Designer?
A game designer must:- Have broad general knowledge and curiosity.
- Be familiar with different aspects of development: programming, art, UX.
- Understand and apply player psychology.
- Be capable of clear communication (especially in writing).
Core Game Design Skills
- Systemic Thinking – Designing systems that interact, evolve, and scale.
- Analytical Skills – Balancing, modeling, and testing gameplay systems.
- Creativity – Generating new ideas and mechanics.
- Documentation – Writing design docs that are clear and actionable.
A great designer doesn’t just imagine a cool idea. They figure out how to make it real within the constraints of a team, budget, and engine.
Common Specializations
System Designer
- Focuses on balance, stats, and game economies.
- Uses spreadsheets, math, and simulations.
- Decides how many hit points an enemy has, or how expensive a sword should be.
Technical Designer
- Hybrid between designer and programmer.
- Scripts gameplay features, builds prototypes.
- Essential in fast-paced or small teams (e.g., mobile, indie).
Level Designer
- Designs the spatial and interactive layout of game worlds.
- Balances challenge, pacing, and discovery.
- Works closely with environment artists and gameplay programmers.
Narrative Designer
- Crafts storytelling through gameplay and visuals.
- Builds immersion via lore, worldbuilding, and emotional resonance.
- Distinct from a scriptwriter: narrative designers work with mechanics, not just dialogue.
UX/UI/Game Rules Designer
- Ensures game rules and systems are clearly communicated.
- Works on player onboarding, readability, flow.
- Often bridges the gap between systems, visuals, and interface.
In small teams, one person may fill several of these roles. In AAA, they are usually split across departments.