Games
Gameplay designer
Also known as: Game designer, Mechanics designer
What does a gameplay designer do?
Gameplay designers are responsible for the central part of the game experience – how it plays. They design the mechanics of the game - how high a character can jump, how long it takes to accelerate to maximum speed or when you can gain points. They plan and define the game’s structure, its rules, characters, objects, props and vehicles and think about different modes of play, like story mode or multi-player.
Gameplay designers are a bridge between the technical and arts teams. If the gameplay is too difficult to achieve technically, they figure out what’s possible and re-write the specification accordingly. Likewise, if the programmers develop the game engine in a way that means new, exciting things can be done, the gameplay designer works out how to incorporate those into the game. They also train testers to play the game, making sure that they understand what’s expected of the finished product.
Watch and read
- Game Designer Career Path: Complete Guide
- How to Become a Game Designer
- Game Mechanics & Systems Thinking
What’s a gameplay designer good at?
- Knowledge of gameplay: imagine the best gameplay or game mechanics for the experience
- Diplomacy: know when to compromise in the face of many different opinions about how a game should develop
- Knowledge of game engines: understand games engines and their abilities and limitations, have some programming skills and knowledge of UX and UI
- Collaboration: work closely with the lead designer, gameplay programmer, AI programmer, art department and other programmers
- Communication: explain how the game will be played in a way that everyone understands
- Project management: plan the production of the elements of the game
Who does a gameplay designer work with?
Gameplay designers report to the lead designer and work closely with the gameplay programmer. They also work with artists, project managers, writers, musicians and QA technicians.
How do I become a gameplay designer?
People become gameplay designers having worked in games for several years. They come through the art department or through programming. Have a look at the generalist programmer job profile or the 3D modelling artist job profile for full details of how to get into the games industry through these routes.
At school or college:
This is a role where both art and science are useful. If you want to go to university, take A-levels or Highers in art and design, graphic design, graphic communication, maths, physics, media, or computer science. Or you might want to take a level 3 vocational qualification in one of those subjects. Look at what your local college offers such as:
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
- T Level Media, Broadcast and Production
- UAL Applied General Diploma in Art and Design
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (3D Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Graphic Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Photography)
- T Level Craft and Design
- T Level Digital Software Development
Get a degree:
Most people in the games industry have a degree. Get one in games art, graphic design, 3D digital art, computer science or programming. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses in games. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the games industry.
Play games:
Play lots of different games. Think about how the game mechanics works.
Build a portfolio:
Create work that you can show off to employers. This is essential. Go to Build your games portfolio to learn how.
Start modding:
Create levels of a game using software provided by the publishers.
Search for jobs:
If you already have experience as a games programmer or artist, use the UK Games Map to find out if there are games companies near you. Then go to their websites directly and check out their open roles. Look for roles as a junior programmer or junior artist first as a way of getting into gameplay design.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries modules are very useful.
ScreenSkills skills checklists:
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists.
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