Games are everywhere, from mobile and console to VR, tabletop and interactive experiences. As the industry grows, so does the diversity of the roles that bring games to life.
Today’s game design careers draw on storytelling, systems thinking, player psychology, art, technology and community engagement. Whether you’re passionate about crafting narratives, shaping player experiences or building worlds, there’s a career path for you in game design.
Here are 10 game design careers that reflect the breadth and opportunity in this exciting industry.
1. Game designer (digital & tabletop)
Game Designers develop the core mechanics, structures and interactive systems of games. They shape rules, balance challenge with reward, and ensure a compelling game experience, whether on screen or across a tabletop.
2. Narrative designer
Narrative Designers craft story, character arcs, dialogue and world-building that drive player engagement. Great storytelling can make a game memorable, and narrative design is at the heart of many award-winning titles.
3. Level designer
Level Designers architect playable spaces, challenges and pacing within a game. They translate creative vision into thoughtful, rewarding levels, combining gameplay flow with visual storytelling.
4. Character designer
Character Designers create visual concept and personality for a game’s characters. Their work shapes player connection, aesthetic identity and emotional impact - essential for narrative-heavy games and franchises.
5. Interaction designer
Interaction Designers focus on how players engage with game systems, interfaces and controls. This role blends UX design with game logic to create intuitive and satisfying player experiences.
6. Game artist / environment artist
Game Artists bring the visual world to life, from characters and props to environments and visual effects. In digital games especially, this role intersects creativity with technical execution.
7. Technical designer
Technical Designers act as a bridge between creative design and engineering. They implement features, test mechanics and support the team in turning design intentions into functioning systems.
8. Producer / project manager
Game Producers coordinate people, timelines, budgets and deliverables, keeping complex game projects on track. This role blends organisation, communication and industry understanding.
9. UX designer for games
UX Designers optimise player experience, from interfaces and menus to feedback loops and onboarding. Good UX design keeps players engaged and reduces friction across platforms.
10. Community manager / live ops specialist
Community Managers and Live Ops Specialists work closely with players and data to support games after launch. They run events, manage player feedback and help sustain long-term engagement, especially in live service games.
Game design careers are both artistic and technical. They require creative vision, structured thinking and collaborative skills. Today’s game professionals often wear multiple hats, learning across design, art, code and player engagement as they bring projects from concept to release.
Collarts game design students have been showcasing their work on major stages like SXSW Sydney 2025, demonstrating how emerging designers are pushing boundaries in interactive storytelling and play. Their work highlights the depth and diversity of opportunity in this vibrant creative field.