job title

Job Description - Game designer.

To devise, document, review, revise & communicate the development projects vision to the development team and all other interested parties. To implement, review and revise the game play content to meet the project’s objectives (to make a great game that plays well).

There are a number of different jobs that come under the heading of design and a number of different rungs on the career ladder. The jobs you actually end up doing will vary depending on the studio you work for, the title you are working on and you position on the career ladder.

Research
If your project is a historically accurate war game then you might need to research weapons, environment, vehicles, uniforms, military tactics and the history of the actual encounter. This research would include how these items work as well as how they look. Even if your title isn't "accurate" you might still need to do extensive research. For a fantasy game you might want to study how agrarian societies function so as to create a world that is anchored in some form of reality.

Documentation
This is the bulk of the designer's job, creating and maintaining the design documentation for a project. This can include a number of different elements, which the designer either creates or co-ordinates with those who do create them. These design elements include:
Game play design - document describing the look, feel and operation of the game from start to finish. This covers all aspects of the game, from the start up menu through the levels, graphics, audio, AI, physics, controls through to the end credits. This document should not only detail how the game will work but also as many of the potential problems as possible. By documenting problems early in the development process they can be addressed by the team at an early stage and eliminated.
Technical design document - It describes how the features in the game play design will be implemented. It is often produced by programmers based on a review of the game play design document. However the designer may create it if they have sufficient technical ability.
Game play flowchart - This shows in diagrammatic format how the game will play through.
Script - as with a film this is the document that details the story/speech for a project. It may be produced by the designer or by a professional writer.
Character designs, set designs, storyboards and other "visualisations" - This will often be a created by artists on the team or external concept artists. These are used to plan things like FMV sequences and also to set the overall visual style for the game.
Visual assets list - a list of the art assets required for the game.
Audio assets list - a list of the audio assets that will be required.

Once created the documentation must then be maintained if it is to be of value. The development process is one of constant change. Ideas, as described in the design, don't always work well once implemented into a game. A process of constant evaluation and adjustment is needed. It is the designer's job to ensure that the changes that are made move the game closer to its intended goals, rather than away. Writing, re-writing and re-writing the design again and again is by far the most boring part of a designer's job but it is also vital to the success of a project. A well-maintained design when communicated properly to the team will help to keep them aimed in the right direction.

Communication
The designer needs to communicate the vision for the game to the rest of the team (and the company). They also take ideas submitted during design meetings and analyse them to ensure they fit the overall vision of the title. A good idea is only a good idea if it actually fits the game's intended objectives.

Level design, mapping, scripting
This is the part of the designer's job where the actual game is made. Game worlds/levels are constructed using world builder tools and scripting languages. Objects and non-player characters are placed within the environment, AI/scripting defined, triggers for FMV or other key events are set and in-game variables adjusted to ensure great game play. Exactly what is involved here will depend on the type of game being developed and the way the particular team chooses to work.

Additional notes on game design
Game design is not about coming up with "the idea" for a game and then passing it on to a development team for them to make. In fact "the idea" for a game may come from anyone in the team. The designer's job is to take that idea and expand it until they have enough ideas to fill an entire game.

The game design ladder
Job titles vary depending on the size and structure of a company but in general the following is a good guide.
Trainee mapper/level designer - Implements the levels using the various mapping/scripting tools. They may get to "design" the levels or may have a specification set for them by the designer.
Mapper/Level designer - As above but may get to "design" the levels they create.
Assistant designer - Updates/maintains the documentation, may also do level design.
Designer/Lead designer - Usually the main creator of the actual design and keeper of the vision.
Design Director/Creative Director/Game God/Guru - Usually a member of the senior management who ensures that the various designers understand the various design concepts necessary to create great games.

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