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How exposed to AI is a Video Game Designer?

Of the 24 tasks O*NET lists for video game designers, 4 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 0 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Design DirectorDesignerEnvironmental ArtistGame Design ConsultantGame DesignerGamemasterLevel DesignerWorld Designer
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
24
tasks rated for this occupation
55%
hold a degree, from a survey of 20
82k
people do this job in the US
6 of 36
least protected in computing and maths

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

4
  • Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process
  • Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision
  • Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue
  • Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups

Only with software built on top

20
  • Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product
  • Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play
  • Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise
  • Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design
  • Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines
  • Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices
  • Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features
  • Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff
  • Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design
  • Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management
  • Guide design discussions between development teams
  • Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers
  • Prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups
  • Keep abreast of game design technology and techniques, industry trends, or audience interests, reactions, and needs by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences
  • Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas
  • Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style
  • Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features
  • Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction
  • Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software
  • Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.