How to Be Educational Games Designer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 26, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing demand for educational games has led to a surge in the number of educational games designers. These designers create interactive and engaging games that teach children the fundamental skills they need to succeed in life, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. As a result, educational games not only help children learn in a fun way, but they also foster a love of learning and creative exploration.

This has a positive effect on students academic performance, as well as their emotional and social development. these games have been proven to have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of children, improving their physical fitness, nutrition, and mental health. With the help of educational games designers, children can learn essential skills in an enjoyable way that sets them up for success in their future.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. One of the most common educational paths for aspiring educational game designers is to obtain a bachelor's degree in game design, computer science or a related field such as education. In these degree programs, students typically learn about game design theory, game programming and interactive media.
Gain Experience. Working as an intern or in an entry-level position at a gaming company is an excellent way to gain experience with game design. These types of positions typically involve working on projects with more experienced game designers.
Build a Portfolio. Aspiring educational game designers should build a portfolio of their work that they can show to potential employers. This portfolio should include any games they have designed or worked on, as well as any other relevant projects.
Pursue a Master's Degree. Earning a master's degree in game design or a related field can help aspiring educational game designers stand out in the job market. It can also give them the chance to work on more complex projects and gain additional experience.
Network. Making connections in the gaming industry is essential for aspiring educational game designers. This can be done through attending industry events, joining professional organizations and participating in online forums or other online communities.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as an educational games designer, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in technology, gaming, and education. Keeping abreast of new developments in these fields can help designers understand how to craft the most engaging and relevant gaming experiences for their target audience. it is important to stay connected with other professionals in the field, as networking can help to uncover new ideas and opportunities.

Finally, designers should pursue continuing education and certifications in order to keep their skills sharp and demonstrate their commitment to excellence. By staying informed, connected, and educated, educational games designers can remain ahead of the curve and remain qualified in the ever-changing world of gaming.

You may want to check Education Specialist, Education Technology Manager, and Educational Liaison for alternative.

Job Description

Conceptualize and design educational video games for all age levels
Create innovative game mechanics to promote learning and engagement
Develop engaging storylines and interactive elements
Research and analyze user feedback on educational games
Utilize game design software such as Unity, Unreal, and Flash
Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to ensure quality games
Ensure educational content is accurate and relevant
Design detailed game levels and puzzles
Oversee the testing of educational games for functionality, accuracy, and user experience
Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in game design and development

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of game design principles and theories
Knowledge of educational psychology and pedagogy
Ability to create engaging and creative game designs
Ability to develop game stories and scenarios
Proficiency in computer programming and coding languages
Ability to collaborate with artists, musicians, and other developers
Understanding of the target audience
Good communication, problem-solving, and time management skills
Knowledge of trends in the gaming industry
Knowledge of relevant software and hardware tools

Educational games designers need to have strong creative and technical skills to create engaging and effective educational tools. They must be able to create vivid and interactive visuals, develop challenging game mechanics, and craft meaningful storylines that provide an engaging learning experience. These skills also require knowledge of coding languages and software development tools.

The ability to collaborate with teams of artists and developers is also essential for a successful educational game designer. With their skills, they are able to create immersive experiences that can effectively teach students and help them develop their own knowledge in an entertaining way. As a result, the educational games designer plays an important role in helping to create the most effective and enjoyable learning experiences for students of all ages.

Educational Manager, Educational Technician, and Education Liaison are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in educational game design?
What specific elements of game design are you most passionate about?
How do you ensure that the educational games you create are age-appropriate and entertaining?
How have you incorporated feedback from educators and students into your designs?
What strategies do you use to stay up to date with the latest trends in educational game design?
How do you ensure that the games you create are accessible and engaging to different age groups and skill levels?
What considerations do you make when creating educational games for different platforms (e. g. mobile, console, PC)?
What techniques do you use to evaluate the success of the educational games you have designed?
How do you collaborate with other teams and stakeholders during the design process?
How do you use data and analytics to inform your design decisions?

Common Tools in Industry

GameMaker Studio. A game development platform with drag-and-drop tools for creating 2D and 3D games. (eg: Crossy Road)
Construct 3. A cloud-based game engine for creating 2D games with an intuitive visual editor. (eg: Monument Valley)
Unity. A cross-platform game engine for creating 3D games, simulations, and simulations for multiple platforms. (eg: Cuphead)
Unreal Engine. A powerful game engine for creating AAA-quality 3D games with a powerful visual scripting system. (eg: Fortnite)
Stencyl. A game creation platform with drag-and-drop tools and a built-in library of assets and effects. (eg: Super Meat Boy)
RPG Maker. A tool for creating role-playing games with an easy-to-use interface and powerful scripting capabilities. (eg: Undertale)
GameSalad. A game creation platform with an easy-to-use visual editor and powerful physics engine. (eg: Alphabear)
GDevelop. An open source game engine with an intuitive visual editor and support for multiple platforms. (eg: Pang Adventures)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Games for Change
Serious Games Association
International Digital Media and Arts Association (IDMAA)
British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)
Entertainment Software Association (ESA)
International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA)
Game Developers Conference (GDC)

We also have Educational Diagnostician, Educational Specialist, and Education Media Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Game Mechanics. The set of rules, components, and systems that define the interactions between players and the game environment.
Level Design. The process of creating the levels for a game, including the layout of the environment, the objects within it, and the challenges players must overcome.
User Interface (UI). The graphical elements of a game that allow players to interact with the game world and its objects.
Game Balance. The process of making sure all elements of a game are balanced in terms of difficulty and rewards.
Playtesting. Testing out a game with actual players to identify any issues or areas of improvement.
Art Direction. The design of artwork within a game, including the overall visual style, color palette, and animations.
Storytelling. The process of conveying a narrative within a game, including characters, dialogue, and plot.
Audio Design. The process of creating sound effects and music for a game, including sound design, music composition, and voice acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become an Educational Games Designer?

Educational Games Designers typically need a degree in game design, computer science, or a related field. Additionally, they should have experience with game development tools such as Unity and Unreal Engine.

What skills are required for Educational Games Designers?

Educational Games Designers must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a keen eye for detail. They should also be creative and have a deep understanding of the game development process. Additionally, they should have excellent communication and collaboration skills.

What are the primary duties of an Educational Games Designer?

Primary duties of an Educational Games Designer include designing and developing educational games, testing and debugging games, and creating interactive tutorials. Additionally, they may create user documentation, create game assets, and provide technical support.

What is the salary range for Educational Games Designers?

The average salary for Educational Games Designers is $72,000 per year. Salaries can range from $50,000 to $90,000 per year depending on experience, location, and other factors.

What is the job outlook for Educational Games Designers?

The job outlook for Educational Games Designers is positive. As the demand for educational technology continues to grow, the need for talented Educational Games Designers is also expected to increase.