How to Be Game Design Intern - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 25, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The increasing popularity of video games has had a profound effect on the gaming industry. With the rise of internet gaming, more people are able to play games in the comfort of their own home. This has resulted in an increase in the number of game developers, as well as an increase in the demand for better graphics, more realistic gameplay, and improved user experience.

Furthermore, the rise of mobile gaming has made it easier for people to play games on-the-go, further driving up demand. As a result, the gaming industry has seen a huge boost in revenue, and is now worth billions of dollars.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a game design intern is to obtain a bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field. This will give you the knowledge and experience you need to be successful in the industry.
Pursue Internships. Look for opportunities to gain experience in the gaming industry by pursuing internships with game development companies. These internships can provide valuable insight into the industry and teach you important skills.
Develop Your Skills. Make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the gaming industry and hone your game design skills by taking courses, reading books, and attending workshops.
Build Your Network. Networking is an essential part of becoming a game design intern. Make sure to reach out to other game designers, developers, and industry professionals in order to build relationships and stay informed about job opportunities.
Apply for Internships. Once you have built your network and honed your skills, you can begin applying for game design internships. Make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific position you are applying for and highlight your relevant experience and skills.
Prepare for the Interview. Once you have landed an interview, make sure to prepare by researching the company, the position, and the industry. You should also practice answering common interview questions and come up with your own questions to ask.
Follow Up. After an interview, make sure to follow up with a thank-you note or email. This will show your enthusiasm and keep you top of mind with the hiring manager.

Staying updated and capable in game design requires dedication, commitment and a willingness to continuously learn. The effects of such dedication can be seen in the quality of the game that is produced. By regularly reading industry news, researching emerging trends, and staying up-to-date on the latest technologies, a game design intern can ensure their skillset remains current.

staying connected with industry professionals, attending conferences and networking events, and participating in forums and user groups can help build knowledge, foster relationships and gain valuable insights. by keeping abreast of developments in the gaming industry and actively engaging with like-minded people, a game design intern can stay up-to-date and remain competitive in their field.

You may want to check Augmented Reality game Designer, Game Marketing Manager, and Strategy game Developer for alternative.

Job Description

Develop game design documentation, including concept documents, game mechanics, rules, and story elements.
Create prototypes of game levels and mechanics using game development software.
Design game levels and environments that are visually appealing and engaging.
Work with the art, engineering and production teams to ensure that game design elements are implemented correctly.
Review and play-test games to provide feedback on game playability and adjust game mechanics accordingly.
Assist the creative director in creating a cohesive game experience across all platforms.
Work with the marketing team to develop promotional materials for the game.
Research and analyze market trends in the gaming industry to help guide game design decisions.
Utilize analytics tools to track user trends and adjust game design accordingly.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends to ensure the game is competitive in the marketplace.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of game design principles and industry trends.
Proficient in the use of game development software such as Unity, Unreal, and Game Maker.
Ability to create game mechanics, story-lines, and levels.
Experience with scripting and programming languages such as C#, JavaScript, and Python.
Creative problem solving and debugging skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Knowledge and understanding of current gaming platforms and consoles.
Ability to adapt quickly to changing technologies and trends.
Knowledge of game analytics, optimization, and testing tools.

Being a game design intern requires a variety of technical and creative skills, but the most important skill to have is problem-solving. Game design interns must be able to identify problems, think critically, and come up with innovative solutions. They must be able to take feedback from peers and clients to refine their ideas and make them better.

They also need excellent communication skills to be able to effectively collaborate with other designers, developers and managers. game design interns need to be able to keep up with the latest technology, trends and tools in gaming, so that they can develop the best possible experiences for players. By having strong problem-solving skills, the ability to take feedback and stay up-to-date with the latest technology, game design interns can help create high-quality, engaging gaming experiences that will impress their clients and keep their players coming back.

Console game Tester, Game Facilitator, and Shooter game Developer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in game design?
What ideas do you have for developing new games?
How would you approach designing a game from start to finish?
How do you stay current on industry trends in game design?
What challenges have you faced when designing a game?
What tools and techniques do you use to develop game designs?
What strategies do you use to make a game engaging and fun to play?
What processes do you use to test game designs before release?
How do you decide which features are necessary for a game?
How do you collaborate with other designers, developers, and artists to create a successful game?

Common Tools in Industry

Adobe Creative Cloud. A suite of creative applications used to create digital content and designs. (e. g. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc. )
Unity. A game engine used to develop 3D and 2D video games. (e. g. Super Mario Run, Overwatch, etc. )
Autodesk Maya. A 3D computer graphics software used for modeling, animation, and rendering. (e. g. Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon)
Unreal Engine. A game engine used for developing virtual reality and augmented reality apps. (e. g. Robo Recall, Hades, etc. )
Adobe After Effects. A motion graphics and compositing software used to create visual effects and motion graphics. (e. g. music videos, movie trailers, etc. )
Adobe XD. A vector-based user experience design tool used to create prototypes and wireframes. (e. g. website design, mobile app design, etc. )
Sketch. A vector-based design tool used to create user interfaces for apps and websites. (e. g. Instagram, Dropbox, etc. )
Blender. An open-source 3D creation suite used for modeling, animation, simulations, and game creation. (e. g. Big Buck Bunny, Sintel, etc. )

Professional Organizations to Know

International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
Game Audio Network Guild (G. A. N. G. )
Games for Change
Women in Games International (WIGI)
National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers (NAVGTR)
Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS)
International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA)
Game Developers Conference (GDC)
Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA)
IndieCade

We also have Virtual Reality game Designer, Mobile game Designer, and Video game Consultant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Game Mechanics. The rules and systems that govern the behavior of players and objects in a game.
Level Design. The art of creating levels for a game, including layout, environmental elements, and pacing.
User Interface (UI). The visual components of a game's user interface, including menus, buttons, and icons.
Asset Creation. The process of creating graphical elements, such as character models, textures, and animations.
Game Balancing. Tweaking the gameplay to ensure that its difficulty and pacing are fair for all players.
Playtesting. Testing the game during its development to identify potential issues and make improvements.
Scripting. Writing code to define the behavior of characters, objects, and other entities in a game.
Documentation. Writing clear instructions, tutorials, and other documents to help players understand how to play a game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required for a Game Design Intern?

A Game Design Intern typically needs a bachelor's degree in game design, computer science, or a related field. They should also have experience working with game development tools such as Unity and Unreal Engine, as well as knowledge of game scripting and programming languages like C# and JavaScript.

What tasks does a Game Design Intern typically perform?

A Game Design Intern typically assists with the development of game mechanics, levels, and user interfaces. They may also help create art assets, debug code, and test games.

How long is a typical Game Design Internship?

A typical Game Design Internship usually lasts up to 12 months.

What skills are important for a successful Game Design Intern?

Successful Game Design Interns should possess excellent problem-solving and communication skills, be highly creative and organized, and have a passion for video games.

What is the expected salary range for a Game Design Intern?

The expected salary range for a Game Design Intern usually ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year.

Web Resources

Game Design Intern Summer 2023 - connections.villanova.edu connections.villanova.edu
Game Design MFA - NYU | Game Center - New York University gamecenter.nyu.edu
B.S. Game Design and Interactive Media | Informatics @ the www.informatics.uci.edu