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Serious Game Designer

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April 29, 2024 4 minute read

Nature of the Work

Serious games are distinct from entertainment games in that they have an explicit educational or training objective. As such, serious game designers must be able to understand and apply both game design principles and learning theories. They must also have a deep understanding of the subject matter that the game will be teaching or training for.

The work of a serious game designer can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. On small projects, a single designer may be responsible for all aspects of the game's development, from concept to implementation. On larger projects, designers may work as part of a team, each responsible for a specific aspect of the game's design.

Skills and Knowledge

Serious game designers need a strong foundation in both game design and learning theory. They must also have a deep understanding of the subject matter that the game will be teaching or training for.

In addition to these core skills, serious game designers may also benefit from having experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Programming
  • Graphic design
  • Sound design
  • Project management

Tools and Equipment

Serious game designers typically use a variety of software tools to create their games. These tools may include:

  • Game engines
  • Graphics editing software
  • Sound editing software
  • Project management software

Career Growth

Serious game designers can advance their careers by taking on more responsibility and leadership roles. They may also specialize in a particular area of serious game design, such as educational games or training simulations.

Transferable Skills

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Salaries for Serious Game Designer

City
Median
New York
$109,000
San Francisco
$126,000
Seattle
$120,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$109,000
San Francisco
$126,000
Seattle
$120,000
Austin
$118,000
Toronto
$91,000
London
£64,000
Paris
€75,000
Berlin
€70,000
Tel Aviv
₪424,000
Singapore
S$76,000
Beijing
¥835,000
Shanghai
¥270,000
Bengalaru
₹660,000
Delhi
₹566,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Serious Game Designer

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