Video Game Designers
Computer and Mathematical Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 15-1255.01
Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Very high· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.249
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.49–0.60· 4 ISCO-08 groups
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
ILO value for each linked ISCO-08 group
- ISCO-08 2513Web and Multimedia Developers0.60
- ISCO-08 2519Software and Applications Developers and Analysts Not Elsewhere Classified0.55
- ISCO-08 2529Database and Network Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified0.49
- ISCO-08 3514Web Technicians0.53
Task-level exposure
Show 20 hidden tasks24 rated tasks · 24 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (100.0%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Tasks of O*NET-SOC 2010 occupation 15-1199.11 Video Game Designers, linked to this occupation by the O*NET-SOC 2010 to 2019 crosswalk
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % | APIRaw / share % |
|---|---|---|
Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features.15-1199.11 | 0.204261.9 | 0.081627.0 |
Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.15-1199.11 | 0.117735.7 | 0.208168.9 |
Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.15-1199.11 | 0.00621.9 | 0.01254.1 |
Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.15-1199.11 | 0.00200.6 | —0 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.O*NET Task ID 16195 | 1.0 |
Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.O*NET Task ID 16197 | 1.0 |
Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.O*NET Task ID 16198 | 1.0 |
Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.O*NET Task ID 16200 | 1.0 |
Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design.O*NET Task ID 16202 | 1.0 |
Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.O*NET Task ID 16208 | 1.0 |
Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.O*NET Task ID 16209 | 1.0 |
Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.O*NET Task ID 16217 | 1.0 |
Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.O*NET Task ID 16194 | 0.5 |
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.O*NET Task ID 16196 | 0.5 |
Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.O*NET Task ID 16199 | 0.5 |
Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.O*NET Task ID 16201 | 0.5 |
Prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups.O*NET Task ID 16203 | 0.5 |
Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers.O*NET Task ID 16204 | 0.5 |
Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software.O*NET Task ID 16205 | 0.5 |
Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision.O*NET Task ID 16206 | 0.5 |
Guide design discussions between development teams.O*NET Task ID 16207 | 0.5 |
Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.O*NET Task ID 16210 | 0.5 |
Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.O*NET Task ID 16211 | 0.5 |
Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.O*NET Task ID 16212 | 0.5 |
Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features.O*NET Task ID 16213 | 0.5 |
Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.O*NET Task ID 16214 | 0.5 |
Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.O*NET Task ID 16215 | 0.5 |
Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.O*NET Task ID 16216 | 0.5 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (24)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas. | Core |
| Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups. | Core |
| Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features. | Core |
| Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product. | Core |
| Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue. | Core |
| Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design. | Core |
| Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design. | Core |
| Prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups. | Core |
| Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers. | Core |
| Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software. | Core |
| Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision. | Core |
| Guide design discussions between development teams. | Core |
| Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play. | Core |
| Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines. | Core |
| Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction. | Core |
| Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management. | Core |
| Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff. | Core |
| Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features. | Core |
| Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process. | Core |
| Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style. | Core |
| Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices. | Core |
| Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise. | Core |
0.00/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
None of this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks is classified as a physical task.
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
Values for the whole SOC 15-1255 group (Web and digital interface designers), not for this O*NET occupation alone.
- Employment, 2025
- 133K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 141K
- Change (2025–35)
- +6%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $104,000
- Typical education needed for entry
- Bachelor's degree
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22234 | 게임 개발자 | Related, not a match | confirmed |
| 29553 | 게임 디자이너 | Related, not a match | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 2513Web and Multimedia Developers
- ISCO-08 2519Software and Applications Developers and Analysts Not Elsewhere Classified
- ISCO-08 2529Database and Network Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified
- ISCO-08 3514Web Technicians
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- digital games designerESCO 2166.7Same scope
Digital games designers develop the layout, logic, concept and gameplay of a digital game. They focus on playfield design, specification writing, and entry of numeric properties that balance and tune the gameplay.
- gambling, betting, and lottery games designerESCO 2166.9This occupation is broader
Gambling, betting, and lottery games designers design innovative gambling, betting and lottery games. They determine the design, gaming rules or structure of a game. Gambling, betting, and lottery games designers may also demonstrate the game to individuals.
- video designerESCO 2166.14Overlapping, not the same
Video designers develop a projected image design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Video designers prepare media fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Video designers develop plans, mapping, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Video designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating video art outside a performance context.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| E1125 | Concepteur / Conceptrice de jeux vidéo | Same scopeprovisional |
| E1126 | Auteur / Auteure de jeux de société | Related, not a match |
| E1111 | Game master | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| E1115 | Chef / Cheffe de projet jeux vidéo | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 2484 | Diseñadores gráficos y multimedia | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| 2713 | Analistas, programadores y diseñadores Web y multimedia | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 23223 | Berufe im Grafik-, Kommunikations- und Fotodesign - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | This occupation is narrower |
| 23224 | Berufe im Grafik-, Kommunikations- und Fotodesign - hoch komplexe Tätigkeiten | Related, not a match |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 249 | 他に分類されない専門的職業従事者 | This occupation is narrower |
| 104 | ソフトウェア作成者 | Related, not a match |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources