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Video Game Designers

Arts, Design, Entertainment & Mediamediumaugment
Projected change (est.): ~+6%
Median Wage (est.): ~$83,240
Employment (est.): ~99K

Overall Exposure

43+15

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

62

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

23

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

30

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

43→58
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

62→77
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

23→37
+14

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

30→42
+12

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Task Breakdown

Design gameplay mechanics and systems
22%β 0.5
Create narrative storylines and dialogue
55%β 1
Design and balance game levels
40%β 0.5
Prototype and playtest game features
35%β 0.5
Generate game assets and environmental art
65%β 1

About This Occupation

If you work as a Video Game Designer, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 30/100 and overall exposure at 43%, this role faces medium transformation. The highest-impact area is generate game assets and environmental art at 65% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects +6% growth through 2034. Designers who integrate generative AI into prototyping and asset creation will have a significant competitive advantage.

ISCO-08 classification

Unit group 2166ILO official

Graphic and Multimedia Designers

Definition

ILO original text (English)

Graphic and multimedia designers design visual and audio-visual content for the communication of information using print, film, electronic, digital and other forms of visual and audio media. They create graphics, special effects, animation or other visual images for use in computer games, movies, music videos, print media and advertisements.

Definition & vocabulary source

Source: International Labour Organization (ILO) — ISCO-08 Structure

License: ILO CC BY 4.0

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Official occupational information

  • ONET27-1014.00

    Special Effects Artists and Animators

    Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

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  • ONET27-1024.00

    Graphic Designers

    Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

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Source: O*NET 30.2, U.S. DOL/ETA

License: CC BY 4.0

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Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 30%, Video Game Designers has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

Our estimated AI automation risk score for Video Game Designers is 30% for 2025. Estimated overall AI exposure is 43%, with 62% theoretical exposure and 23% observed exposure. The estimated risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +12 points. All of these are model-generated estimates, not measurements.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Video Game Designers are: Generate game assets and environmental art (65%), Create narrative storylines and dialogue (55%), Design and balance game levels (40%). These rates are our own estimates of how much of each task current AI systems can handle. They are not measurements and are not taken from any external dataset.

We estimate a +6% employment change for Video Game Designers between 2024 and 2034. This is our own estimate, not a figure published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Combined with an estimated overall AI exposure of 43%, this occupation faces both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Video Game Designers should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.