There are many different jobs and roles to fill during the production of real-world video games. Perhaps the most popular job titles you hear thrown around are game developer and game designer. While the two jobs may sound similar, in reality they are uniquely different roles filled by different types of thinkers. This means there’s a good chance you’ll be drawn to one speciality over the other.

The game designer generates ideas and concepts for games. They define the layout and overall functionality of the game. In short, they are responsible for creating the vision for the game. These geniuses produce innovative ideas for games. Game designers should have a knack for extraordinary and creative vision so that their game may survive in the competitive market. The field of game design is always in need of artists of all types who may be drawn to multiple art forms, original game design and computer animation. The game designer is the artist who uses his/her talents to bring the characters and plot to life.

Key Skills:
The following are the key skills a game designer should have:
• 3-D Modeling.
• Knowledge of coding languages.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Visual skills.
• Drawing skills.
• Good communication skills.

Job Responsibilities:
The following are the job responsibilities of a game designer:
• Identifies gaming trends which are popular.
• Creativity.
• Works with other game designers to produce ideas for new games.
• Time management.
• Produce a game design plan.
• Determine the audience for their game design, i.e. what kind of audience is best suited for the game.
• Consider alterations that can improve existing games.
• And a genuine love for games of course!

Games developers use their creative talent and skills to create the games that keep us glued to the screen for hours and even days or make us play them by erasing every other thought from our minds. They are responsible for turning the vision into a reality, i.e., they convert the ideas or design into the actual game. Thus, they convert all the layouts and sketches into the actual product.

If the game developer does not do his work properly all the efforts done in designing the layout go in vain. They write an extensive amount of code which exactly implements the vision of the designer.

Key Skills:
The following are the key skills a game developer should have:
• Excellent coding skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Good creativity and imagination.
• Should have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Should give attention to detail.
• Ability to work with patience.

Job Responsibilities:
The following are the job responsibilities of a game developer:
• Reviews game design plans.
• Codes the design of the game into a product.
• Meets deadlines.
• Makes sure the game operates properly.
• Makes corrections to the code in case of any errors.
• The logical approach to problem-solving.
• Documents game design progress.

The local video games industry is always on the lookout for fresh talents to work with on projects and the best way to nurture gaming talents is through education.

This is to prepare students to be ready for the industry. During their final year, they are involved in an innovative game project that uses game technologies.

With the growth of the industry, Malaysians are also jumping on the virtual world’s bandwagon to kick-start their careers such as producer, designer, artist, animator, digital media developer, and multimedia and animation tool developer.

Higher Education looks at the nurturing of successful game developers with a focus on Game Art, Game Design and Game Technology (Programming) and how a degree in these disciplines can contribute to the growing market

If you like to view tertiary programs related to this article, click here to go to the list of Game Design and here for Game Development course recommendations.  If you are not sure which path you want to pursue for your tertiary education,  you should find this psychometric test here to be helpful in providing some aptitude breakdown and course suggestions upon completion of the test. Feel free to proceed to the test, it's free after all!