How To Become A Lead Game Designer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a lead game designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

Abby Guido

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a lead game designer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $52.35 an hour? That's $108,878 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 3% and produce 6,800 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a Lead Game Designer?

Abby Guido

Assistant Professor, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University

We've all heard the buzz about networking, and there is so much buzz because it works. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is both up to date and active. Connect with all of your past professors, classmates, and anyone and everyone you meet in a professional setting. I often tell students to get into the habit of searching for any classroom guests, or guest lecturers, to connect, thank them for their time, and build their network. Share content. Write articles, or reshare those you find interesting.

Every job I have ever received in my career has been through someone else I know. I share this with students to help them see the value in relationships. I always remember the students that took the time to write a handwritten thank-you note. And I think of them when I get an email asking if I know any students are looking for work.

ScoreLead Game DesignerUS Average

Salary

7.8

Avg. Salary $108,878

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

5.5

Growth Rate 3%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 28.57%

male 71.43%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress Level

5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

7.9

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

3.9

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a lead game designer

Explore lead game designer education requirements

Most common lead game designer degrees

Bachelor's

72.9 %

Associate

10.3 %

High School Diploma

7.5 %

Start to develop specific lead game designer skills

Skills	Percentages
Game Mechanics	8.79%
Unity	7.87%
IP	6.69%
Animation	6.57%
Level Design	5.54%

Research lead game designer duties and responsibilities

Design the project's path, and manage an android programmer, a graphic designer and a musician.
Collaborate with fellow programmer to program a game using Java and GML.
Lead game from concept to final product, guide by prototyping and playtesting.
Assume a leadership role in developing an animation style that become the standard in the department.

Get lead game designer experience

Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a lead game designer. The most common roles before becoming a lead game designer include game designer, cashier team lead and senior game designer.

Prepare your lead game designer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your lead game designer resume.

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