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How a video game designer can use AI, task by task

O*NET 15-1255.01: Video Game DesignersMedian pay $104,000/year (BLS, May 2025)24 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

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.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Design Director, Designer, Environmental Artist, Game Design Consultant, Game Designer, Gamemaster, Level Designer, World Designer.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 25%AI-assist 71%Stays human 4%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 6 AI-ready, 17 AI-assist and 1 human-led tasks out of 24. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.Build with code · Weekly
Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.Write it up · Daily
Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.Write it up · Weekly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.Lead people · Weekly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 6

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Here's what I have for the documentation and production schedules: [rough notes, the facts, figures and decisions behind it]

Write a clear first draft that I can check and finish. Keep it [one page / short / formal], laid out so I can paste it into Microsoft Word. Use headings if they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Draft the documentation and production schedules

Step 1Pull up the last documentation and production schedules you did, or jot 5 rough bullets for the next one.

Step 2Paste the prompt and put those bullets in [rough notes]. Pick the length in [one page / short / formal] to match what goes into Microsoft Word.

Step 3Fix every [CHECK] against your source and anything else that's wrong, then compare the time with writing the documentation and production schedules from scratch.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Manage documentation to ensure organization or accuracy.. Also involves: Manage information technology projects or system activities..

Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 43% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Project: [system or program]
Changes or procedures: [paste notes, commit summaries]

Draft documentation: overview, procedures, revision history and known issues. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Development documentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop and maintain design level documentation (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Changes or procedures] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the code or system as it actually works today.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Document design or development procedures.. Also involves: Design video game features or details..

Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 26% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Project: [system or program]
Changes or procedures: [paste notes, commit summaries]

Draft documentation: overview, procedures, revision history and known issues. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Development documentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you document all aspects of formal game design (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Changes or procedures] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the code or system as it actually works today.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Document design or development procedures..

Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.

Monthly

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel; the work draws on design, computers and electronics and communications and media.
Data: [paste search, sales or review data]
Question: [what to learn]

Analyze and summarize insights. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Customer data analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review or evaluate competitive products, film and music.

Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Question] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze market or customer related data..

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.

Monthly

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to 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.

Context: The work draws on design, computers and electronics and communications and media.
Industry: [describe]
Focus: [technology, best practices]

Summarize trends, what they mean for my role, and sources to follow. Use examples from my line of work, quiz me with 5 questions one at a time, and list trustworthy sources.

10-minute exercise: Industry trend briefing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you keep abreast of game design technology and techniques, industry trends.

Step 2Fill in [Industry] and [Focus] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check one claim against an official or professional source.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends..

Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
System: [network, data warehouse, hardware]
What to test: [functions, integration]

Draft test procedures, cases and expected results. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Test procedure

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create gameplay test plans.

Step 2Fill in [System] and [What to test] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Run the procedure once and fix unclear steps.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop testing routines or procedures..

AI can help you prep these 17

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.

Weekly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Visual Studio; the work draws on design, computers and electronics and communications and media.
Game: [genre, platform]
Feature: [mechanic, story, balance]

Design the feature with rules, tuning values and test plan. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Game feature design

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you balance and adjust gameplay experiences (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Game] and [Feature] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Run the tests yourself and read every line before you'd use it.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design video game features or details..

Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.

Product or system: [describe]
Stakeholders: [users, management]

Draft questions to settle requirements. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Specification discussion

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Product or system] and [Stakeholders] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details..

Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.

Project: [describe]
Audience: [staff, customers, engineers]

Draft a summary or presentation outline. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Project communication

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide feedback (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate project information to others..

Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.

Weekly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 46% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Visual Studio; the work draws on design, computers and electronics and communications and media.
Game: [genre, platform]
Feature: [mechanic, story, balance]

Design the feature with rules, tuning values and test plan. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Game feature design

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create core game features (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Game] and [Feature] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Run the tests yourself and read every line before you'd use it.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design video game features or details..

Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.

Weekly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 42% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Visual Studio; the work draws on design, computers and electronics and communications and media.
Game: [genre, platform]
Feature: [mechanic, story, balance]

Design the feature with rules, tuning values and test plan. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Game feature design

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you devise missions, challenges and puzzles (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Game] and [Feature] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Run the tests yourself and read every line before you'd use it.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design video game features or details..

Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.

Weekly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Visual Studio; the work draws on design, computers and electronics and communications and media.
Software: [describe the feature or change]
Acceptance criteria: [what it must do]

Write test cases (normal, edge, error) and automated test code where it fits. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Software test cases

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct regular design reviews (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Software] and [Acceptance criteria] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Run the tests and review every line.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test software performance..

Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design.

Project: [describe]
Audience: [staff, customers, engineers]

Draft a summary or presentation outline. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Project communication

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide feedback (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate project information to others..

Guide design discussions between development teams.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to guide design discussions between development teams.

Context: We use Python and C++.
Product or system: [describe]
Stakeholders: [users, management]

Draft questions to settle requirements. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Specification discussion

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you guide design discussions (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Product or system] and [Stakeholders] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details..

Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.

Context: We use Microsoft Visual Studio.
Product or system: [describe]
Stakeholders: [users, management]

Draft questions to settle requirements. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Specification discussion

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with artists (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Product or system] and [Stakeholders] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details..

Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.

Monthly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 48% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Visual Studio; the work draws on design, computers and electronics and communications and media.
Game: [genre, platform]
Feature: [mechanic, story, balance]

Design the feature with rules, tuning values and test plan. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Game feature design

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you determine supplementary virtual features.

Step 2Fill in [Game] and [Feature] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Run the tests yourself and read every line before you'd use it.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design video game features or details..

Prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups.

Monthly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 46% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator; the work draws on design, computers and electronics and communications and media.
Project: [web page, mock-up, storyboard]
Goals and audience: [describe]

Generate 5 concept directions with layouts and styles. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Visual concepts

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Goals and audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information..

Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision.

Monthly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Visual Studio; the work draws on design, computers and electronics and communications and media.
Software: [describe the feature or change]
Acceptance criteria: [what it must do]

Write test cases (normal, edge, error) and automated test code where it fits. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Software test cases

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you oversee gameplay.

Step 2Fill in [Software] and [Acceptance criteria] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Run the tests and review every line.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test software performance..

Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features.

Product or system: [describe]
Stakeholders: [users, management]

Draft questions to settle requirements. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Specification discussion

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you consult with multiple stakeholders.

Step 2Fill in [Product or system] and [Stakeholders] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details..

Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers.

Project: [describe]
Audience: [staff, customers, engineers]

Draft a summary or presentation outline. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Project communication

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you present new game design concepts.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate project information to others..

Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.

Monthly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator; the work draws on design, computers and electronics and communications and media.
Project: [web page, mock-up, storyboard]
Goals and audience: [describe]

Generate 5 concept directions with layouts and styles. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Visual concepts

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create gameplay prototypes.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Goals and audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information..

Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software.

Monthly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator; the work draws on design, computers and electronics and communications and media.
Project: [web page, mock-up, storyboard]
Goals and audience: [describe]

Generate 5 concept directions with layouts and styles. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Visual concepts

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare and revise initial game sketches.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Goals and audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information..

Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.

Project: [describe]
Audience: [staff, customers, engineers]

Draft a summary or presentation outline. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Project communication

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide test specifications.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate project information to others..

These stay human 1

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Using hands on tools and objects: more than half the time · Impact of decisions: important results

Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a video game designer. Part of my job is to write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.

Context: The work draws on design, computers and electronics and communications and media.
Team: [project team, support staff]
Issue or goal: [describe]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Leading an IT team

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Team] and [Issue or goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Supervise information technology personnel.. Also involves: Design video game features or details..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Active Learningimportance 3.5/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Learning Strategiesimportance 2.9/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Instructingimportance 2.9/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Critical Thinkingimportance 3.8/5
Used in: Thinking Creatively
Active Listeningimportance 3.9/5
Used in: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Writingimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Speakingimportance 3.1/5
Used in: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Art Directors25% human-led · Same preparation · $114,850/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Persuasion, Operations Analysis
Computer Programmers6% human-led · Same preparation · $100,390/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Quality Control Analysis, Programming, Operations Analysis
Database Architects5% human-led · Same preparation · $139,500/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Systems Analysis
Search Marketing Strategists11% human-led · Same preparation · $78,760/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Systems Analysis, Persuasion

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (55% of workers)

High school or less 25%
Certificate or some college 10%
Associate's 10%
Bachelor's 55%

On-the-job training: 1–3 months
Related experience: 1–2 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopAtlassian JIRACC#C++Extensible markup language XMLGitHypertext markup language HTMLJavaScript