Game design starts with an idea,[3][4][5][6] often a modification on an existing concept.[3][7] The game idea may fall within one or several genres. Designers often experiment with mixing genres.[8][9] The game designer usually produces an initial game proposal document containing the concept, gameplay, feature list, setting and story, target audience, requirements and schedule, staff and budget estimates.[10]
Many decisions are made during the course of a game's development about the game's design; it is the responsibility of the designer to decide which elements will be implemented, based on, for example, consistency with the game's vision, budget or hardware limitations.[11] Design changes may have a significant positive or negative impact on required resources.[12]
The designer may use scripting languages to implement and preview design ideas without necessarily modifying the game's codebase.[13][14]
Game designer
A game designer is a person who designs gameplay, conceiving and designing the rules and structure of a game.[22][23][24] Many designers start their career in testing department, where mistakes by others can be seen first-hand.[25]
Lead designer coordinates the work of other designers and is the main visionary of the game.[26][27] Lead designer ensures team communication, makes large design decisions, and presents design outside of the team.[28] Often the lead designer is technically and artistically astute.[29] Keeping well-presented documentation also falls within the lead designer responsibilities.[30] Lead designer may be the founder of a game development company or may be sent by the publisher, if the game's concept is provided by the publisher.[27]
Game mechanic designer designs and balances gameplay mechanics.[27]
Level designer or environment designer is a position becoming prominent in the recent years.[31] Level designer is the person responsible for creating game environment, levels, and missions.[32][33][34][35]
Writer is a person often employed part-time to conceive game's narrative, dialogue, commentary, cutscene narrative, journals, video game packaging content, hint system, etc.[36][37][38][39] It is responsibility of the writer to collaborate with primary designers[40][39] to seamlessly place this content into the game, creating immersion, avoiding repetition, providing feedback, etc.[41] Writing for games involves a different set of skills from those for traditional works, such as novels. A writer spends a lot of time with other designers. Writing believable character language is a talent.