Define the Role of Game Designers with U.S. Government

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor the O*NET Data Collection Program wants to define what makes you a video game designer. A new initiative will focus on describing the role of professional game designer to make sure that the list of competencies here is clear to everyone. 

O*NET is the nation’s most comprehensive source of occupational data and you have a chance to contribute to that collection.  

As of this moment, the source defines video game designers as anyone who designs core features of video games, specifies innovative game and role-play mechanics, storylines, and character biographies, creates and maintains design documentation, or guides and collaborates with production staff to produce games as designed. 

In order to be considered an Occupation Expert you have to meet the following criteria: 

• Has designed at least one game that has shipped to market.
• Have at least 5 years of experience with the occupation. Includes those who are now supervising, teaching, or training if they have at least one year of practice during their career.  Practice can be part-time, voluntary, or as a hobby.  
• Currently active in the occupation (practicing, supervising, teaching and/or training) and based in the U.S. 

You can take a part in the program as an occupation expert right now. To do that, please email Elizabeth Salisbury and provide the following info:

• Name / # years of experience
• Address with city and state
• Daytime phone number
• Email address 
• Do you have at least one year of practice in the occupation and are you still active?

Then a random sample of experts will be invited to answer a number of questions. They will get $40.00 in cash and a certificate of appreciation from the U.S. Department of Labor.