Digital media designer

About this occupation

Digital media designers create and edit graphics, animations, sound, text and video to assist in the creation of integrated multimedia products. They may perform activities related to the web, social networks, augmented reality and virtual reality but exclude the production of music using physical instruments and complex software sound synthesis tools. Digital media designers may program and build websites, mobile applications and other multimedia products.

• Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
• Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.
• Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
• Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.
• Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.
• Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.

Typical education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Preparation

Job Zone 4 of 5

Interests

Artistic, Investigative, Enterprising

Top skills: Programming, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making

US median pay: US$104,000 a year (2025), 113,330 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.3)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.2)
• Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.5)
• Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.5)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
• PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.3)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.3)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.