Video game designers are some of the most dedicated and passionate individuals in the entertainment industry. These creative professionals spend countless hours brainstorming ideas, designing characters and levels, and testing their games to ensure they are engaging and fun for players.
Average Working Hours of Video Game Designers
According to a survey by Glassdoor, the average workday for a video game designer is approximately 8-10 hours. However, this can vary depending on the stage of development and the project requirements.
For example, during the early stages of development, designers may work longer hours to brainstorm ideas and create prototypes. As the project progresses, they may work more standard hours to test and refine the game.
It’s important to note that video game design is a highly collaborative field, and designers often work closely with other team members such as artists, programmers, and producers. This means that their workday may not always be 9-5, as they may need to coordinate schedules with team members who work in different time zones or have different workloads.
Case Studies: Working Hours of Video Game Designers
1. Ubisoft
Ubisoft is one of the largest video game developers in the world, with over 19,000 employees across the globe. In an interview with Polygon, a Ubisoft game designer revealed that they work around 8-12 hours a day, depending on their role and the project requirements. They also mentioned that during crunch time, when deadlines are tight, they may work longer hours to meet their goals.
2. Epic Games
Epic Games is the creator of popular game engines such as Unreal Engine and Fortnite. In a blog post on their website, Epic Games stated that their employees typically work around 40-60 hours per week, with some working longer hours during crunch time. They also mentioned that they offer flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to work from home or adjust their schedules as needed.
3. Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment is the developer of iconic games such as World of Warcraft and Overwatch. In a video interview with Polygon, a Blizzard game designer revealed that they work around 8-10 hours a day, but during crunch time, they may work longer hours to meet their goals. They also mentioned that they have a strong emphasis on work-life balance, offering employees paid time off and flexible schedules to help them maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Personal Experiences: Working Hours of Video Game Designers
1. Sarah, Senior Game Designer at Electronic Arts
Sarah has been working as a game designer for over 10 years and has worked on numerous games throughout her career. She typically works around 8-10 hours a day, but during crunch time, she may work longer hours to meet deadlines. However, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and taking breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout.
2. John, Junior Game Designer at Activision
John has been working as a game designer for just over 3 years and has worked on several games during that time. He typically works around 8-10 hours a day, but during crunch time, he may work longer hours to meet deadlines. He also mentions that he tries to maintain a healthy work-life balance by taking breaks throughout the day and making sure to spend time with friends and family outside of work.
3. Lisa, Game Designer at CD Projekt Red
Lisa has been working as a game designer for over 5 years and has worked on several games during that time. She typically works around 8-10 hours a day, but during crunch time, she may work longer hours to meet deadlines. She also mentions that she tries to maintain a healthy work-life balance by taking breaks throughout the day and making sure to spend time with friends and family outside of work.