Will AI replace Video Game Designers?

AI can do 100% of the work Video Game Designers do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 3 of their 24 tasks, while 21 more are ready but barely used so far.

AI is already doing this3 · 8% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Collaborate with artists to achieve appropriate visual style.Mostly automated4% of time
  • Determine supplementary virtual features, such as currency, item catalog, menu design, and audio direction.Mostly automated2% of time
  • Consult with multiple stakeholders to define requirements and implement online features.Mostly assisted2% of time

AI could do this next21 · 92% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.9% of time
  • Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines.9% of time
  • Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.8% of time
  • Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.7% of time
  • Create gameplay prototypes for presentation to creative and technical staff and management.6% of time
  • Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.5% of time
  • Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design.5% of time
  • Oversee gameplay testing to ensure intended gaming experience and game adherence to original vision.5% of time
  • Guide design discussions between development teams.5% of time
  • Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process.5% of time
  • Document all aspects of formal game design, using mock-up screenshots, sample menu layouts, gameplay flowcharts, and other graphical devices.5% of time
  • 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.4% of time
  • Provide feedback to production staff regarding technical game qualities or adherence to original design.4% of time
  • Create and manage documentation, production schedules, prototyping goals, and communication plans in collaboration with production staff.4% of time
  • Review or evaluate competitive products, film, music, television, and other art forms to generate new game design ideas.2% of time
  • Write or supervise the writing of game text and dialogue.2% of time
  • Prepare two-dimensional concept layouts or three-dimensional mock-ups.2% of time
  • Present new game design concepts to management and technical colleagues, including artists, animators, and programmers.2% of time
  • Provide test specifications to quality assurance staff.1% of time
  • Create gameplay test plans for internal and external test groups.1% of time
  • Prepare and revise initial game sketches using two- and three-dimensional graphical design software.1% of time

Still needs a person0 · 0% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Every task in this job is touched by AI or robots in some way.

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

Get my personal report

What this means

AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. Real use is still behind at 7 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. Expect the role to shift toward deciding what to do, checking AI's work and owning the result.

What to do next

  • Do the 3 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 21 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
Computer Programmers90%Software Developers94%Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers100%Web Developers100%Web and Digital Interface Designers100%Information Security Analysts100%

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