How to Write a Game Designer CV: Create the Ultimate Job Application
Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned developer with a portfolio of published titles, a well-crafted game designer CV can open doors to top jobs in one of the UK’s biggest industries.
Game design is a multidisciplinary field blending creativity, storytelling, and must have computer skills. In your CV, hiring managers want more than just a passion for video gaming – they want to see how your skills contribute to immersive game experiences, from early concept to release.
Your next opportunity in game design is out there. With a good CV, portfolio and strategy, you’ll be one step closer to crafting unique game experiences for millions of players. To help you get started, learn how to create a modern CV tailored to an application tracking system (ATS) so employers can scan and find your CV easily!
In this article, we cover:
How to write a good CV for a game designer.
How to highlight game design skills on your CV.
Personal profile examples for junior and senior roles.
Relevant work experience and how to list it.
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Game design CV example
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This game designer CV example features Laura Campbell, a creative professional with hands-on experience designing systems for both educational and entertainment platforms. Using the clean and functional Hopkins CV template highlights her passion for storytelling, technical knowledge of game systems, and soft skills in collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal reference for aspiring or experienced game designers.
What to include in a Game Design CV
Every game design CV should be structured to impress hiring managers and be ATS-friendly. Learn how to build a strong master CV and pull the most relevant experiences into your job-specific application for employers.
Key sections to include:
Personal details: add a professional email address, location, and LinkedIn profile
Personal profile: summarise your core skills, experience and career goals.
Skills section: emphasise technical skills, game design tools, and teamwork.
Work experience: use bullet points to show specific game projects or collaboration results. Include responsibilities, tasks, and achievements.
Education and training: list relevant game design, animation or programming qualifications
Portfolio: add a link to your work or build a portfolio to showcase to employers your designs.
Courses and certificates: showcase professional development such as Unity certifications, Unreal Engine courses, or training in 2D concept art, Spine, or Adobe Suite.
References: add referees from internships, game jams, or university tutors who can vouch for your work ethic, creativity, and collaboration skills.
Hobbies and interests: share industry-relevant activities such as game-playing, modding, level design, game jam participation, storytelling, pixel art, 3D modelling, and streaming or reviewing games on social media.
Explore similar CV examples in technology that are applicable to game design:
1. How to highlight game designer skills on a CV
Your game designer CV should present a well-balanced mix of technical expertise, like creative problem-solving (hard skills), and time management (soft skills). Use clear bullet points and align your game design skills with the job description to stand out to hiring managers. For more guidance on structuring this section, read how to list skills on a CV.
5 essential game design skills
Game development: ability to design and implement engaging game mechanics, levels, and features using engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
Visual storytelling: skill in crafting compelling narratives and emotional engagement through gameplay, environments, and character interaction.
Level design: designing game environments that support pacing, difficulty, and user flow to enhance immersive game experiences.
Player feedback integration: applying testing insights to refine mechanics, improve user experience, and boost client satisfaction.
Cross-functional collaboration: working effectively across departments (e.g., art, audio, development) to bring concepts to life and streamline production processes.
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
| Proficiency in Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects) | Creativity |
| Knowledge of 2D concept art and illustration | Communication |
| Experience with animation tools like Spine or Blender | Problem-solving |
| Competency in game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine | Attention to detail. |
| Basic scripting knowledge (e.g., C#, Python or Blueprints for prototyping). | Adaptability |
2. How to write a personal profile for a game design CV
A CV personal profile should summarise your strengths, interests and achievements. It’s your chance to connect your gaming interests with your career goals and showcase your personality or approach to design to recruiters!
Quick tips for a compelling personal profile
Ideal length is between 4-6 lines.
Mention top soft skills like IT, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Include career transitions or transferable skills, especially if you’re entering a different field or have little to no work experience.
Examples of personal profiles for a game design CV
Junior Game Designer CV personal profile example
Aspiring game designer with a BA in Game Art and over 1 year of games experience on student-led indie titles. Skilled in 2D concept art, asset creation, and prototyping using Unreal Engine. Passionate about creating emotionally rich, immersive game experiences that engage players of all levels.
Games Design Technician CV personal profile example
Detail-orientated design technician with 3+ years of experience supporting game development classes and labs. Skilled in Adobe Suite, Spine animation, and technical troubleshooting. Adept at mentoring students and assisting with iGaming project setups.
Game Design Subject Lead CV personal Profile example
Experienced game design educator and subject lead, with over 8 years in curriculum development and classroom delivery. Specialises in game systems theory, animation pipelines, and student-led game jams. Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.
2D Game Artist CV personal profile example
Creative 2D game artist with 2 years of experience with a flair for illustration, UI design and After Effects motion graphics. Worked on mobile and browser-based titles in slots and casual gaming. Proven ability to meet deadlines and iterate quickly based on feedback.
Video Games Designer CV personal profile example
Multi-disciplinary video games designer with 4 years of game development experience across PC and mobile. Passionate about gameplay mechanics, balancing systems and integrating player feedback into iterative design. Strong knowledge of post-production and prototyping.
3. How to include relevant gaming industry work experience
Work experience must be listed in a chronological format, starting with your most recent role. Use CV action verbs like developed, designed, implemented, or collaborated to demonstrate your contributions.
Quick tips for the work experience section
Your job title, company name, and location.
Dates of employment.
2–3 lines summarising your primary responsibilities.
Bullet points for measurable achievements.
Tailor each entry to the job description using relevant game design keywords like level designer, game systems, and immersive game experiences. Highlight projects using engines like Unreal Engine, technical skills such as Adobe Suite, and genres (e.g. slots, iGaming, or narrative games).
Good achievement examples
Increased daily active users by 40% through improved onboarding flow.
Reduced player churn by implementing balanced in-game rewards.
Boosted community engagement by launching a developer Q&A livestream.
Secured 4.8/5 average user rating on Google Play through UX iteration.
Trained two interns who later joined as full-time junior designers.
Bad achievement examples
Worked on game levels
Did testing for bugs
Helped the team with projects
Contributed to the design (vague and unspecific)
Made changes based on feedback (no outcomes mentioned).
Game designer with little to no experience work history example
Graduate Game Designer, Independent Coursework & Personal Projects | Remote | 2023 – Present
Completed a series of game design coursework and self-directed projects while studying Game Development. Gained foundational skills in Unity, visual scripting, and narrative design. Created basic prototypes using free assets and tools to understand core gameplay mechanics and player feedback loops. Watched industry tutorials and participated in online game dev communities.
Designed and prototyped 3 small games using Unity Learn and Construct 3.
Shared a short platformer on Itch.io, receiving 150+ plays and constructive feedback from users.
Completed certified courses on Unreal Engine, Adobe Suite, and level design fundamentals.
Game designer CV work experience examples
Junior Game Designer, PixelForge Interactive | Manchester, UK | 2022 – Present
Support the development of mobile puzzle and simulation games, collaborating with senior designers and developers to refine gameplay loops. Conduct user testing sessions, document player feedback, and suggest design improvements. Assist in scripting interactions and level layout using Unity and C#.
Contributed to the launch of “City Stack”, which reached 500K+ downloads in 3 months.
Designed 20+ levels using Unity level editor, praised for challenge and pacing.
Helped reduce bug reports by 40% by proactively testing levels during pre-release.
Game Tester, NextPlay Studios | Birmingham, UK | 2021 – 2022
Worked alongside QA analysts to identify bugs, gameplay inconsistencies, and UI/UX issues in early access builds. Logged and prioritised bugs using Jira and collaborated with developers to ensure quick resolution. Participated in weekly test sessions for titles, including FPS and racing genres.
Reported 250+ bugs over six months, improving game stability before release.
Reduced average bug turnaround time by 20% through clear documentation.
Graduate Game Designer, University Game Lab – Final Year Project | Leeds, UK | 2020 – 2021
Led design for a final year capstone project: a 2D platformer exploring dynamic lighting mechanics. Developed original level concepts, balanced enemy placements, and iterated on mechanics based on peer feedback. Used Adobe Suite for asset creation and Unity for implementation.
Game showcased at Leeds Indie Game Expo 2021, receiving positive peer reviews.
Balanced 10+ levels based on tester feedback, improving overall game flow.
Produced a gameplay trailer used in graduate portfolios and online promotions.
For more information, refer to how to list work experience on a CV.
Pro Tip
Use numbers to show impact, such as player growth, download counts, or retention improvements.
4. How to include education on a game designer CV
Your education section is key in demonstrating the foundations of your technical skills and creative background. Whether you studied game development, illustration, or a related field like computer science, list your qualifications chronologically, starting with the most recent.
Examples of how to list education on your CV:
BA (Hons) Game Art and Design, University of Hertfordshire – 2023
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development, University of Portsmouth – 2022
A Levels: Media Studies (A), Art & Design (B), Computer Science (B) – 2020
GCSEs: 9 subjects including English, Maths, and Art – 2018.
Including relevant coursework such as 2D animation, Spine rigging, After Effects, Adobe Suite, or game systems programming helps tailor your game design CV to the job description.
If unsure where to start, explore different or read more about becoming a .
For more tips, visit our guide on how to write your education section.
5. How to showcase your game design portfolio
Your portfolio is an essential section in your game design CV. It’s where you bring your ideas to life and show off your illustration, 2D concept art, or animation work. Whether applying as a level designer, video games designer, or aiming for a job in iGaming or slots, a well-curated portfolio helps hiring managers see your style and depth.
Tips to create a strong portfolio:
Link to your portfolio in your contact section
Include work that demonstrates full production pipelines – from ideation to post-production
Show different game systems, genres, and platforms (e.g., mobile, PC, console).
Provide short captions for each project, focusing on your role and outcomes
Include videos, playable prototypes, and concept documentation when possible
Check out our blog on making a portfolio for creatives, and see our graphic designer CV example for more inspiration.
How to write a CV for a game designer with little to no experience
Writing a game designer CV with no experience can feel intimidating, but it’s a great chance to showcase your potential. Use a skills-based CV format to focus on relevant game design skills, projects, and your passion for the gaming industry.
Begin with a strong personal profile that highlights your enthusiasm, creativity, and transferable skills. Mention your experience using Unreal Engine, working on personal or student games, and your knowledge of tools like Adobe Suite or Spine.
Ways to gain and highlight relevant experience:
Join a game design apprenticeship or internship
Create your games or levels as part of a personal portfolio.
Contribute to online video gaming communities or game jams
Volunteer for studios or collaborate on freelance projects
Document gaming experiences on YouTube or Twitch to showcase storytelling and creativity
Browse seasonal work opportunities and part-time jobs if you’d like to boost your work experience and enhance your skills.
Don’t forget to include your hobbies and interests on your game design CV, especially if they involve video editing, modding, or participating in game jams.
Key takeaways
When designing your gamer CV, use a clean, ATS-friendly CV format with consistent fonts, colours and headings to make it easy to scan. Focus on your most relevant gaming experiences, highlighting key responsibilities and achievements using impactful bullet points. Tailor your personal profile and experience section to each job and showcase your technical skills alongside soft skills. Lastly, back up achievements with results to impress recruiters. Explore how to improve your CV with examples for more tips!
Do’s and don’ts for a game designer CV
Dos
Customise your job description for each application, especially if you’re targeting game design jobs in iGaming or console development.
Include your portfolio and link to playable projects or illustration work (especially for 2D game artists).
Format your CV correctly: use the proper CV layout and length, and only include your address on a CV when relevant.
Don'ts
Don’t include a photo on your CV unless explicitly required—it can distract from your skills.
Don’t send the same CV to every studio—hiring managers value applicants who research their company and adapt their game designer CV template accordingly.
Avoid listing outdated software or irrelevant skills—focus on game design skills such as Adobe Suite, After Effects, and Spine.
Next steps?
Now that you’ve built a professional and tailored game designer CV, it’s time to move forward confidently. Use our CV Builder to explore expertly designed templates and cover letters. Learn how to write a CV your first job if you’re a school leaver or recent graduate. Stay ahead of hiring trends by reading our career blog and start networking.
FAQs
Is game design a skill?
Yes — it blends creativity, logic, and problem-solving. Key game design skills include level design, game systems, and narrative development. Showcasing these in your game design CV can make you stand out. Explore the most sought-after skills in 2025!
Is game design a hard career to get into?
It’s competitive, but not out of reach. Many start as a junior game designer, game tester, or through internships.
Do game designers have to be good at drawing?
Not always. Drawing applies to roles like 2D concept art, but many game designer roles focus more on game development and systems design.
Is game design high-paying?
Salaries range from £20,000–£50,000+. Roles in iGaming, slots, and advanced game development typically offer higher pay. Learn more in our blog on high-paying jobs.
Is 30 too late to get into game development?
Not at all. Many switch careers into game design later in life. Use a skills-based CV and highlight transferable skills. Learn more about how to write a CV if you are considering a career-change.
