So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer (So You Want To Be A...)

"Video games are awesome, right? But do you know who makes these games so much fun to play? It's the video game designers. Linda Soules brings young readers a book that delves into the world of video games with So You Want to Be a Video Game Designer. By being a video game designer, you can bring entire worlds to life with your own set of rules. This book explains how video game designers play the roles of architects, storytellers, psychologists, and scientists. Additionally, you will learn about in-game mechanics, the tools of the trade for a designer, the best aspects of being a designer, as well as its hardest aspects. You will also observe the daily life of a video game designer.

This is one of the best books for any preteen or young teenager who is a video game aficionado. It will help you learn how some of your favorite video games are made and by whom. Linda Soules has a knack for delving into the technical aspects of some unique career choices for professionals. So You Want to Be a Video Game Designer is another great example of that. It is short, to the point, and very informative. Young readers will learn to develop an interest in the fundamentals of being a video game designer. On top of it, the illustrations are colorful and capture the essence of the narrative to perfection. It's an enlightening book that sheds light on the world of video game creators. Highly recommended."

"So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer is a solid starter book for kids who love video games and have started wondering what it would be like to actually make them. It does a nice job showing that game design isn't just sitting around playing games all day. The book breaks down the real work behind the scenes, from building mechanics and stories to working with artists, engineers, writers, and sound designers. For a kid who is curious about creating games, it gives a much clearer picture of what the job actually involves.

One of the best things about this children's book is that it stays positive and inspiring without pretending the career is easy. It talks about the fun, creative parts of game design, but it also covers the harder parts, like problem-solving, teamwork, revision, and all the trial and error that happens before a game is finished. I especially like that it includes practical details, like what a day in the life of a game designer might look like. That kind of information helps kids understand the career in a real way instead of just imagining the cool parts.

The book also works well for a pretty wide age range. Even though it is aimed at ages 10-14, younger kids can still enjoy the illustrations and big ideas, especially if a parent reads it with them. Older kids and even adults can get something out of it too, because it explains the industry, the skills involved, and the history behind game design in an easy-to-follow way.

The artwork in this book is wonderful and detailed on every page. Each scene has a consistent look, feel, and color style that makes the whole book flow together beautifully. I loved all the small details tucked into the illustrations, like little toys on the desks of the video game developers, because they make the world feel fun. The characters are expressive, and the colorful scenes really pop, making the world of video game design feel exciting, creative, and almost like a fantasy.

This is a great pick for any kid who talks about wanting to make video games someday. It gives them encouragement, but also gives them a realistic look at what it takes. I like that it offers ideas for how kids can start preparing now, whether that means learning new skills, paying closer attention to how games work, or just thinking more creatively. It's educational, interesting, and inspiring, and it may help a young reader decide whether game design is something they really want to pursue."

"The latest installment of Linda Soules's So You Want To Be A... series focuses on a relatively new and evolving field: So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer. From the first page, Soules hooks readers by showing a clear respect for the profession with the claim that 'a video game designer is part architect, part storyteller, part psychologist, and part mad scientist.' Each section of the book pairs brief informational passages with colorful artwork, providing a clear and concise introduction to this career path for pre-teens. Informational topics covered include where video game designers work, what their responsibilities are, famous designers, rewards, challenges, and different roles in game development (such as programmers, composers, and narrative designers).
 
Soules clearly researched many aspects of the profession, yet the book never feels bogged down by details. She distills important information into digestible chunks that are infused with excitement for the job, making the text compelling for readers across a range of ages. While the book is advertised for 10-14 year olds, slightly younger gamers may also enjoy it as a read-aloud while older teens may find the straightforward advice helpful with career planning. One section shares exercises to try anywhere (plus free resources to explore) as a way to start developing game-designing skills immediately. Another section busts myths (no, it's not just playing games all day) and highlights the needed skills people might not expect, sharing a realistic look at the profession. Although a glossary at the end of the book explains some vocabulary, it is definitely written for readers who are already familiar with basic video game conventions and terms.
 
Beyond the instructional content, what really makes So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer stand out is the aspirational tone. Playing video games is sometimes looked down on by adults, but Soules clearly appreciates the activity and craft behind it. Animated images that focus on the delight and wonder of gaming support the text (Soules notes these are AI-created; yet she does effectively ensure a consistent illustrative style, and the pictures match the book's tone and content). Communicating her admiration for the creative, complex, and meaningful work that designers do may result in some young readers feeling excited and confident in pursuing game design. Meanwhile, because Soules focuses on the very specific skills needed and challenges to expect, other readers may realize this career path is not for them and yet still come away with a deeper understanding of how the games they love are developed.

Through a combination of practical information, actionable skill-building advice, and passion for the role, Linda Soules's So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer successfully provides a helpful career guide for pre-teens who love gaming."

"In So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer, author Linda Soules invites middle-grade readers into the creative, highly collaborative world behind the screens of their favorite digital adventures.

Moving past the common childhood misconception that game design is simply playing games all day, Soules unpacks the actual craft: asking foundational 'What if?' questions, writing design documents, building prototypes, and tuning fine mechanics until an interactive experience feels completely natural. From the high-energy environment of a game studio to the subtle art of playtesting and sound design, the book offers a transparent, eye-opening tour of what it truly takes to build virtual worlds from scratch.

What works beautifully in this book is how it treats game design as an accessible blend of logic, storytelling, and empathy. Soules’s approach shows children that great design isn't about having a single genius idea, but about understanding human psychology – anticipating how players feel, how they learn without explicit tutorials, and why they choose to keep playing. The book demystifies complex concepts like systems thinking and math-driven mechanics (such as probability and loot drop balancing) by linking them directly to player experience. This gives the guide real weight and makes it approachable for young readers who might be curious about how their own favorite games function under the hood.

The accompanying visual elements are a strong companion to the narrative. The detailed scenes – depicting vibrant development studios, focused playtest sessions, and playful representations of iconic mechanics – feel alive and colorful, keeping the layout inviting for young eyes. There are moments where you pause on the art just to take in the details: cozy desk setups with multiple monitors, sound designers smashing watermelons to create impact audio, and creative teams brainstorming around whiteboards. It creates an inspiring, welcoming mood that reinforces the book's core message: game design is an art form rooted in community and human connection.

So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer is neither too short nor too busy. It strikes a good balance for independent readers or for family discussion, pacing its insights smoothly through structured sections like 'A Day in the Life,' 'The Hardest Parts of the Job,' and 'Things You Might Not Expect To Need.' The inclusion of a clear glossary, fun historical trivia (like how Pac-Man and Tetris were created), and practical steps kids can take right now – such as designing paper board games or trying Scratch – ensures the book stays actionable rather than purely theoretical.

The idea of career guides for kids is not new, as many books explore modern technology professions. But what sets this apart is Soules's candor about iteration and failure; she emphasizes that early game versions are often disasters and that "cut content" is a normal, necessary part of the creative process. That gives the book authenticity and makes it more likely that kids will feel empowered when their own early projects or paper prototypes don't turn out perfectly on the first try.

Quill says: So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer is an encouraging, highly informative guide that reminds young readers that every game they love was built by curious minds who started just like them. With rich illustrations and an empowering message about the value of creativity and iteration, it’s a book young creators will want to return to again and again."

"My youngest son has really gotten into video game design lately so we read this together. It gave him some really good ideas and answered some questions he's been asking me that I couldn't answer."

"Great book for anyone (kids or adults) interested in creating video games. A lot of information on what the job really is."

"I think these would be great to have available in libraries for teens as they really do give a lot of useful information!"

"It is so educational and informative. It gives children the best run down of what it takes to become a video game designer and exactly what they do and how it contributes to the world around them."

"I would definitely recommend this book to kids or adults who are interested in game development. The language used is not too complicated, so it's good for people with little to no experience."

"The author approaches it from a business perspective but also a creative perspective. There are so many things that go into video game design that my son learned... I think this made him appreciate the game developers overall and the complexity of how games are made from the ground up."

"A must-read for every aspiring game creator...As someone who grew up playing games, I found 'So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer' to be one of the most honest and illuminating guides for young people."

"It’s a brilliantly structured manual that respects the reader's intelligence and provides a clear roadmap for the next generation of creators."

"A fantastic book giving every detail of how a game designer works. I really like how this book gave other job options that are available to children that is inside the gaming industry. Very intuitive and explains every detail so a child can understand. No big words that are confusing which is great."

"Full of great information about video game designing. It includes a detailed overview of the role to learn if someone is truly interested in becoming a designer. It includes what is best, hardest, and surprising about the role as well as a day in the life. It also has great illustrations!"

"There is more there than I had originally thought. The few video games I have played and still play are more enjoyable now that I know all the work behind it.

"Very informative and age appropriate. First off, excellent illustrations throughout the book. I would say 10-14 is an accurate age range...Highly recommend for anyone who wants to get into the field of video game design."

"I liked that the author de-bunked the myth right away that it's all about 'playing' video games."

"Gives a lot of details on both what a Video Game Designer is, and isn't... tools of the trade, best and hardest parts of the job, what a day in the life would look like, and who you'll be working with."

"My kids loved this book! My oldest loved what it was about while my youngest loved the pictures in the book. They both are huge gamers and were interested in this!"

"If you have ever thought about wanting to become a video game designer this is the book you need to read."

"A great educational book for kids who may be interested in learning to program a game. I love that it has resources listed for kids to learn more, from books to websites. Highly recommend!"

"This is a fantastically written book about a potential career in game design. It goes through the good and the bad, describes the type of person that would excel, delivers on key concepts in project management such as working through iterations, and says it all in an age appropriate voice. The target audience is pre-teens to young teens and it absolutely hits the mark on being a sophisticated yet age demographically appropriate. As an adult with an interest in video games, I enjoyed learning about the creation process as well."

"It's definitely a MUST READ for me! Enjoyed it!"

"The wording is rather inspiring and positive even when talking about the not fun parts of the job. It goes over skills you would gain and why it's a field worthy of your time."

"Video game design is hard work!! I love this book because it tells you ALL the ins and outs of game design no matter how good or bad they are. The illustrations are amazing, and the book really held my kiddos attention."

"So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer is a fun and informative book that gives kids a great introduction to the world of video game design. It explains the creative process behind making games in a way that’s easy to understand and engaging for young readers. From storytelling and artwork to coding and testing, it shows how many different skills come together to create the games we love. A fantastic read for any child who dreams of designing their own video games one day!"

"This book is very informative in simple terms for children to understand. My son loves video games like his dad and wanted to know more. I was able to read it with him and I really learned a lot too! Who knew all the different people involved with making a single video game and all the work it takes to make them as fun and challenging as they are? Definitely recommend this one!"

"As someone who grew up wanting to design art for video games, this book was a must-read. I loved the images throughout the book and just like the other books in this series, it truly gives kids or any reader for that matter a better understanding of what it actually takes from the inside. Too often we think we know exactly what it’s like when we don’t. This book gives a whole new perspective on creativity and what it takes to build a video game from scratch. Truly a great experience and your kids will love it if they love video games!"

"Excellent book with insightful information to become a video game designer for kids. Phenomenal colorful graphics and fun facts to help."

"Enjoyed this book. I'm a teacher and my grade-level focuses on College and Career Readiness. Over the past few years, more and more students want to be a Video Game Designer. This book lays it all out for them, a day in the life as well as what they can do now to prepare."

"I’m always looking for books that teach something meaningful while keeping my child entertained long enough for me to finish a cup of coffee before it goes cold. So You Want To Be a Video Game Designer delivered beautifully. I loved the honesty about mistakes being part of the journey. The stories about famous game glitches turning into iconic features were especially great. It’s comforting to know that even legendary designers occasionally break things and then pretend it was intentional. Overall, this book is fun, inspiring, and surprisingly educational. It left me excited for young readers and only slightly jealous that I didn’t have something this cool when I was growing up."

"This book taught me so much about how video games are made. I didn’t know that real people test the games in an office before it ever goes public and that so many people go into developing the game. The fact that video games can help develop empathy and to rehabilitate stroke patients shows just how important this job can be."

"If your child wants to be a video game designer, the best way to help them is to channel their passion for playing video games into the creative process of making them. This book opens up a roadmap and introduction for logic, storytelling, art, and math. How to analyze what they play, build skills, practice narrative design, and embrace math. What parent doesn't want their child to move from social media to learning critical skills at home and experimenting with beginner-friendly creation tools? Transitioning a young gamer into an aspiring designer."

"My kids' dad has said he wants to be a video game designer/developer so now the kids are interested in how that comes to be. This book was directed towards kids to explain it and the kids love it. While I did not personally buy this for the kids, i am glad it was given to the kids to learn about this type of job. The artwork is beautiful and it shows both boys and girls, helping with the inclusion of girls into fields that may not be known to them. It also shares some great game designers and game design facts."

"Super informative, but in a way that older children can understand. My 9 year old thoroughly enjoyed delving into the details of becoming a video game designer! I am loving this whole series!!"

"I thought this was a great book for kids who are thinking about becoming a video game designer. It talked about what a video game designer actually does day-to-day (it's not just play video games!). I liked that it gave specific qualities that a good video designer has and also provided further readings and websites to look into for more information. A good starting point if your child is thinking about becoming a video game designer!"

"Linda's series are always a good educational but fun experience! Love the detail history being the video games and the people who created them along the way. Technology has come along way with help!"

"This is my 4th book in this series and I'm still enjoying them. The level of care and detail is apparent in the writing. It's the right amount of story telling and factual detail. I love each section, I especially like the 'who you work with' section outlining all the people around the main job. I really wish this series was around I was younger but the writing style is enjoyable at any age. And the art is also phenomenal!"

"So You Want to Be a Video Game Designer by Linda Soules is an introduction to the creative world of game development. Rather than focusing solely on playing games, the book reveals the imagination, problem-solving, collaboration, and persistence required to create them. Written in a conversational and accessible style, it explains how game designers build rules, mechanics, stories, and player experiences while constantly testing and improving their ideas. Young readers are invited to think critically about the games they love and discover how careers in design combine creativity, technology, storytelling, and psychology. The book is filled with fascinating examples, practical advice, and inspiring stories that make the profession feel both attainable and exciting.

The illustrations are vibrant, imaginative, and highly effective in bringing the world of video game design to life. The artwork captures the energy of game studios, creative workspaces, and fantastical game worlds while helping readers visualize concepts such as playtesting, game development tools, and collaborative design. The illustrations complement the text by making complex ideas approachable and reinforcing the sense of innovation and wonder that defines the field."

"My 13 yr old son and 12 yr old daughter read this book with me tonight. Both of my kids really enjoy gaming seeing how they are being raised by parent gamers. This book was very interesting for young creative minds. It inspired them to think of the possibilities their futures may hold. The book is easy to comprehend and I feel like even younger kids would enjoy this book if they had an interest in video games. The book goes into what it takes to be a video game designer and even how your first try may not be the final outcome. It shows them it takes trying and failing to succeed. 10 out of 10 recommend!"

"This is the perfect book for the aspiring video game designer in your life. It tells kids not only what it takes to be a video game designer but also includes facts as well as ideas on where to find more information. This is a wonderful conversation starter if you have a kid who is interested in this growing field!"

"I really enjoyed So You Want to Be a Video Game Designer. It's well written, easy to follow, and packed with useful information. It definitely goes beyond the basics, so it feels like you're getting a real look at what goes into video game design rather than just a simple introduction. The illustrations are fun and fit the content really well, which helps keep it engaging. I think this book is best for teens and older readers, since there's a lot of information and it might be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. Overall, I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about game design."

"Recently found this series for my classroom and wanted to add more. Boys love video games, so this was a must grab book! The illustrations are well done and I love that a wide variety of reading levels can access this book. I especially love the extra information at the end of the book and appreciate the way it is laid out and includes a wide variety of information."

"Wow, here I thought video game designers played games all day. Not the case! They program games, add sound, tweak the graphics, and put themselves in the end users shoes! Games may have started with Pac-Man, Tetris, and Mario, but boy have they evolved. This book includes a day in the life of a designer and famous video game designers, so cool!"

"Linda Soules planted a gem when writing this book for kids. The entire book is mid friendly from the illustrations on down. It's not one of those books that make your snore out loud and jump cause you scared yourself awake. Plain and simple, if this is something your child or a kid you know wants to do...point them in this book's direction."

"The graphics are amazing and beautiful! The author does an excellent job describing what it takes to be game designer and that it’s not a one person job. It also gets into the history of video games and gives suggestions on next steps and other resources for those kids that are really interested in this career path."

"Video game design takes open-mindedness, teamwork, IMAGINATION, creativity and determination, and focus. It's a frustrating but amazingly rewarding undertaking."