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The differences between game designers and 3d animators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a game designer, becoming a 3d animator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a game designer has an average salary of $87,645, which is higher than the $73,596 average annual salary of a 3d animator.
The top three skills for a game designer include unity, UI and game development. The most important skills for a 3d animator are animation, storyboards, and visualization.
| Game Designer | 3D Animator | |
| Yearly salary | $87,645 | $73,596 |
| Hourly rate | $42.14 | $35.38 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 45,227 | 571 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A video game designer is responsible for making a concept of a video game and creating the storylines, scenarios, maps, character development, user interfaces, and in-game objectives. Typical responsibilities include adding computer scripting using computer software, which will then generate events, objects, commands, and characters that end-users can choose from to interact with during the game. Additionally, you will write code using different computer programming languages and designing characters, animation, and levels. To become a successful video game designer, you must be creative, innovative, and ambitious.
A 3D animator specializes in designing and developing 3D animation materials, adhering to the program or project's needs. They typically work together with a team of animators and producers in studios or offices. Most of the time, their responsibilities involve performing extensive research, creating drafts and storyboards, consulting with team members and editors, and performing revisions as needed. Furthermore, as a 3D animator, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Game designers and 3d animators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Game Designer | 3D Animator | |
| Average salary | $87,645 | $73,596 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $127,000 | Between $50,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Reno, NV | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Meta | NVIDIA |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Media |
There are a few differences between a game designer and a 3d animator in terms of educational background:
| Game Designer | 3D Animator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Animation |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between game designers' and 3d animators' demographics:
| Game Designer | 3D Animator | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.2% Female, 11.8% | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |