- Training Video Game
An indispensable figure in any video game project, the creative director is responsible for building the artistic identity of a game and ensuring that the project meets players' expectations. In this sense, their role is of paramount importance and requires a wide range of skills, as well as solid experience in team management and excellent communication skills. In this guide, we take you behind the scenes of this profession, while discussing the training programs that can help you boost your chances of landing this prestigious position.
Duties and roles of the creative director
As mentioned above, the creative director plays a key role in the video game production process. First, they analyze the requirements and wishes of the client and/or project manager and pass them on to their creative production teams. Next, they propose an artistic direction and then observe, analyze, and define (in agreement with the client) the best approach to successfully complete the game development process. The creative director is also responsible for defending the project in the event of comments or adjustments requested by the client, keeping in mind their vision, strategy, and the methods they have defined with their teams.
At the same time, they supervise the artistic direction of the projects they are working on, regularly motivating and guiding the teams to cultivate their creativity, while keeping in mind the project’s deadlines and budget constraints.
As you can see, the director must constantly keep in mind all the facets of the game and the universe they are developing with their teams in order to achieve an innovative and coherent result, both from a narrative and visual point of view. This work requires many skills and qualities, including technical, artistic, and managerial ones.
Skills and qualities required to be a creative director
To become a creative director in the video game industry, you will be required to have the most comprehensive knowledge possible of this vast and complex universe. In this sense, this position requires you to be attentive to developments in terms of style, tools, and gameplay, but also in terms of player expectations. Being able to use the most advanced software to imagine immersive and captivating worlds is the challenge facing the creative director of video games, who is above all an enthusiast. With this background, they must find the balance between creative freedom and a rigorous working method, while leaving room for their teams to evolve and bring their vision to life.
Their strength of conviction and ability to communicate easily in personal relationships are essential, particularly when it comes to defending projects to clients, but also to inspire and motivate their colleagues. Therefore, their ability to communicate their artistic choices in a clear, understandable, and convincing manner is essential.
Tools and software used by the creative director
Acting as a project manager, the creative director must have a 360° view of production tools in order to choose (and keep an eye on) the best approach for each given project. This requires a working knowledge of programming languages (Java, Python, C++, C#, among others), 3D software (modeling with 3dsMax, ZBrush; animation with Maya, Blender, Houdini) and the main game engines (Unreal, Unity). In addition, the ability to use project tracking tools such as Notion or Trello will be a decisive asset in steering the progress of the video game under their direction and managing obstacles while keeping deadlines and budgets in mind.
Which high school diploma should you choose?
The most important thing for this role is a passion for the profession and for the various aspects of the video game industry. To facilitate integration into advanced video game training, it may be wise to opt for a science-focused high school diploma, where mathematics and digital and computer sciences are emphasized. A technical high school diploma (such as STD2A or STI2D), or even a diploma focused on visual communication and graphic arts, can also be useful, as the skills you acquire will give you the best possible foundation from the outset and allow you to build your training on a solid base.
Training and degrees to become a creative director
To become a creative director in the video game industry, recognized training in video games is essential to learn how to master the many tools that will be used in your future profession, but also to familiarize yourself with the collaborative process of creating a video game. During this four- or five-year higher education program, you will have the opportunity to meet many professionals already working in the industry. These valuable contacts can help you integrate more quickly into the job market once you have your degree.
What is the salary of a Creative Director?
Average starting salary
Let’s be honest: it’s unlikely that you’ll land a job as a creative director straight out of school, as this role requires solid professional experience. However, professionals who reach this position at an early stage of their leadership career can expect a lower starting salary compared to more established profiles. At this level, compensation depends heavily on the size of the studio, the industry, and the scope of responsibility.
- Entry level (0–2 years in role): ~$85,000 per year
Average salary for experienced professionals
With experience, proven results, and a strong professional reputation, creative directors see their salary increase significantly. Compensation grows with responsibility, team leadership, and the scale of projects handled. Highly experienced creative directors working on large or international productions can reach the upper end of the pay scale, especially in well established studios.
- Mid level (3–5 years): ~$120,000 per year
- Senior level (5+ years): ~$150,000+ per year
Career opportunities
Once you have reached the position of creative director (starting as a game designer, for example, or in one of the many other creative roles in the industry), there are many opportunities available. Depending on your interests and the opportunities that come your way, you could become a studio director, video game director or producer, or continue to develop increasingly ambitious projects as a senior creative director. Freelance consulting is also an interesting option, especially given the growing use of video games in many sectors.
Sectors and companies that are hiring
Although there are fewer positions in the industry itself than there are candidates, this does not prevent video games from remaining a rapidly expanding sector. Because society is increasingly using this medium in a wide range of fields, creative directors can easily find work in advertising agencies, but also in related sectors that use games for educational purposes, for example. The healthcare and education sectors are increasingly using video games to make the training and learning experience more fluid, and industries such as aeronautics and automotive are also in demand for high-quality gaming experiences. There are so many opportunities to deploy your expertise and put your skills to good use.
Which school should you choose to become a creative director?
To reach this high-level position, it is essential to start with a solid foundation. At ESMA, the video game & game design program will allow you to build this foundation of skills, while putting them into practice through numerous exercises and the creation of a final project game in collaboration with other students. This is an essential experience for entering a sector where technical mastery and human qualities must go hand in hand, especially when aiming for positions of responsibility such as creative director.
