Here is a list of tips that I have gathered over my years as a UX designer, which I hope will help future UX designers. Feel free to comment with your own tips.
Understanding your profession
It may seem strange, but knowing what your job entails and being able to explain it will still be essential in 2025. Despite the rise of the term “UX designer,” its misuse has obscured what it really means. Ask yourself what you really want to do in terms of design. The job of a UX designer is essentially based on documentation, research, and design, with little artistic work involved.
The most important piece of advice is this: practice!
We can't say it enough: practice allows you to acquire a wealth of knowledge. If you don't have the opportunity to create a game, analyze existing ones (while respecting the work of the game teams). You can also try to come up with a solution to a game mechanic or UX aspect that has particularly annoyed players. The more you repeat this kind of exercise, which applies theory directly to the object itself, the more you will learn about the profession.
What training is required?
It is not necessary to take specialized training in video games to learn the basics of the profession. However, you will need to find a training program that places significant emphasis on design and user-centered. The most important thing throughout your generalist course is to incorporate video games into your projects as soon as possible in order to build up your portfolio. Your studies are only a foundation; it's up to you to develop it. For example, in a generalist course, there are few classes on the history of video games, so don't hesitate to reinforce this aspect of your learning.
Knowing how to communicate your ideas
Regarding this aspect in particular, I advise you to become proficient in prototyping, regardless of the medium. Without going so far as to know how to use the game engine, it is essential to be able to illustrate your ideas beyond documentation. If this is not the case, there is a risk that the latter will never be consulted and that your research will never be integrated. With this in mind, I would advise you to look for courses that teach this type of skill.
Attend video game-related events
As in many creative industries, building your network is essential. The term “network” is not an insult, and it's not about “being fake” with others, but rather about being curious and engaging in conversation. Each event offers an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn new things, and enrich everyone's creativity. It can be a real challenge and represent a significant cost for many, but it's one of the few opportunities to meet industry players or colleagues from other studios. Beyond professional networking, you can attend conferences or watch players playing in this kind of context. It is entirely possible to work in the industry without participating in this type of event. However, you will need to find other ways to stay informed and socialize in order to remain as up-to-date as possible.
