Game design, a subset of game development, is the process of designing the content and rules of a game in the pre-production stage and design of gameplay, environment, storyline, and characters during production stage. The term is also used to describe both the game design embodied in a game as well as documentation that describes such a design.. Game design requires artistic and technical competence as well as writing skills. You don't have to get a college degree to become a game tester, but it helps. This comprehensive guide includes listings of hundreds of the world's top game design schools with full contact information.