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what is the process to become a video game designer?
At School i'm in 7th grade and i'm most interested in design and technology. A topic i'm passionate about is designing video games. What are some career options that best align with these interests?
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5 answers
Updated
Chandler’s Answer
https://roadmap.sh/game-developer
Thank you!
Orville
Hi Chandler, I think this could be a helpful resource but it can be made even more helpful if you shared some more information about it. For example, how should a learner go about reading the chart and what are some practical applications for it? This can help the learner better understand how to use this and why it might be helpful to them!
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Orville, it's awesome you already have an idea of what you want to do in life.
If you want to design video games then do it! There are plenty of online resources on YouTube that you can take advantage of.
Download Unreal and just start designing.
If you design a game that people love your career path will be making your own video games... which sounds pretty awesome to me :)
You could work for a company at some point designing as well... but at your age, I would go ahead and try to do something that's all yours!
Good luck!
If you want to design video games then do it! There are plenty of online resources on YouTube that you can take advantage of.
Download Unreal and just start designing.
If you design a game that people love your career path will be making your own video games... which sounds pretty awesome to me :)
You could work for a company at some point designing as well... but at your age, I would go ahead and try to do something that's all yours!
Good luck!
Thank you!
Orville
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
6969
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Orville!
Process to Become a Video Game Designer
1. Understand the Role of a Video Game Designer Video game designers are responsible for creating the concepts, mechanics, and overall experience of a video game. This includes designing characters, environments, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. Understanding this role is crucial as it will guide your educational and career choices.
2. Focus on Relevant Subjects in School Since you are currently in 7th grade, it’s important to focus on subjects that will help you develop skills relevant to video game design. Key subjects include:
Mathematics: Essential for programming and understanding game physics.
Art and Design: Important for character design, environment creation, and visual storytelling.
Computer Science/Technology: Provides foundational knowledge in programming languages and software development.
3. Explore Game Design Software Familiarize yourself with popular game design tools and software such as:
Unity: A widely used game engine that supports both 2D and 3D game development.
Unreal Engine: Known for its high-quality graphics capabilities.
GameMaker Studio: A user-friendly platform for beginners to create games without extensive coding knowledge.
4. Participate in Extracurricular Activities Engage in clubs or activities related to technology or gaming at your school or community center. This could include:
Joining a coding club.
Participating in robotics competitions.
Attending workshops focused on game design or programming.
5. Create Your Own Games Start small by creating your own simple games using available resources online. Websites like Scratch allow you to build games using block-based coding, which can be a great introduction to programming concepts.
6. Pursue Further Education As you progress through high school, consider taking advanced courses in computer science, graphic design, and mathematics. After high school, pursuing a degree in fields such as:
Game Design
Computer Science
Interactive Media These programs often offer specialized courses that cover various aspects of game development.
7. Build a Portfolio As you gain experience creating games, compile your work into a portfolio showcasing your projects. This is essential when applying for internships or jobs in the industry later on.
8. Seek Internships or Entry-Level Positions Once you have completed your education or while still studying, look for internships or entry-level positions at gaming companies. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding the industry and building professional connections.
9. Stay Updated with Industry Trends The video game industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and trends. Follow industry news through websites like Gamasutra or IGN to stay informed about developments that may influence your career path.
By following these steps diligently while nurturing your passion for design and technology, you can successfully pursue a career as a video game designer.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. Gamasutra A leading website dedicated to the art and business of making games; it provides insights into the industry trends, developer interviews, and educational resources related to game design.
2. International Game Developers Association (IGDA) An organization that supports developers worldwide by providing resources on best practices in the industry including education pathways for aspiring game designers.
3. Unity Learn The official learning platform from Unity Technologies offering tutorials and courses specifically designed for those interested in learning how to create games using their engine; it serves as an excellent resource for beginners looking to enter the field of game design.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
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|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Process to Become a Video Game Designer
1. Understand the Role of a Video Game Designer Video game designers are responsible for creating the concepts, mechanics, and overall experience of a video game. This includes designing characters, environments, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. Understanding this role is crucial as it will guide your educational and career choices.
2. Focus on Relevant Subjects in School Since you are currently in 7th grade, it’s important to focus on subjects that will help you develop skills relevant to video game design. Key subjects include:
Mathematics: Essential for programming and understanding game physics.
Art and Design: Important for character design, environment creation, and visual storytelling.
Computer Science/Technology: Provides foundational knowledge in programming languages and software development.
3. Explore Game Design Software Familiarize yourself with popular game design tools and software such as:
Unity: A widely used game engine that supports both 2D and 3D game development.
Unreal Engine: Known for its high-quality graphics capabilities.
GameMaker Studio: A user-friendly platform for beginners to create games without extensive coding knowledge.
4. Participate in Extracurricular Activities Engage in clubs or activities related to technology or gaming at your school or community center. This could include:
Joining a coding club.
Participating in robotics competitions.
Attending workshops focused on game design or programming.
5. Create Your Own Games Start small by creating your own simple games using available resources online. Websites like Scratch allow you to build games using block-based coding, which can be a great introduction to programming concepts.
6. Pursue Further Education As you progress through high school, consider taking advanced courses in computer science, graphic design, and mathematics. After high school, pursuing a degree in fields such as:
Game Design
Computer Science
Interactive Media These programs often offer specialized courses that cover various aspects of game development.
7. Build a Portfolio As you gain experience creating games, compile your work into a portfolio showcasing your projects. This is essential when applying for internships or jobs in the industry later on.
8. Seek Internships or Entry-Level Positions Once you have completed your education or while still studying, look for internships or entry-level positions at gaming companies. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding the industry and building professional connections.
9. Stay Updated with Industry Trends The video game industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and trends. Follow industry news through websites like Gamasutra or IGN to stay informed about developments that may influence your career path.
By following these steps diligently while nurturing your passion for design and technology, you can successfully pursue a career as a video game designer.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. Gamasutra A leading website dedicated to the art and business of making games; it provides insights into the industry trends, developer interviews, and educational resources related to game design.
2. International Game Developers Association (IGDA) An organization that supports developers worldwide by providing resources on best practices in the industry including education pathways for aspiring game designers.
3. Unity Learn The official learning platform from Unity Technologies offering tutorials and courses specifically designed for those interested in learning how to create games using their engine; it serves as an excellent resource for beginners looking to enter the field of game design.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
A great place to start in building up experience in game design (or just to check it out to see if it's for you!) is to look into modding for games you currently play. Dipping your toe in like that is a really strong first step before and during your high school years, and gives you time to test out whether you really enjoy creating things for games vs just enjoying playing them. If you end up enjoying it and get into the modding scene, that also builds up a great portfolio of stuff you've actually made, and will help you decide where to go after high school.
Updated
Tomas’s Answer
To answer your question directly, look into Level Design, Project Management, and Game Design.
-Project Management will help you get used to keeping a “pipeline” in mind when you design or brainstorm game ideas. A wonderful skill for working in a team and even to keep yourself organized and on track. Resources can be found for free on YouTube.
-Level Design was the point of interest that launched my career, and passion for game design. It’s strictly the physical design of the playable area the player will be experiencing. There are many resources on YouTube, look up ones by developers and even indie game designers.
-Game Design is how the game functions, from the code to the rules.
You will peice together the rules and function of the game, and work through as much if not all the possibilities that could break your game or avoid situations that players will run into in the game. This is a very collaborative process as well. Resources can be found on YouTube for free as well.
Best of luck to you, and be open to other fields you may discover while learning. Make sure you enjoy what you’re doing.
-Project Management will help you get used to keeping a “pipeline” in mind when you design or brainstorm game ideas. A wonderful skill for working in a team and even to keep yourself organized and on track. Resources can be found for free on YouTube.
-Level Design was the point of interest that launched my career, and passion for game design. It’s strictly the physical design of the playable area the player will be experiencing. There are many resources on YouTube, look up ones by developers and even indie game designers.
-Game Design is how the game functions, from the code to the rules.
You will peice together the rules and function of the game, and work through as much if not all the possibilities that could break your game or avoid situations that players will run into in the game. This is a very collaborative process as well. Resources can be found on YouTube for free as well.
Best of luck to you, and be open to other fields you may discover while learning. Make sure you enjoy what you’re doing.
Tomas, thank you!
Orville