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What steps are recommended for becoming a video game designer?

I'm a student who is learning software development to become a video game designer in the future. However, I'm not sure what to do after I graduate, so if you can suggest some tips or steps I should follow first after graduation, that would be appreciated.

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ANDREW’s Answer

Hi Aaron,

It’s awesome that you’re learning software development and have a clear goal to become a video game designer! Don’t know your age and current study level, so I’m just going to assume you’re very young, and therefore will address you as an adult (hopefully this ideas are valid for any age or stage anyway).

First, I want to say there’s no single “right way” to pursue this —it’s different for everyone depending on their passions, strengths, variables.

Videogame design is such a grand subject… Anywho! Here are just some ideas that might help you somewhere on your journey:

1. Know Yourself:
As you know, video game design is a grand, vast, complex and immensely diverse endeavor that can mean so many things! Some designers love coding, while others (like myself) might not enjoy (or hate) code but excel instead as writers, visual artists, music composers, character designers, level designers, game mechanics designers… Focus on discovering what you’re best at and what brings you the most happiness and fulfillment. That’s the area you should pursue!

2. Refine Your Skills in Game Design:
While software development is crucial for you, game design also involves creativity, storytelling, psychology and understanding player experiences, but also AI more and more. Perhaps learning tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, and all those that might useful, versatile, and widely used now and the foreseeable future. Start small, super humble, minimalist even, with focused personal projects or prototypes to practice your skills, and share them with very close people you trust to playtest, and take note on how they relate to what you’ve put together, if they understand right away how to play without your input or any instructions, the engagement, etc.

3. Build a Portfolio (maybe?):
Not so sure about this one? I’ve known of people that are Art Directors or Lead Game Designers of relatively successful games that never bothered putting together a portfolio lol. But one hears often that after graduation, people should focus (slowly, nicely, organically) on creating a portfolio that showcases their best work. Perhaps include projects that demonstrate your creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical abilities. Hey, I’d say include even pitch concepts (every great game started just as an idea, right?). Even the tiniest game, or even mods, could impress potential employers if they highlight your passion and skills.
• For example, some of the most successful or at least popular video games started as fan-made mods. “Dota 2” began as a custom map for “Warcraft III” and later became a global phenomenon. Similarly, “Counter-Strike” started as a mod for “Half-Life” before evolving into one of the most played FPS games worldwide. I’ve also heard about an impressive community collaboration, called “Skyblivion” I think, that apparently has been remaking bit by bit “Oblivion” in Skyrim’s engine, since 2012 (!)
These examples show how impactful mods and fan made projects can be, so don’t hesitate to create your own!

4. Collaborate on Projects:
Collaborating with others (e.g., artists, sound designers, writers, fan made projects, community mods, game jams…) might help you understand team dynamics, which can be a big part of game development (very difficult, the human condition!). Consider participating in many game jams and online projects to gain experience and maybe expand your network.

5. Research Industry Roles:
Game design is such a broad field today, so explore all possible roles beyond level designer, systems designer, narrative designer, or technical designer. Tailor your learning and portfolio to the specific area that interests you most.

6. Network with Industry Professionals and Indie Devs: perhaps
join online communities, attend gaming events, listen good podcasts and try to connect with professionals. One never knows but Networking can sometimes open doors to internships, mentorship, community projects, or even job opportunities.

7. Consider Internships or Entry-Level Roles:
Look for internships, QA positions, or junior developer roles to get your foot in the door. Many game designers start in roles that give them exposure to the development process and then transition to design roles. But also remember that you don’t compulsorily need to work for a company; there’s also been spectacular stories of great success that started just as a group of indie Dev friends joining forces towards a game concept. Might be worthwhile to research those, too.

8. Learn from the Great Ones:
Depending on how you stand on this, videogame design can be more than a job—it can be a lifelong passion, even much like art. Art students and professionals often study the works of great artists, and as a designer, you could do the same. For example, my obsession with Tolkien, D&D, and fantasy literature inspired me to play hundreds of RPGs over 30 years. I still study early RPGs, read old manuals, interviews, analyzing their systems, game reception at the time, and learning about the people who created them, their inspirations, and the challenges they faced.
For you, think about what drew you to video games and game design in the first place. What is the aspect of development that excites you most? Identify those creators and works that inspire you, and immerse yourself in their creations and stories.

9. Be on the Lookout:
While the video game industry can be sometimes exciting and rewarding, it also has its darker sides. It’s important to educate yourself about your rights, contracts, and the various models of employment (e.g., full-time, freelance, or contract work). Be mindful of issues like “passion exploitation,” where employers might expect you to work long hours and even crunch for low pay under the guise of “doing it for the love of games.” There are also cases of workplace abuse, burnout, psychological issues, and even corruption in some companies.
Stay informed about industry news—both the good and the bad—so you can identify red flags early on. Learn about healthy workplace practices, and don’t hesitate to stand up for your well-being. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek advice from more experienced professionals or communities. The industry can be tough, but by staying vigilant, you’ll find opportunities that align with your values and goals.

10. Don’t Lose the Magic:
Don’t know if this apply to you (not sure if you’re more on the money-making side or the creative one). But as you grow deeper into game design, it’s easy to become so focused on analyzing games—dissecting their mechanics, visuals, systems, positioning, reception, marketing…—that you lose sight of the passion that brought you here. This happens in many fields, especially in the arts, where professionals may focus so much on technical details that they forget to enjoy the experience itself. Don’t let this happen to you. Always try to hold on to the joy, the inspiration, or even the hype that made you fall in love with video games in the first place.
When you’re playing games, also allow yourself to experience them as a player, as the Dev intended, not just a designer. Perhaps revisit the games that sparked your imagination and play them, yes, purely for fun. Remember what it felt like to explore a world for the first time or to be moved by a story that resonated deeply with you. I still remember the impact of listening for the first time the Dream Oath Opera from FFVI as a little child, totally absorbed by this epic drama, or finishing FFVII for the first time, of beating the Dark Dragon in Shining Force centuries ago, or the rage and tears and deep philosophical questions that raised that superb political drama that is FFTactics (an immortal study on the human condition)… Keeping that magic alive as much as you can will not only keep you inspired, and help you resist in the industry, but might also help you create experiences that ignite the same feelings in others.

Well, I think that’s it. Sorry for the long answer, hope it helps a bit. Stay away from micro-transactions, loot-box philosophies, predatory monetization, manipulative psychology in game design… and just try to stay on the sunny side of the street.

Cheers! And good luck,
Andrés
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Aaron,

It’s awesome that you’re pursuing software development with the goal of becoming a video game designer! The world of game design is exciting and creative, and while the path can seem a little unclear, there are steps you can take to set yourself up for success after graduation. Here’s a roadmap to help you get started:

1. Build a Strong Portfolio
- Start Now: Work on personal projects, game prototypes, or mods for existing games. Your portfolio is the key to showcasing your skills.
- Highlight Variety: Include different types of games—platformers, RPGs, or puzzle games—to demonstrate your versatility.
- Document Your Process: Include details about your design choices, problem-solving methods, and how you contributed to team projects if applicable.

2. Learn Game Engines and Tools
- Master Popular Engines: Unity and Unreal Engine are industry standards. Focus on one, then explore others.
- Familiarize with Design Tools: Get comfortable with tools like Blender (for 3D modeling), Photoshop (for 2D assets), or Figma (for UI design).

3. Gain Real-World Experience
- Internships: Apply for internships at game studios. Even if it’s not in design, roles like QA testing can get your foot in the door.
- Freelancing: Offer your skills to indie developers or participate in small-scale projects to build your network and resume.
- Game Jams: Participate in game jams (like Global Game Jam or Ludum Dare). They’re a great way to practice designing under pressure and meet like-minded people.

4. Continue Learning
- Take Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer game design and programming courses to deepen your skills.
- Read and Play: Analyze games you love. What makes them engaging? What could be improved?
- Follow Industry Trends: Stay updated with new tools, trends, and techniques by following game development blogs, forums, and social media.

5. Network and Collaborate
- Join Communities: Participate in forums like Reddit’s r/gamedev, Discord servers, or local game dev meetups.
- Attend Events: Go to game conferences like GDC or PAX if possible, even virtually. Networking at these events can lead to opportunities.
- Collaborate: Team up with artists, musicians, and writers to create games. Building relationships with people in the field can open doors.

6. Start Small but Think Big
- Indie Projects: Consider starting with small indie games or mobile games before aiming for AAA studios.
- Work Your Way Up: Entry-level roles like QA tester, level designer, or junior developer can help you break into the industry and gain experience.

7. Polish Your Resume and Skills
- Tailor Applications: Focus on roles that match your skills and highlight relevant projects.
- Practice Interviews: Game studios often ask about your problem-solving process, creativity, and teamwork. Be ready to showcase examples.

8. Stay Persistent
Breaking into the game industry can take time and effort, but don’t get discouraged. Every project, connection, and experience is a step closer to your goal.

You’re on the right path, Aaron! The skills and passion you’re building now will carry you forward. Keep creating, learning, and connecting with others, and you’ll find your way into the industry. You’ve got this!

Best wishes!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Aaron!

Steps to Become a Video Game Designer

1. Complete Your Education After graduating, ensure that you have a solid foundation in software development and game design principles. Many video game designers hold degrees in fields such as computer science, game design, or interactive media. If your program offered courses specifically related to game design, programming languages (like C++, C#, or Java), and graphics programming, make sure to highlight these on your resume.

2. Build a Portfolio A strong portfolio is crucial for showcasing your skills and creativity to potential employers. Start by creating small games or projects that demonstrate your understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, and visual design. Include a variety of work that highlights different aspects of game design, such as level design, character modeling, and coding. Use platforms like GitHub to share your code and project files.

3. Gain Experience Through Internships Look for internships or entry-level positions at game development studios. Internships provide valuable hands-on experience and can help you build connections within the industry. Even if the internship is not directly related to game design (for example, in quality assurance or production), it can still provide insights into the development process and help you understand how teams collaborate.

4. Network with Industry Professionals Networking is essential in the gaming industry. Attend gaming conventions, workshops, and meetups where you can connect with other professionals in the field. Join online communities on platforms like LinkedIn or Discord where you can engage with fellow aspiring designers and established professionals alike.

5. Stay Updated on Industry Trends The video game industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and trends emerging regularly. Follow industry news through websites like Gamasutra or IGN to stay informed about the latest developments in gaming technology, tools, and methodologies.

6. Learn Game Development Tools Familiarize yourself with popular game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine. These tools are widely used in the industry for developing games across various platforms. Understanding how to use these engines will enhance your employability as many studios look for candidates who are proficient in them.

7. Consider Specialization As you gain experience, consider specializing in a specific area of game design that interests you most—such as level design, narrative design, user interface (UI) design, or 3D modeling. Specializing can make you more attractive to employers looking for specific skill sets.

8. Apply for Jobs Once you feel confident in your skills and have built a solid portfolio along with relevant experience through internships or projects, start applying for jobs as a junior designer or programmer at gaming companies. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application to highlight why you’re a good fit for their team.

9. Continue Learning The learning process does not end after graduation; continue taking courses online (through platforms like Coursera or Udemy) to improve your skills further or learn new ones relevant to video game development.

By following these steps diligently after graduation, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue a successful career as a video game designer.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

Gamasutra: A leading website providing news and information about the video game industry including articles on career advice.

Game Developer Magazine: Offers insights into various aspects of game development including interviews with industry professionals which can guide aspiring designers.

IGDA (International Game Developers Association): An organization dedicated to supporting developers worldwide; they provide resources on networking opportunities and best practices within the gaming community.

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