3 answers
Jacob
Student
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
1
Question
Updated
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What are some ways to become a good game designer?
Specificaly someone who wants to work on video games or computer designing.
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3 answers
Harmit Singh
Game Developer
17
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Harmit’s Answer
Hi Jacob! There are a few ways you can get into game design. One of the more straightforward routes would be to go to school to learn it. This is the route that I took, and it allowed me to be in a space where I was connected to good resources and assets to learn what entails good game design. It also allowed me to get personal help when learning how to design different elements of games, whether it be mechanics, UI, levels, or overall flow.
Another route is to self-learn. This is also very viable and there are many designers who learned on their own and became very successful. This would also entail looking for resources to learn such as books, GDC talks, etc. It isn't as straightforward of a process, but it can definitely be done.
The best way to practice is to just make games. Work on a personal project, join a game jam or plan out a game just for fun. Practice and refinement is the best way to hone your skills.
Good luck in your career!
Another route is to self-learn. This is also very viable and there are many designers who learned on their own and became very successful. This would also entail looking for resources to learn such as books, GDC talks, etc. It isn't as straightforward of a process, but it can definitely be done.
The best way to practice is to just make games. Work on a personal project, join a game jam or plan out a game just for fun. Practice and refinement is the best way to hone your skills.
Good luck in your career!
T.J. Worthy
Mentor
203
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Jacob!
I agree with Harmit's answer. The best way to become a good game designer is to create games. Game development is a field where professional must consistently improve and make stuff!
The only thing I will say is: Getting a degree is not required to get a job. In fact, college is not required for any career in video game development.
Instead of going to school, I recommend that you develop your portfolio and focus on meeting the industry standard with your projects.
Hard work matters more than a degree, in this case.
Game designers are unique. Their work focuses on the mechanics and logic (aka the system itself) of a game. So, you'll need to focus on building systems and components that work.
Check out the Game Maker's Toolkit and CG Spectrum to learn more:
- Game Maker's Toolkit:
https://youtu.be/PMXf0e8n2Oc
- CG Spectrum:
https://youtu.be/ZEoyoXUoIX8
Here's some resources to get an overview of the career:
- The Complete Guide to Video Game Design:
https://www.gamedesigning.org/
- So You Want to Work in Games? - Riot Games:
https://youtu.be/yYYtBFSxoCg
- Guide to forming a Game Design Portfolio:
https://www.gamedesigning.org/career/game-design-portfolio/
To start learning about game design, check out these videos:
Game Design 101:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc38fcMFcV_vToz9Nvc_YQTNH8hkIQ2uC
Game Design & Mechanics Lectures:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3eVql0CPrVhG2AeVE1l8hcNPSNmoeagK
Lastly: You can start making personal projects by yourself or make group projects online.
When you've finished a game, you can publish it at Itch io!
Sending you good luck with getting a career in game design :)
I agree with Harmit's answer. The best way to become a good game designer is to create games. Game development is a field where professional must consistently improve and make stuff!
The only thing I will say is: Getting a degree is not required to get a job. In fact, college is not required for any career in video game development.
Instead of going to school, I recommend that you develop your portfolio and focus on meeting the industry standard with your projects.
Hard work matters more than a degree, in this case.
Game designers are unique. Their work focuses on the mechanics and logic (aka the system itself) of a game. So, you'll need to focus on building systems and components that work.
Check out the Game Maker's Toolkit and CG Spectrum to learn more:
- Game Maker's Toolkit:
https://youtu.be/PMXf0e8n2Oc
- CG Spectrum:
https://youtu.be/ZEoyoXUoIX8
Here's some resources to get an overview of the career:
- The Complete Guide to Video Game Design:
https://www.gamedesigning.org/
- So You Want to Work in Games? - Riot Games:
https://youtu.be/yYYtBFSxoCg
- Guide to forming a Game Design Portfolio:
https://www.gamedesigning.org/career/game-design-portfolio/
To start learning about game design, check out these videos:
Game Design 101:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc38fcMFcV_vToz9Nvc_YQTNH8hkIQ2uC
Game Design & Mechanics Lectures:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3eVql0CPrVhG2AeVE1l8hcNPSNmoeagK
Lastly: You can start making personal projects by yourself or make group projects online.
When you've finished a game, you can publish it at Itch io!
Sending you good luck with getting a career in game design :)
Mike Breault
Game Design, Teacher of Game Design
2
Answers
Kirkwood, Missouri
Updated
Mike’s Answer
While I agree with previous posters, I think the best route is via a game design/development program at a school. There you'll get guidance from instructors and classmates, feedback that is invaluable to your development as a designer.
For every 100 people who decide to learn how to design games on their own, I'd guess maybe 1 person actually makes it into the industry. You seem to want this as a career so IMO going to college for it is the best route. But make sure the instructors have actually been professionals in the industry (i.e., have been employed at game companies) or else they don't know what they're talking about.
FYI, I worked in the game industry for 30+ years, on both analog and digital games (130 published games) and I've been teaching game design at universities for the last several years. My advice is based on my experiences in the industry and helping my students get their start there as well.
For every 100 people who decide to learn how to design games on their own, I'd guess maybe 1 person actually makes it into the industry. You seem to want this as a career so IMO going to college for it is the best route. But make sure the instructors have actually been professionals in the industry (i.e., have been employed at game companies) or else they don't know what they're talking about.
FYI, I worked in the game industry for 30+ years, on both analog and digital games (130 published games) and I've been teaching game design at universities for the last several years. My advice is based on my experiences in the industry and helping my students get their start there as well.