5 answers
C
Student
Glendale, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
385 views
How can someone start practicing game development?
How can someone begin practicing working on games?
Where do they start in this field; the best place to begin?
What do they do to find their career path in this subject?
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5 answers
Andrew Thomas
Unity Developer
1
Answer
Daytona Beach, Florida
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
I would recommend watching video on how to use a game engine like Unity or Unreal and learn some of the sample project first to get a understanding of how video games are made from start to finish.
https://learn.unity.com/
Second, it really depends on what role / department you want to work in Video Games can be broken down in to these core area, Design- The people who comes up with the gameplay and layout the levels, Art - The people who use 3D or 2D graphic software to create and animate objects for the game, Programming - The people who work in C# , C++ , or a visual scripting like blueprint, Production - simular to TV / Movie producer , in charge of overseeing the budget and the projects.
The best way to find your career path is to try all of the core areas and see which one you like the most and once you find the one for you drive it home and do everything you can to make it the best you can possible make it
https://learn.unity.com/
Second, it really depends on what role / department you want to work in Video Games can be broken down in to these core area, Design- The people who comes up with the gameplay and layout the levels, Art - The people who use 3D or 2D graphic software to create and animate objects for the game, Programming - The people who work in C# , C++ , or a visual scripting like blueprint, Production - simular to TV / Movie producer , in charge of overseeing the budget and the projects.
The best way to find your career path is to try all of the core areas and see which one you like the most and once you find the one for you drive it home and do everything you can to make it the best you can possible make it
Michael Howard
Creative Director
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
I spent about 15 years in the video game industry and learned a lot about marketing, development and all the other things in between.
I got my start in Quality Assurance also known as Video Game Testing. In this position I met a number of people who went off to become programmers, artists, engineers and other pivotal positions. QA is a great place to get an idea of how games are made on a professional level and how they go to market as well as what you like about video game production. This will also put you in a place to potentially interview people about how they got to their spot at the company and if their position is for you.
One thing that was common practice was, people who wanted to be producers or designers often had a small game they worked on during their time off and would tell people about it. Another thing is try and go to video game conventions where you can meet many VG industry professionals and indie developers who are attempting to get exposure for their game. PAX is a great show to learn about the indie game market and how people develop their own games with 1-5 people teams.
Lastly you might want to attend career conferences in the tech space because many people I have worked would get interviews or apply for positions at a place like this. Game Developers Conference (GDC) is an AMAZING place to get a perspective of how many companies are looking for help in entry level positions or will offer you advice about your own video game journey especially if you are just starting out. The tickets are pricey but that is because people often find jobs or gigs through this conference.
I got my start in Quality Assurance also known as Video Game Testing. In this position I met a number of people who went off to become programmers, artists, engineers and other pivotal positions. QA is a great place to get an idea of how games are made on a professional level and how they go to market as well as what you like about video game production. This will also put you in a place to potentially interview people about how they got to their spot at the company and if their position is for you.
One thing that was common practice was, people who wanted to be producers or designers often had a small game they worked on during their time off and would tell people about it. Another thing is try and go to video game conventions where you can meet many VG industry professionals and indie developers who are attempting to get exposure for their game. PAX is a great show to learn about the indie game market and how people develop their own games with 1-5 people teams.
Lastly you might want to attend career conferences in the tech space because many people I have worked would get interviews or apply for positions at a place like this. Game Developers Conference (GDC) is an AMAZING place to get a perspective of how many companies are looking for help in entry level positions or will offer you advice about your own video game journey especially if you are just starting out. The tickets are pricey but that is because people often find jobs or gigs through this conference.
Rochishni Kolli
Ex - Software Testing Engineer
4
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Rochishni’s Answer
This question is right in my wheelhouse! I would start off by applying for Game Tester positions! QA side of the game is the best stepping stool into the industry. I would also recommend looking at ur ideal gaming company and familiarizing yourself with its game products! This is very much enjoyable and valuable as it teaches you game design on a higher level.
Matt Scenna
Package handler
1
Answer
Salem, Massachusetts
Updated
Matt’s Answer
The next step is figuring out which path you want to take, or learn a little of every aspect. Concept art, 3d modeling, animation, rigging, coding, etc. I highly recommend you look into a few courses in your interested subject on udemy.com. Once you get some practice in, you can put together a portfolio to show game companies.
Thomas Dias Batista
Lead Product Designer
3
Answers
Bluffdale, Utah
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
You need a pc and youtube/google, try making simple things work from start to end. Then move to adding more complexity. There are a lot of content out there specially on youtube to learn it. The Blueprint (visual coding) system works really great for Unreal Users. I would give it a shoot before actually diving into coding. But it depends on your background.