Game Designer...What to do

[kalisclark]

Hi all, I am new to the forums and I just wanted some advice.

I would like to be a game designer but I am unsure of which path to take. it's not like the other stuff where you can just go and sit the A+ exam I am thinking of going to uni but im 27 and it would take 4 years, has anyone got any advice?

Many thanks

Kal

[BosonMichael]

1. Learn to program
2. Design a game
3. ??
4. Profit!



Welcome to the forums!

[supernova]

Originally Posted by kalisclark

but I am unsure of which path to take. it's not like the other stuff where you can just go and sit the A+ exam I am thinking of going to uni but im 27 and it would take 4 years, has anyone got any advice?

There are certs in software development and certain development tools.
Also I am sure there are plenty of courses in software and skills that would be useful e.g. graphic design , 3d modelling

if your going to uni look at one of the specialised game designing degrees there's a few out there (limited numbers).

I agree getting your own games out there is a good idea a. to make money b. show off your skills.

My father used to work with a chap that designed games (for the speccy) as a hobby, one of his games was given away by a magazine that he submitted it to, his work seen and later brought by a well known games company where he was made a director as a part of the deal. But things were different then.

[jk2447]

I fancied being a games developer for a time and as the fellas have said, learning programming is a good start. When I've looked at jobs they always want C++ as this can be used on any hardware. Apart from that going to Uni's the only way I think mate. Liverpool John Moores do a Degree and a Masters
http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/59970.htm
http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/59565.htm

Jim

[LukeP]

I too, wanted to be a game developer some time ago. There is absolutely shedloads of information on the web, try googling for "How to become game developer" or similar. There are also forums about game development where you can find plenty tutorials on the topic.

First of all. Write! If you don't know any programming language start off by reading programming tutorials or get a book. When you got the basics, start writing your own game. Tetris is good for start as it includes all basic elements that you will use in every game (display graphics, capture keyboard, game loop, sound, etc.)

Don't worry that your code is perfect and optimized and what not. No one's is. Just write so it works. You will have a chance to improve later. There is somewhere on the web a forum post that lists what games in what order should be written to maintain good learning curve for beginners. The list includes games like tetris, space invaders, pong, and some others but in different order. I can't seem to find it at the moment but if I do I will post the link. I know Tetris was first on the list (with a good explanation why) and the second one Breakout. I never got to second stage so I don't know what's third .

From what I heard though it is not all that great to be professional game developer. People tend to say it's much less stressful to write mainstream .NET applications.

Good luck

As for the Tetris game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0LtUX_6IXY

[Daniel]

Dont develop for PS3 (if by some divine miracle you become knowlegable enough to develop a game for the PS3 before the PS4 comes out, why do I type..)

http://news.cnet.com/sony-ps3-is-har...or-on-purpose/

EDIT: Also, good luck mate with whatever you chose to do! Keep us updated.

[kalisclark]

Thanks guys!!!

You have been very useful. I am going to try to get into uni and on the side I will try to learn C++ and start making things. If I don't get into uni I will do the latr in my spare time while working.

I apreciate all the info you have put up here it is very useful and I will be checking in regularly.

I will keep you posted and let you know where the path leads ...which ever one I take.

Many thanks

Kal

[dmarsh]

Using software and writing software are totally different.

If you wanted to learn to become a games developer you're probably looking at 3-5 years before you will produce anything professional.

A development career is tough, games programmer is probably one of the toughest IT careers out there.

You could look at things like flash and XNA, ways of getting up and running faster.

You say you want to be a 'designer', do you mean you only want to be involved in creative design and no coding ?

You could maybe try art/design college, and yes learn 3D modelling/digital art too while you're at it.

I'd have thought pure design roles in games must be pretty rare though. I'd have thought most jobs would be broadly coder or artist/animator.

Try these links :-
http://www.skillset.org/games/career...cle_2768_1.asp
http://www.gignews.com/crosby1.htm

Most designers earn a college degree. The most common degree concentrations are English, art, and computer science.

However, a designer’s most significant training comes from experience. "There's no such thing as an entry-level designer," says Mark Keeper, manager of product development at Blizzard Entertainment in San Mateo, California. Designers usually begin their careers as game artists, programmers, testers, or producers.

Mathematrix works in games, maybe he can help you.

[Mathematix]

I am a games developer, and for the life of me if you want to design games, why is everyone telling you to code?!

On the code side designers do not need to learn about compiled languages like C++, C# or whatever - but they should become familiar with scripting languages like Lua primarily, or Python. This is because in games certain events are 'scripted', in that they are triggered when a certain game event occurs - like triggering a cutscene for instance, or maybe spawning enemies in the games world, all examples of 'scripted events'.

I would check out Sloperama and ask him questions directly at the IGDA forums where I used to be a programming moderator. The advice given so far will not get you very far in game design. Be sure that you learn:

1. What makes a good or bad game.
2. Analyse current titles and pinpoint what is right/wrong with them.
3. And most important of all - how to create a game design pitch.

Good luck.

[Mathematix]

Originally Posted by dmarsh

Mathematrix works in games, maybe he can help you.

Thanks, dmarsh! Nice spelling there.

[m3lt]

Originally Posted by BosonMichael

1. Learn to program
2. Design a game
3. ??
4. Profit!

I suppose I am not the only one who at one point played WoW for a very long time.

Oh and if you want to be a games designer mate, I can get you some nice ebooks about the subject.

You have to look into it though, because there are writers, level designers, character designers, programmers, developers, etc etc...

So its up to you which part of making a game you like. I suggest you search Amazon for books on the subject, they are very very good!

But, for now you can check: http://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com

Go to their forums and see the stickies and you will be designing games in no time. ;)

[wagnerk]

I don't know if this will be of use to you, but a mate of mine wants to also be a games developer/designer (can't remember which) and after some research found Train2Game. They offer the Tiga Games Design & Games Development Diplomas, TIGA is the national trade association that represents game developers in the UK and in Europe.

Since this is, in essence, 3rd party reseach I can't agree or disagree with it (I haven't looked into it with much detail), but it may be something you want to check out?.

-Ken

[UKDarkstar]

The Wiltshire Branch of the BCS had a presentation on the games industry a while back which also gave some info about getting into it.

Details are here and you can download a pdf of the presentation.

[dmarsh]

Originally Posted by Mathematix

Thanks, dmarsh! Nice spelling there.

Opps, my bad, never noticed the exact spelling...

[Mathematix]

Originally Posted by dmarsh

Opps, my bad, never noticed the exact spelling...

Not many people do!