Okay - How do you get a job as a game designer? Do you have to submit a demo of a really well designed game? Or write up a full design document? Because honestly, I would prefer to spend my life designing games than slogging over the code (don''t get me wrong, I can and have made my own games). Not that I want to offend any programmers (cos I would like to do that as well), just designing seems like so much less stress.... wiseGuy

Unfortunately, I don't think any companies would hire someone just to design an app, but not actually work on the project itself. The only way I could foresee being a designer only is by starting out in a company as a programmer or artist, and have somebody think your personal ideas are brilliant. Then maybe you'd get the design job, but I'm sure they'd still want you to be able to actually work hands on. I have looked at several company websites for job listings, and all of them were tech jobs (artist or programmer). Most companies would already have any design staff they need. Unfortunately, about the only sure fire way to get the job you describe is to start your own company, which unless you have some serious moola in your bank account, is impossible.

As for tech jobs, I do know that I have seen ads for software companies looking for employees in certain magazines (I read Next Gen, and EGM, and occasionally PC Gamer). Your best bet though is to visit a companies website. A lot of them have job listings posted. Go check out Blizzard's website ( www.blizzard.com ) for an example. Basically, if you want a real job in the industry, you're going to have to submit some type of resume and the more degrees and / or job experience you have listed relating to the fields you want to enter, the better off you'll be. For artists, they will want to see a portfolio of some sort. Different companies will have varying requirements for what they want to see before considering hiring you. Just check out the websites.

For a programmer, you'll need to be really good at C++, know how to program 2D and 3D graphics, and / or network programming to have a serious shot at a major company (sometimes they have listings for niche programmers that perform certain tasks the lead programmer doesn't have time for). A computer science degree is a huge step in the right direction, and some may require you actually have a degree before they'll even consider it (the degree is basically a sort of proof that you know what your doing, although some very incapable people can get their hands on a degree, so that isn't necessarily the end all and be all).

Artists: Be really good at 2D art (sketching, making textures, etc.) and 3D modeling with a major 3D app, or one very similar to it (3D Studio is a good one, but you'd have to cough up serious dough for it. Many professional level apps can be in the thousands)

I'd like to stress that I'm not an expert on this topic, but the information I have comes from my own personal browsing of company job listings on various websites.

Also, you'll have to be fully willing to relocate to wherever the company headquarters are. So, if you don't want to move out of state, I hope you either live in California or Texas :-)



Edited by - CheeseLord on June 3, 2000 11:37:23 AM

Edited by - CheeseLord on June 3, 2000 11:38:36 AM

game designer is definently a job but there are no entry level positions, they aren''t going to trust the company''s future to some guy they just hired. Thus you have to work your way up in the company some other way, usually programming or sometimes art.

Hiya,

Designing a game is not as simple as one might think. Just sitting down and writing a story idea in couple of pages doesn''t make a design. I''ve seen design documents that are 4 inches thick and 2 books long. Everything from a complete story to graphics layouts, to the art requirements, sound requirements, system requirements, input controls, AI expentancies, multiplayer plans. All of these require experience...it''s not a "wish" list, it''s a reality list.

Good designers know the industry, the games, the trends, what works and what doesn''t from both a technical and marketing standpoint. They understand how to make a design that has a shot at being a hit even when their budget is so low it''s a joke...and they also know how to fight to get that budget increased when necessary. They take criticism and apply or defend as necessary. They work with others to get the information needed to complete the design.

Then, if approved, they fight over the 18+ month process to keep the vision on target...but it usually changes a lot during this process.

What it isn''t: Somebody who sits down all day, comes up with ideas and passes them to someone who then makes the idea come to life.

So, sorry to burst your bubble It *is* a great job if you can get it, but don''t be fooled into thinking it''s an easy job.

Good luck!

-Krylar