I was talking to a friend that is finishing up a bachelors in computer graphics. I asked him a few basic questions about game dev. He says that the best way to get into game design is through computer graphics. He claims it is hard to get noticed by doing game testing since the area is so crowded these days. What would you say is the best way to get into design and please list other methods too. Also, could you drop a few hints about getting into level design, screenplay/storyboard writing, directing, and producing?

Ever considered programming?


"Skepticism.... that great rot of the intellect." - V.H.
Bah, what does HE know?


Albekerky Software

Yeah, but how much of the creative process of the game do you get to take part in with programming?

quote:
Yeah, but how much of the creative process of the game do you get to take part in with programming?

Well, besides determining how the entire game will work, how actions are performed, how to make an innovative idea work, and of course the underlaying engine code, not much I guess

Seriously, programming should be taken as a higher part of the main design of the game and not just making it work ''as specified''.

- Chris

As a programmer you can always add in those bizzare cheat codes that everyone wonders about



-~-The Cow of Darkness-~-

If you see the image I am online

And if you want to make game demos to get you hired in a company you need to program. Game Demos and/or Art Portfolios help. Both is better but to get good enough to get in you probably have to specialize.

If you want to be a Designer, you should study writing, algebra (to figure out the formulae for various game mechanics), practices and standards in the game industry, video game history, and of course game design -- including, but not limited to, how to write a complete design document. You should be experienced with developing missions/quests for games. Other very helpful skills include game level/map design, concept art (sketches), storyboarding, scriptwriting, and yes, some programming. A great way to get started is to develop mods or scenarios for existing games, writing out complete design documents for them and then putting them together in the editor included with your game of choice. This gives you something you can show off to potential employers as part of a game design portfolio.

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Brian Lacy
ForeverDream Studios

Comments? Questions? Curious?
brian@foreverdreamstudios.com

"I create. Therefore I am."