Hello, everyone. I'm an aspiring student and wish to someday become a software engineer, but more specifically a game designer (programmer). This is my current field of study (computer science) and I've gotten a lot of help with questions here on GameDev. I'm currently working on a research project involving my "dream job". I thought that the GameDev forums would be a great place to ask if anyone could offer their time to perform an e-mail interview I could use in my final paper. Anyone who has a professional job programming is welcome, along with anyone who has experience programming or doing game design (any aspect; artists, writers, etc.). I do not have an organized list of questions ready yet, but I want to gather an initial response to find out who may be interested. I would need to know the interviewee's name (last name is not required), job position, and time they have spent in the field of programming and/or game design. The interview will consist of about 10 - 20 questions. Not all of the questions would need to be answered, but the ideal response would address them all in significant detail. I realize that anyone with such a job or experience is probably very busy, and I greatly appreciate any time anyone can take to assist me. Anyone intersted will receive the interview by e-mail and should send a reply to GenuineXP(AT)verizon.net. If interested, please let me know at that same address. Once I know who may be interested and I have the interview prepared, I will send it out. I will continue to check this thread, so please post as many replies, feedback, or contact information here if you like. :-) Thank you. I really do appreciate any help with this. I can answer any questions about the e-mail interview via e-mail or in this thread. (I posted this in The Business of Game Development because it seemed like a good place; I also welcome anyone involved in such "business of game development" to participate in my interview! :-) Thanks again.) [Edited by - GenuineXP on October 28, 2006 4:43:54 PM]

Most Game Programmers don't do a whole lot of Game Design. If you want to do Game Design (developing play mechanics, balancing weapons, etc) then I've heard that it's probably easier to get in through QA. You start reporting bugs and suggesting improvements; after a while, you're a junior designer, and then you work your way up.

However, you could also get into game design through programming, specifically as a Game Play Programmer. I e, the designers often can't program themselves, and need someone to help them implement their prototypes, suggestions and changes. Once you learn the trade, you can move into more design that way.

Anyway, that's for what it's worth. Good luck!