Hi, first of all, let me introduce myself. I'm a graduated student of CS and Multimedia for Enginyeria La Salle, in Barcelona, Spain. My final thesis was about game design, including topics like behavioral psychology, game theory, narrative, gameplay balance, etc. Now, I'm interested in doing the "DESS en design de jeux" in Campus Ubisoft. Also, as second option, I'm interested too in "Conception et réalisation de niveaux de jeux vidéo" course. But I'm worried about the fact that is nearly impossible to start working as a game designer straight the university. So, my question is: Is better to do a course about level design and then, once inside a company, try to reach the desired game designer position? Or is better to do a very focused degree in game design? Which jobs could I apply after the end of the degree? Tester, level designer as well (I already have knowledge of 3d modelling)? Which policy have companies like Ubisoft about this matter? Which is the most reliable path inside a company to get the game designer job? I'm very confused about this topic. I really want to do this job. I read a lot, I've done a thesis about it, but I need to do the final step to get inside the industry. So any light and advice for this matter will be very welcomed. Thanks for your time!!

[edit] sorry replied to wrong post ^^

The point is, I face to two diferent ways:

1) Do a Level Designer programme (not my main interest) (http://campusubisoft.com/fr/conception.php)
2) Be hired as a Level Designer
3) Try to reach the Game Designer position from inside

or,

1) Do a Game Designer degree (my main interest) (http://campusubisoft.com/fr/DESS.php)
2) Be hired as QA or Level Designer (without the best preparation, as I wouldn't have done the Level Designer programme)
3) Try to reach the Game Designer position from inside

Right now I'm more in the first option. I believe is a more practical aproach to the deal. Is mainly a matter of numbers; for one GD there are many LD involved in the project.

Also, checking webs like IGDA.org, many insiders seem to confirm that they will trust in someone inside the company to take the jump to the GD position, instead a newcomer.

Also I think the skills necessaries to be a game designer can be more easily self-taught.

Suggestions, past experiences, opinions, advices? Thanks!

I am a firm believer that your portfolio is really the most important thing in this field. So my suggestion would be to study Game Design if that's what you really want to do, and try to make some design examples (small games, design docs, demos, etc.) for use when applying for a job.

my personal route was as follows, hope its of some use ^^

- started modding and making levels for the Unreal 99 Engine and half life, textures and 3d models (photoshop and lightwave) at the age of around 14 while still in school and joined a few modifications over the following few years

-when i hit 16 i went to college, continuing modding in my spare time

- dropped out of college at 17 (wasn't learning anything i didn't already teach myself in relation to game dev, although did pickup some new skills with basic programs like word and excel which is always good to know) and the social aspect is always good

- landed a job at a game dev studio as a junior designer (also a reason for dropping out of college)

- moved to another dev studio as a level designer year later at 18 (across seas working with Unreal 3)

- moved to another dev studio as a designer at 20 which i am currently happily employed at and plan to be for another yr or two



...


- from here i plan on improving my skills in the art and design area, and in a few yrs apply for a senior designer position, and gradually work my way towards a game designer position, although im in no hurry as i love level design and creation.



regarding game related education, i personally never felt the need to go as i was already very confident with my knowledge and skills in photoshop, maya, max, lightwave , unreal and hammer editors and had experience with working within a dev team (modding) and had a portfolio and allot of content to back this up. however if things had been different and i wasnt fortunate enough to had been doing this since a young age i probably would have gone to a game related college to learn what was needed. + i have a very strong opinion on if i need a piece of paper (that costs 2 yrs and about 30k) to say what i can and cannot do to get a job (within reason) :P

if you wana chat sometime or wana take a look at my portfolio / resume or anything PM us your MSN ^^


best of luck

(sorry for my grammar ... lack of education ;) hehe


[edit] oh also thought this might be usful


i would recommend you learn a level editor (always good to know how they work as you will probably be using an editor of some kind working as a designer)

also learn low poly 3d modeling (for basic layout creation to be imported into the level editor (grey boxing) .. maya and max are probably your best bet (maya imo as its seems very popular within the industry at the moment)

and I recommend you read allot of game / level design related books and articles (google ;))

i personally cant stand coding/programing, but its always useful to learn about other fields

and get yourself into a modding / indie game dev team .. check the unreal and half life modding forums if you wana jump straight in .. probably best to learn a well known level editor rather than a home made one (personal opinion)



hope that helps ^^


oh also, you will have to work your way up to a game design position, extremely unlikely someones going to employ you over themselves / another highly respected employee to design they're next 2-20mil dev cost game ^^

Chris







[Edited by - CrysAk on December 13, 2006 5:40:10 AM]