Hey everyone, Im new to the site and looking for some advice. I am very interested in the story/rules behind the games. I dont mind a bit of programming, and dont have much interest in the graphic designs behind making the games. I think creating the game layout and rule sets is where my desire is. Is there a position for this? Most everything that I come across is about graphic design/art/programming or sound. I am currently going to Devry University in their Game and Simulation Programming Degree. What are some steps I should be doing in getting to the position I am looking for in Game Design?

You might have some luck as a "technical writer" if you want to write dialog and such. But as for rules and actual design, what you described is a subset of a "designer" position. A designer is in charge of more then just game mechanics and story telling. Look up the "Game Designer" position and see what it involves and if it's something you like to pursue.

Some projects have a specialist who is in charge of all combat, or one who does all puzzle design, I think those are the two main types of game rules design. Some projects have a specialist lead writer in charge of story, and many projects have staff writers who are in charge of filling in blanks in the designer's or lead writer's story.

Typically, the lead designer of a project gets the first shot at designing everything, and the areas he or she isn't interested in or skilled at are the ones which get delegated.

Quote: Original post by Draiken
I think creating the game layout and rule sets is where my desire is.

Is there a position for this?

Read:
http://www.igda.org/breakingin/path_design.htm
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson14.htm
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson7.htm

Quote: What are some steps I should be doing in getting to the position I am looking for in Game Design?

Read:
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson12.htm
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/designprep.htm