Breaking into Game Design

mmc · 2011-07-26T16:00:08

Hello all, I've been trying to break into the industry for a couple of years now. My background is that of a university degree in history, I've managed to make into as a contractor QA for a big gaming software company for over 6 months, and I have an indie title to be released in Q4 2011 where I stood as lead game designer (it is no biggy, but it is 3d and could compare to early 2000ish fps/adventure games with interesting systems). I read a lot of articles about design and am constantly attempting to improve my experience and overall capabilities. Basically, right now, I'm wondering, what, from your own experience, is the next step I should take to acquire more credibility for a job interview as a game designer? I understand most companies are looking for people that have 2 or 3 published titles (commercial, aka, from a big company) under their belts, but since this looks like a dead-end, is there anything 'else' I can try to actually get inside of a company as a game/level designer? Note: - I have a decent programming background, but I couldn't work as a programmer. - I also happen to have very good musical composition skills, but companies usually contract external people for that job (they don't keep one in-house, and it wouldn't drag me any closer to my goal) - Like I said, I've done QA, but it didn't seem to get me any closer to design after 9 months on a AAA.

Games Career Development Business

Started by Orymus January 01, 2010 03:03 PM

32 comments, last by Orymus 12 years, 8 months ago

green0410

100

May 04, 2010 12:19 AM

What would be required for an undergraduate graphic designer to go into the field of game design?

I am finishing up my undergrad in graphic design and I am interested in learning more about game design. Possibly a Masters Degree. What should be the first step in the exploration process?

I know one of the requirements ultimately is drawing. Does anyone know of a great self taught book to improve skills?

Tom Sloper

17,200

May 04, 2010 08:31 AM

The first step in the exploration process would be to View Forum FAQ (above).
Then read these:
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson41.htm
http://www.igda.org/games-game-april-2006
Drawing is not a requirement for game designers. I'm surprised that as a graphic design major you'd be expressing concern about that.

-- Tom Sloper -- sloperama.com

Obscure

175

January 14, 2011 05:13 AM

You could be right about some students, but a lot of them are just studying because they don't know what else to do and don't want to work yet. Even in university/master's. At least that's how it is where I come from. History is a popular choice for those students.

In which case continuing their education would be a really smart thing to do. It keeps them off the streets for a few years and exposes them to a host of information and experiences they would not otherwise have. During that time they may discover something they are passionate about and may mature enough to make difficult life choices. Dropping out of school because you don't know what you want to do would definitely be the dumb option.

Dan Marchant - Business Development Consultant
www.obscure.co.uk

Orymus

156

Author

July 26, 2011 04:00 PM

I was surprised to see this post is now being pinned as reference.
In all regards, I'll give an overdue update on my status.
I have now achieved over 6 months as a Project Coordinator.
I am still working on my side project which should hit online distribution platforms in Q1 2013.
If I'm lucky enough, I should be able to land in a job in Game Design after that.

The fact you were there before they invented the wheel doesn't make you any better than the wheel nor does it entitle you to claim property over the wheel. Being there at the right time just isn't enough, you need to take part into it.

I have a blog!

Breaking into Game Design

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Breaking into Game Design

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