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How does one get involved in the creation of video games?

I've always loved video games, not only as a way to take my mind off of stress, but also as a form of interactive media that can bring people together. The unique experiences and lessons I've learned from video games have helped me so much in life, that I want to do the same for others, even if it is helping with just a small part of one. But I don't know where to start, where to go, or what I should know to really start getting into the field. #tech #video-games #games

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James Constantine’s Answer

Subject: Kickstarting Your Journey in Video Game Development

Dear Maitlin,

Embarking on a journey in video game creation can be a thrilling and fulfilling adventure for those who are passionate about gaming and game design. Here's a roadmap to help you launch your career in this dynamic industry:

1. Cultivate Your Skills and Knowledge:

Master Game Development Skills: Familiarize yourself with programming languages like C++, Java, or Python, and get hands-on experience with software tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
Dive into Game Design: Grasp the essentials of game mechanics, storytelling, level design, and user experience to create captivating gameplay.
Explore Art and Animation: If art and animation pique your interest, hone your skills in 2D/3D art, character design, animation principles, and digital sculpting.

2. Assemble a Portfolio:

Initiate Projects: Begin crafting your own games or game elements to demonstrate your abilities. This could range from small indie games, mods, to art assets.
Team Up: Engage with online communities or local game development groups to work together on projects and gain invaluable team experience.

3. Expand Your Network:

Join Events: Engage in game development conferences, workshops, and networking events to connect with industry veterans and stay abreast of the latest trends.
Establish an Online Presence: Develop a portfolio website or display your work on platforms like GitHub, ArtStation, or LinkedIn to catch the attention of potential employers or collaborators.

4. Gain Experience through Internships and Entry-Level Roles:

Pursue Internships: Seek internships at game studios or companies to gain practical experience and learn from industry gurus.
Secure Entry-Level Roles: Apply for initial positions such as QA tester, junior developer, or assistant designer to kickstart your career in the gaming world.

5. Commit to Lifelong Learning:

Stay Informed: Keep pace with industry trends, new technologies, and emerging platforms to enhance your skills and maintain your competitive edge.
Embrace Feedback: Welcome input from peers and mentors to continually refine your work.

By adhering to this roadmap and dedicating yourself to skill refinement, you can boost your chances of making your mark in the video game industry and shaping immersive gaming experiences for players globally.

Top 3 Credible Resources Used:

Game Developer Magazine: A premier publication in the gaming arena offering insights into game development procedures, trends, and industry standards.

Gamasutra: A digital platform providing news, articles, and resources for game developers encompassing various facets of game design, programming, art, and business.

Unity Learn: Unity’s official educational platform offering tutorials, courses, and resources for budding game developers aiming to master Unity engine tools and methods.

GOD BLESS YOU, MAITLIN!
JC.
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Angus’s Answer

Hi


First off - you probably need to decide which part of the game development you would like to be involved in (as the creation of a game takes hundreds of people - with many different skills) - e.g. video game modelers (digital models of the people / landscape / objects) in the game, or a level designer - determining the "architecture" of the game, the goal / challenges / difficulty on each level, or you could be a story-board developer - someone who helps design the game story and characters and objectives, you could also be a sound engineer for the the background music and noises / sound-effects during the game, etc hundreds of types of jobs!


So - suggest you get in touch with companies who develop games and find out how they bring in young developers, whether they have internships, or have opportunities as a games tester (they all have pools of people they call on to test games before they get launched (testing for bugs and usability etc) - also think about going to gaming events to learn about the tech / who the players are in the industry.


Suggest there is a wealth of information in this topic on the web - in specialist blogs and forums, and probably, if you look hard enough, even local event where you live that could help you getting into this field.

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Shawn’s Answer

Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree


Designers may need a bachelor's degree, especially if they're planning to work for a large game studio. Although some schools offer a degree in game design, aspiring game designers can get the necessary training from computer science, software engineering, or related degree programs. The coursework for a game design program covers subjects like 2D and 3D modeling and animation, level and interface design, storyboard rendering, drawing, and scripting.


It's important that you also play video games. As simple as it may sound, having experience and familiarity with playing video games is important. Even at a young age, being aware of popular trends in the industry and understanding advanced technology can be beneficial. Playing video games can also show you how a game is structured and can give you a chance to start thinking of ways to make improvements for when you design your own game.


Join a game design club. Some schools have a club designed for students who wish to develop and discuss games outside of the classroom. This type of club generally covers all facets of game production, which could be rather useful for future game designers.


Step 2: Determine a Career Path


Even within this specialty, there are different types of designers, including lead designer, level designer and content designer. Additionally, game designers have a diverse array of responsibilities that may not immediately be obvious, so aspiring professionals in this field should consider what type of game design career they want to pursue.


Step 3: Gain Experience


Even after completing the required education, getting a job with a game studio can be difficult. Since employers require game design experience for most mid-level positions, aspiring game designers need to find ways to get relevant experience. Some companies offer internships and co-op positions for prospective designers. Small businesses may be willing to hire inexperienced game programmers or artists, which could lead to game design positions later on.


Step 4: Develop a Game


Game design candidates can get an edge over the competition by designing their own game. Students can use free or inexpensive programs to create simple games at first and begin working on more complex projects after grasping the basics. Each game can be added to an individual's portfolio and count as design experience.

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Brendan’s Answer

Here's an answer I wrote up a while ago.


https://www.careervillage.org/questions/23856/how-can-i-become-a-video-game-designer?page=1#23867

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