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Sam
Student
Schaumburg, Illinois
9
Questions
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What kind of classes do I take to become a video game designer??
#video-games #video-game-design #video-game-production
I want to do more than just find a job that has to with retail #game-development
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Sam although a high school diploma may be sufficient, designers may need a bachelor's degree as well, especially if they're planning to work for a large game studio. Some schools offer degrees in game design, and these programs specifically teach how to be a game designer; however, you can still receive the necessary training for this field 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. Beyond getting a video game designer degree, 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.
Even within the field of video game design, there are many different types of designers, each with distinct and critical roles. Lead designers and level designers work alongside content designers, game writers, audio designers, and system designers to ensure the production of a quality game. Content designers have to creatively design the specific content which players see and manipulate in the game, and these designers thus need artistic abilities as well as practical programming skills. Game writers are also important members of a video game design team as they compose provocative and moving dialogue, a critical aspect to many games. Audio designers are also focused on player experience as they design the sounds, noises, and music heard by players while playing the game. There are also system designers that develop functional aspects of the game, such as how players earn in-game experience, gain in-game currency, purchase and modify weaponry or outfits, execute abilities or spells, and a myriad of other in-game functions. 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 role they want to pursue in particular.
Hope this was helpful Sam
Another potential step in the education process is to 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. These clubs also provide experience communicating and cooperating with others interested in the field.
Even within the field of video game design, there are many different types of designers, each with distinct and critical roles. Lead designers and level designers work alongside content designers, game writers, audio designers, and system designers to ensure the production of a quality game. Content designers have to creatively design the specific content which players see and manipulate in the game, and these designers thus need artistic abilities as well as practical programming skills. Game writers are also important members of a video game design team as they compose provocative and moving dialogue, a critical aspect to many games. Audio designers are also focused on player experience as they design the sounds, noises, and music heard by players while playing the game. There are also system designers that develop functional aspects of the game, such as how players earn in-game experience, gain in-game currency, purchase and modify weaponry or outfits, execute abilities or spells, and a myriad of other in-game functions. 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 role they want to pursue in particular.
Hope this was helpful Sam
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Jasen Moloy
Engineering Manager, Mobile Apps
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jasen’s Answer
Being a video game designer encompasses a lot of different skills so it will take a few classes. In fact, it's a whole degree! Ultimately you'll probably focus on specific areas of design just like software development. For large game studios, there's many departments that focus on things like 3D Animation, 3D Modeling, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), 2D textures, level design, game mechanics, game writing, etc. Smaller studios will probably have more people who work in multiple things.
Generally, you'll have to gain some technical knowledge because you'll be working with software developers and be bound by the constraints of whatever you're working on (i.e. working on a Nintendo DS vs a PS5). Some artists/designers even become Tech Artists which help create tools for the team.
Here's a website I found that can help answer a few more questions: https://www.gamedesigning.org/questions/. They also have an education section which talks about schools and degrees they offer. The University of Santa Cruz (UCSC) for example has a degree which can expose you to the different aspects of game design: https://admissions.sa.ucsc.edu/majors/artgamemedia.
What are some games you really enjoy from a design standpoint? Check out their credits page to see all the different designers/artists who worked on it and give them a Google search!
Generally, you'll have to gain some technical knowledge because you'll be working with software developers and be bound by the constraints of whatever you're working on (i.e. working on a Nintendo DS vs a PS5). Some artists/designers even become Tech Artists which help create tools for the team.
Here's a website I found that can help answer a few more questions: https://www.gamedesigning.org/questions/. They also have an education section which talks about schools and degrees they offer. The University of Santa Cruz (UCSC) for example has a degree which can expose you to the different aspects of game design: https://admissions.sa.ucsc.edu/majors/artgamemedia.
Jasen recommends the following next steps: