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Sam
Student
Schaumburg, Illinois
9
Questions
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What kinds of classes can I take to take to become a video game designer
#gamedesign #video-game-design #video-games
I want learn how to come a video game designer
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2 answers
Andrew Ogden
Software Engineer (Architect)
1
Answer
Lafayette, California
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi Sam,
Video game designers need to know about two important parts of making games: how a game is created and what makes it fun/engaging/interesting.
How a video game is made:
Computer Science classes will help you understand the programming building blocks a game is made with. Although designers usually have dedicated software engineers on their team, they often will work closely with them and the shared tools they use to make the game. Often designers will lay out maps, design challenges and tweak gameplay stats in tools made by the programmers they work with. Having at least a high level understanding how the game is made and run will help a designer figure out what is possible. Many designers, especially on indie games, do all or some of the game coding themselves.
Digital Art, 3D Modeling and User Experience will help you learn about how the visuals of the game are created, optimized and tested. Even if you don't have an artistic bone in your body (I don't), these classes will help you understand the practice of making the world the video game simulates. Like computer science, on a larger video game development team you will likely have dedicated artists, but it is important to know their process and how you can use the visuals of the game to convey your design ideas. Again, it is common for indie designers to create or direct some or all of the art for their projects.
What makes it fun/engaging/interesting:
This is the part of a designer's job that is a little more nebulous than just creating the game. You are in control of designing what the player can do, why they are doing it, for what reason and what story or message you are trying to tell.
Writing, Film Making and Critical Thinking classes will help you learn about story structures and how to effectively tell them. You can develop a feel for what makes a compelling experience and how to broadly craft them.
Math and Statistics are important classes to learn about "tuning/balancing" a video game. That's the process of designing and testing the numbers and formula that dictate the outcomes of player action. For a system heavy video game (think RPGs, Strategy or Simulation games) there is a lot of statistics and math that can be worked out "on paper" to ensure that the game is balanced players succeed/fail at the rate expected.
Any video game specific classes you can find are important to learn more about the industry. Because they are a unique interactive media there is history and learnings to video game design will help you learn from past successes and mistakes. Specifically classes that focus on Prototyping, Production, Business/Marketing, History, User Experience and Quality Assurance will help an aspiring designer.
Design a game on paper or with playing cards. Play it with friends and family. What was fun? Why? What could you improve? Make some changes and try again.
Video game designers need to know about two important parts of making games: how a game is created and what makes it fun/engaging/interesting.
How a video game is made:
Computer Science classes will help you understand the programming building blocks a game is made with. Although designers usually have dedicated software engineers on their team, they often will work closely with them and the shared tools they use to make the game. Often designers will lay out maps, design challenges and tweak gameplay stats in tools made by the programmers they work with. Having at least a high level understanding how the game is made and run will help a designer figure out what is possible. Many designers, especially on indie games, do all or some of the game coding themselves.
Digital Art, 3D Modeling and User Experience will help you learn about how the visuals of the game are created, optimized and tested. Even if you don't have an artistic bone in your body (I don't), these classes will help you understand the practice of making the world the video game simulates. Like computer science, on a larger video game development team you will likely have dedicated artists, but it is important to know their process and how you can use the visuals of the game to convey your design ideas. Again, it is common for indie designers to create or direct some or all of the art for their projects.
What makes it fun/engaging/interesting:
This is the part of a designer's job that is a little more nebulous than just creating the game. You are in control of designing what the player can do, why they are doing it, for what reason and what story or message you are trying to tell.
Writing, Film Making and Critical Thinking classes will help you learn about story structures and how to effectively tell them. You can develop a feel for what makes a compelling experience and how to broadly craft them.
Math and Statistics are important classes to learn about "tuning/balancing" a video game. That's the process of designing and testing the numbers and formula that dictate the outcomes of player action. For a system heavy video game (think RPGs, Strategy or Simulation games) there is a lot of statistics and math that can be worked out "on paper" to ensure that the game is balanced players succeed/fail at the rate expected.
Any video game specific classes you can find are important to learn more about the industry. Because they are a unique interactive media there is history and learnings to video game design will help you learn from past successes and mistakes. Specifically classes that focus on Prototyping, Production, Business/Marketing, History, User Experience and Quality Assurance will help an aspiring designer.
Andrew recommends the following next steps:
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1376
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Sam If you’re already thinking you want to become a game designer when you’re still in high school, you’ve probably got a good idea of how you see your life playing out.
COMPUTER SCIENCE – Arguably the most important cluster of classes you can take in high school relates to computer science. This area of study is all about how computers work, the constraints you must endure when working with them, and how to get them to do what you want. Colleges will appreciate your prior experience in these areas, and employers find this experience invaluable. Most designers actually start out as game developers, programming the core of the game, before moving onto the design.
DESIGN AND 3D MODELING – Taking an art class is not only fun and relaxing, but it will give you a competitive edge to employers. If you can choose a class that specializes in digital art or 3D modeling, even better – these skills are immediately transferable to the world of game design. Again, before becoming fully-fledged designers, some people will spend time in the art of modeling departments of a studio. A design class will help you gain an appreciation of how the design process works, from start to finish. Even if you can only take a class like product design, you’ll still learn about good and bad design. Couple this with your knowledge of the games industry and you’ll be on your way.
MATH AND ENGLISH – For computer-aided design, 3D modeling, and programming, you’ll need a good understanding of mathematics. To write compelling stories and convey these stories to a design team, you’ll need foundations in English language and literature. Most of the time these classes are compulsory, but it’s always a good idea to stretch yourself if you’re talented. And if you struggle with either of these topics, it’s worth spending the time getting better.
Good Luck Sam
COMPUTER SCIENCE – Arguably the most important cluster of classes you can take in high school relates to computer science. This area of study is all about how computers work, the constraints you must endure when working with them, and how to get them to do what you want. Colleges will appreciate your prior experience in these areas, and employers find this experience invaluable. Most designers actually start out as game developers, programming the core of the game, before moving onto the design.
DESIGN AND 3D MODELING – Taking an art class is not only fun and relaxing, but it will give you a competitive edge to employers. If you can choose a class that specializes in digital art or 3D modeling, even better – these skills are immediately transferable to the world of game design. Again, before becoming fully-fledged designers, some people will spend time in the art of modeling departments of a studio. A design class will help you gain an appreciation of how the design process works, from start to finish. Even if you can only take a class like product design, you’ll still learn about good and bad design. Couple this with your knowledge of the games industry and you’ll be on your way.
MATH AND ENGLISH – For computer-aided design, 3D modeling, and programming, you’ll need a good understanding of mathematics. To write compelling stories and convey these stories to a design team, you’ll need foundations in English language and literature. Most of the time these classes are compulsory, but it’s always a good idea to stretch yourself if you’re talented. And if you struggle with either of these topics, it’s worth spending the time getting better.
Good Luck Sam
Thank You Andrew. “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — William Shakespeare
Doc Frick