3 answers
Savion
Student
Chandler, Arizona
7
Questions
Updated
738 views
What are some skills or requirements that I should know about making a game/game designing?
I am specifically talking about animating, modeling, and coding.
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3 answers
Rick Kolesar
Game Designer
11
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Hi Savion,
You asked about Game Design but also animating, modeling, and coding. Most people don't do all of these things... in fact, most focus on 1 as their main discipline. But it's also good to have knowledge about all of these because you will probably work on a team and having knowledge of your co-workers disciplines will help. And don't get me wrong, lot of people start in one area and move to another in the game industry (I was a game artist and moved over to game design).
So if you're just starting off, I would sit back and try each of these disciplines to see if one catches your attention over the others.
-Modeling/Animating -> Blender is an awesome free 3D program, and you can find plenty of tutorials online to help you learn more.
-Coding -> Again, lots of free sites to get you into coding and see if it's right for you. Plenty of school also have coding classes.
-Design -> Maybe not the easiest thing to jump into/watch a tutor for. You might want to look into game that have level editors or sites like PuzzleScript that allow you to make your own games. From there, you can get a taste of making games and seeing if game design is what you like.
You asked about Game Design but also animating, modeling, and coding. Most people don't do all of these things... in fact, most focus on 1 as their main discipline. But it's also good to have knowledge about all of these because you will probably work on a team and having knowledge of your co-workers disciplines will help. And don't get me wrong, lot of people start in one area and move to another in the game industry (I was a game artist and moved over to game design).
So if you're just starting off, I would sit back and try each of these disciplines to see if one catches your attention over the others.
-Modeling/Animating -> Blender is an awesome free 3D program, and you can find plenty of tutorials online to help you learn more.
-Coding -> Again, lots of free sites to get you into coding and see if it's right for you. Plenty of school also have coding classes.
-Design -> Maybe not the easiest thing to jump into/watch a tutor for. You might want to look into game that have level editors or sites like PuzzleScript that allow you to make your own games. From there, you can get a taste of making games and seeing if game design is what you like.
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Dear Savion,
You should probably study computer science to have a solid foundation. Other than that you'll need creativity.
You find a list of undergraduate game design programs here:
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/computer-science/game-simulation-development
Good luck!
KP
You should probably study computer science to have a solid foundation. Other than that you'll need creativity.
You find a list of undergraduate game design programs here:
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/computer-science/game-simulation-development
Good luck!
KP
Amarnath Waghmare
software engineer
5
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Amarnath’s Answer
Creating games and getting into game design involves a combination of technical, creative, and collaborative skills. Here are some key skills and requirements for game development and game design:
Programming Skills:
Languages: Depending on the platform and game engine, knowledge of programming languages like C++, C#, Python, or JavaScript is often essential.
Game Design Fundamentals:
Understanding Mechanics: A solid grasp of game mechanics, rules, and systems is crucial for designing engaging and enjoyable gameplay.
User Experience (UX): Knowledge of UX principles to create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces and interactions.
3D Modeling and Animation:
Software: Proficiency in 3D modeling and animation software like Blender, Autodesk Maya, or 3ds Max.
Texturing: Understanding how to create textures and maps for 3D models.
2D Art and Animation:
Graphic Design: Skills in graphic design and 2D art creation using tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
Sprite Animation: Creating animations for characters, objects, and environments.
Game Engines:
Unity or Unreal: Familiarity with popular game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, including understanding how to implement gameplay mechanics, scripting, and optimizing performance.
Physics and Mathematics:
Physics Simulation: Understanding basic physics principles for realistic game interactions.
Mathematics: Solid mathematical skills, especially in areas like geometry and linear algebra, for tasks like calculating physics, collision detection, etc.
Storytelling and Narrative Design:
Writing Skills: The ability to create compelling storylines, dialogues, and narratives that engage players.
World-building: Designing cohesive and immersive game worlds.
Sound Design:
Audio Editing: Knowledge of audio editing software for creating and implementing sound effects and music.
Understanding of Audio Integration: How to integrate sound into the gaming experience effectively.
Collaboration and Communication:
Teamwork: The ability to work well in a team, as game development is often a collaborative effort.
Communication: Effectively communicating ideas, issues, and solutions with team members.
Testing and Quality Assurance:
Attention to Detail: Thoroughly testing and debugging games to ensure they are free of bugs and play smoothly.
Adaptability and Learning:
Continuous Learning: The gaming industry evolves rapidly, so being adaptable and willing to learn new tools and technologies is crucial.
Portfolio Development:
Showcasing Work: Building a strong portfolio that highlights your skills and projects is essential for demonstrating your abilities to potential employers or collaborators.
Understanding Player Psychology:
Player Experience: Understanding player behavior and preferences to create games that are enjoyable and satisfying.
Remember that the specific skills required may vary based on your role within game development (e.g., programmer, artist, designer) and the type of games you want to create (e.g., mobile games, console games, VR games). Additionally, joining game development communities, attending conferences, and participating in game jams can provide valuable networking opportunities and further enhance your skills.
Programming Skills:
Languages: Depending on the platform and game engine, knowledge of programming languages like C++, C#, Python, or JavaScript is often essential.
Game Design Fundamentals:
Understanding Mechanics: A solid grasp of game mechanics, rules, and systems is crucial for designing engaging and enjoyable gameplay.
User Experience (UX): Knowledge of UX principles to create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces and interactions.
3D Modeling and Animation:
Software: Proficiency in 3D modeling and animation software like Blender, Autodesk Maya, or 3ds Max.
Texturing: Understanding how to create textures and maps for 3D models.
2D Art and Animation:
Graphic Design: Skills in graphic design and 2D art creation using tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
Sprite Animation: Creating animations for characters, objects, and environments.
Game Engines:
Unity or Unreal: Familiarity with popular game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, including understanding how to implement gameplay mechanics, scripting, and optimizing performance.
Physics and Mathematics:
Physics Simulation: Understanding basic physics principles for realistic game interactions.
Mathematics: Solid mathematical skills, especially in areas like geometry and linear algebra, for tasks like calculating physics, collision detection, etc.
Storytelling and Narrative Design:
Writing Skills: The ability to create compelling storylines, dialogues, and narratives that engage players.
World-building: Designing cohesive and immersive game worlds.
Sound Design:
Audio Editing: Knowledge of audio editing software for creating and implementing sound effects and music.
Understanding of Audio Integration: How to integrate sound into the gaming experience effectively.
Collaboration and Communication:
Teamwork: The ability to work well in a team, as game development is often a collaborative effort.
Communication: Effectively communicating ideas, issues, and solutions with team members.
Testing and Quality Assurance:
Attention to Detail: Thoroughly testing and debugging games to ensure they are free of bugs and play smoothly.
Adaptability and Learning:
Continuous Learning: The gaming industry evolves rapidly, so being adaptable and willing to learn new tools and technologies is crucial.
Portfolio Development:
Showcasing Work: Building a strong portfolio that highlights your skills and projects is essential for demonstrating your abilities to potential employers or collaborators.
Understanding Player Psychology:
Player Experience: Understanding player behavior and preferences to create games that are enjoyable and satisfying.
Remember that the specific skills required may vary based on your role within game development (e.g., programmer, artist, designer) and the type of games you want to create (e.g., mobile games, console games, VR games). Additionally, joining game development communities, attending conferences, and participating in game jams can provide valuable networking opportunities and further enhance your skills.