5 answers
IBRAHIM
Student
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Question
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How can I build my resume as a video game disgner?
How can I build my resume to ensure that I can get a job as a video game designer
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5 answers
Harmit Singh
Game Developer
17
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Harmit’s Answer
Hi Ibrahim!
The biggest way to build your resume as a game designer is just to design games. Whether it is for fun, for a game jam, or in a school course, designing more games lets you build your portfolio and resume, and gives you tangible projects to show off.
School Course: There are many reputable schools with courses in game development and game design. These usually teach not just game design, but also some bits of coding, 3D modeling, and working in game engines. You'll surely create projects that you can add to your resume along the way.
Game Jams: These are short-term game development competitions, usually done online nowadays. Don't worry about not knowing how to code or do art, as it is also a good opportunity to connect with others who have varying skill sets! This will help you grow as not only a designer, but also teach you more about what goes into game development in a fun, competitive way. Employers love game jam projects as they showcase your creativity under pressure. You most likely won't have an ultra-complex game as the time frames are usually short, but they are always good to show. I recommend the GMTK Game Jam as I've done it in the past and had a blast with it!
Passion Projects: This can range from anything to a full-on game made by you/your friends. Heck, even a Dungeons and Dragons session that you are hosting counts as game design, so don't be afraid to showcase that!
It is best to take progress pictures and ensure that all the work you do is documented along the way. That means creating design documents, saving sketches, and preliminary work. This would all be used to build your portfolio where you can showcase the games you've created and leave links to where they can be found (if distributed online).
Good luck on your journey!
The biggest way to build your resume as a game designer is just to design games. Whether it is for fun, for a game jam, or in a school course, designing more games lets you build your portfolio and resume, and gives you tangible projects to show off.
School Course: There are many reputable schools with courses in game development and game design. These usually teach not just game design, but also some bits of coding, 3D modeling, and working in game engines. You'll surely create projects that you can add to your resume along the way.
Game Jams: These are short-term game development competitions, usually done online nowadays. Don't worry about not knowing how to code or do art, as it is also a good opportunity to connect with others who have varying skill sets! This will help you grow as not only a designer, but also teach you more about what goes into game development in a fun, competitive way. Employers love game jam projects as they showcase your creativity under pressure. You most likely won't have an ultra-complex game as the time frames are usually short, but they are always good to show. I recommend the GMTK Game Jam as I've done it in the past and had a blast with it!
Passion Projects: This can range from anything to a full-on game made by you/your friends. Heck, even a Dungeons and Dragons session that you are hosting counts as game design, so don't be afraid to showcase that!
It is best to take progress pictures and ensure that all the work you do is documented along the way. That means creating design documents, saving sketches, and preliminary work. This would all be used to build your portfolio where you can showcase the games you've created and leave links to where they can be found (if distributed online).
Good luck on your journey!
Harmit, thank you!
IBRAHIM
Harmit is absolutely correct.
I will add that Game Jams are a great way to network with others in the profession.
Ani Grey
Elizabeth (Betsy) Kvedar, CPTD®
Learning Consultant
75
Answers
Shelburne, New York
Updated
Elizabeth (Betsy)’s Answer
Hey Ibrahim,
Video games are not just about having fun, they're also a fantastic way to engage with captivating narratives and learn new things. Here are some activities you might want to try to gain some experience:
1. (Create Your Own Adventure) Think about the stories you read in school or during your leisure time. How would they look if they were a video game? Would you introduce thrilling challenges or treasure hunts for your characters? Visualizing these stories in a gaming context is a great way to start developing your unique style.
2. (Collaborate and Create) Why not check if there's a local gaming or re-enactment club you could join? It could be fun to collaborate with others to transform traditional games into video games. Together, you can craft a brief narrative, design storyboards for the plot and action scenes. If you have access to various software tools, you could even do this online. It's a great way to practice and have fun with friends.
3. (Explore Local Learning Opportunities) Check out local technical schools and colleges. They might offer courses related to video game storytelling or something similar. This could be a great way to learn about the techniques used by professionals in the field.
4. (Get Insights from the Pros) Don't hesitate to contact your favorite game creators and websites. Ask them about internship and scholarship opportunities. They might also provide insights into what they value in game designers.
Best of luck on your gaming journey!
Video games are not just about having fun, they're also a fantastic way to engage with captivating narratives and learn new things. Here are some activities you might want to try to gain some experience:
1. (Create Your Own Adventure) Think about the stories you read in school or during your leisure time. How would they look if they were a video game? Would you introduce thrilling challenges or treasure hunts for your characters? Visualizing these stories in a gaming context is a great way to start developing your unique style.
2. (Collaborate and Create) Why not check if there's a local gaming or re-enactment club you could join? It could be fun to collaborate with others to transform traditional games into video games. Together, you can craft a brief narrative, design storyboards for the plot and action scenes. If you have access to various software tools, you could even do this online. It's a great way to practice and have fun with friends.
3. (Explore Local Learning Opportunities) Check out local technical schools and colleges. They might offer courses related to video game storytelling or something similar. This could be a great way to learn about the techniques used by professionals in the field.
4. (Get Insights from the Pros) Don't hesitate to contact your favorite game creators and websites. Ask them about internship and scholarship opportunities. They might also provide insights into what they value in game designers.
Best of luck on your gaming journey!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
IBRAHIM
Timothy Odagbodo
Graphic designer
4
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Timothy’s Answer
Hi Ibrahim,
My advice is to go on linkden search for professional in your field and reach out to them on how to build professional CV.
In your field. If you don’t have experience you can work as a volunteer or internship to gain experience in your field.
My advice is to go on linkden search for professional in your field and reach out to them on how to build professional CV.
In your field. If you don’t have experience you can work as a volunteer or internship to gain experience in your field.
Thank you so much for the advice.
IBRAHIM
Tyler Stapleton
Graphic Design
2
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
An idea that will make you stand out is to build your portfolio into a video game. There are so many ideas from there. You can have different rooms or levels that showcase some of your work. Make sure it's got a good navigational system so employers or viewers don't get lost. Let me know if you need any tips or assistance!
Thanks for the advice!
IBRAHIM
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
600
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
If I were hiring for that role, I’d want to see examples of your work. A typical resume could go a long way, but as a designer, I think you can be creative with how you present yourself.
I’d let your work speak for itself in sharing the work that you have created.
I’d let your work speak for itself in sharing the work that you have created.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
IBRAHIM