Paths for Game Designer

[Bgrizzmayne]

Hey all-

My ultimate goal is to become a game designer. That's definitely a lofty goal, but a goal nonetheless.

I'm curious about the paths one can take to become a designer. I know that being a designer requires a lot of experience and an immense understanding of all aspects of development.

However, after getting experience in game development and getting educated- I was wondering if it ultimately will matter whether I go down the design path or the programming path. I'm inclined to say that it won't and that it's mainly about my experience/abilities once I get into the industry. But, it's an important to thing to know if my ultimate goal is to be a designer.

Is a programming background a stronger one for a game designer, or would design be stronger?