Advice on Game Design

Halo Girl · 04-27-2009, 04:24 AM

Hey,

Well I have stated to becme more and more interested in the games industry, and I just want to do some research into it, but especially the design area, as that is something I'm interested in. As I am currently looking at set/stage design as a career.

However, I do think it would be cool to get into the game industry etc.. and so I want to know about it.

Therefore I am creating this thread to ask you to give me advice, point me in the right direction. The usual stuff people ask when they're not sure.

I have been looking through the forums picking out threads to read, and those with links in to read at some point. I will also try and look myself for something on the net. But I'd be really grateful if anyone would suggest any books to read is game design?

Thank you, in advance.

Halo Girl

yaustar · 04-27-2009, 05:06 AM

Read the 2008 Game Career Guide: http://gamedeveloper.texterity.com/g...08careerguide/

There are sections on Game Designer roles that will be useful.

Sloperama's FAQ is also informative: http://www.sloperama.com/advice.html

Rules of Play is highly recommended as well: http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item...ype=2&tid=9802

BorisK · 04-27-2009, 10:54 AM

dont u need some basic programming and some level editor knowledge..........i think

mdzitter · 04-27-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BorisK

dont u need some basic programming and some level editor knowledge..........i think

This is a partial misconception.

You don't need to be a programmer to be a designer. Yes, you are well served if you know some scripting languages, but you don't need to be a C++ whiz to be a designer.

You do need to have a portfolio, and creating mods with level editors is a great way to build one. So yes, you should learn some level editors and use them to make your ideas a reality.

Halo Girl · 04-27-2009, 11:26 AM

Thanks Yauster - When I get time will have a look at those links.

And maybe so Borisk, but I'm going to research into the area before I consider trying to learn basic programming... but If I do, I'll probably ask my boyfriend to help me.

And for level editing, having a go at Hammer on Source SDK at the moment.

But at the moment as I am doing a Drama degree, and looking at Set Design, I am using google sketch up and planning to get Adobe Creative suite... when I save up to buy it.

So I have 2 different but yet very similar career options open to me, which either one will have transferable skills to the other.

I am currently building up portfolios for my set design things, so in those I will hopefully be adding some CAD stuff to them.

mdzitter · 04-27-2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halo Girl

So I have 2 different but yet very similar career options open to me, which either one will have transferable skills to the other.

I am currently building up portfolios for my set design things, so in those I will hopefully be adding some CAD stuff to them.

Make sure to remember, when the time comes, that you are going to need to sell and prove the idea that these two disciplines have transferable skills.

The standard HR person isn't going to look at your set design work and say, "hey, this definitely transfers to games," They are going to look at it and say, "cool, now what have you done in games?"

Halo Girl · 04-27-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdzitter

Make sure to remember, when the time comes, that you are going to need to sell and prove the idea that these two disciplines have transferable skills.

The standard HR person isn't going to look at your set design work and say, "hey, this definitely transfers to games," They are going to look at it and say, "cool, now what have you done in games?"

I know. I wasn't saying that. Just saying the skills I will have learnt will be transferable. Not saying I would just show them my set stuff. I have just got interested in this, I've got a long way to go yet, Like 2 years left of my degree and post grad in scenography, before I even get into the performing arts industry, let alone the games industry. However, I am at the moment dabbling in Hammer... lol.

bittman · 04-27-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halo Girl

But at the moment as I am doing a Drama degree, and looking at Set Design, I am using google sketch up and planning to get Adobe Creative suite... when I save up to buy it.

So I have 2 different but yet very similar career options open to me, which either one will have transferable skills to the other.

I am currently building up portfolios for my set design things, so in those I will hopefully be adding some CAD stuff to them.

Firstly: What sort of Drama degree are we talking? How many years, will you be following it up with anything, what certificate do you come out with, etc?

Secondly: I'm going to go out on a limb and assume, given your comments, that you may actually be more suited to level design rather than game design. Already from the early projects you have selected, you've taken an immediate liking to the idea of projects in adobe creative, google sketch up, CAD and SourceSDK which are all great level design portfolio works. Though "level design" and "game design" often have a merger somewhere, most companies separate them with a thick line.

If you're interested in set design, but think the games industry would be a good path, level design seems to be the progression you're looking for here. You can move from there to game design, but honestly I would, from your position, hone my level design skills, get a job and then see if you would prefer sticking with level design or moving to game design.

SansPants · 04-28-2009, 11:27 AM

The only real advice I can give is: you wouldn't be the first game designer I've heard of that has a degree in drama.

Halo Girl · 04-28-2009, 01:44 PM

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