Game Journal, Solid Idea?

Rick39 · 03-31-2011, 08:19 PM

Hey Guys, so about a week ago I decided it might be a good idea to keep a log of sorts of all the games I play, and give each one a short writeup of what I liked or didn't like about it, paying close attention to their level design (My chosen path for the game biz). I also throw in some of my own level ideas from time to time, just some rough sketches or concept ideas, because I can't really make my own yet due to my old computer.

So like I stated in the title, solid idea? Or should I just wait until I get a better laptop and just start then?

Thanks!

ryan.george · 03-31-2011, 08:43 PM

Every designer should own a journal(s). In my opinion there's just something about having a tactile piece of paper that just helps me think better.

Also you never have to plug in/charge a journal.

Rick39 · 04-01-2011, 07:48 AM

I think its oging pretty well for me so far, I've blocked out a couple map ideas and L4D campaign plans, all I need is a solid comp haha

tsloper · 04-01-2011, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick39

I decided it might be a good idea to keep a log of sorts of all the games I play, and give each one a short writeup of what I liked or didn't like about it, paying close attention to their level design (My chosen path for the game biz).
solid idea? Or should I just wait until I get a better laptop

http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson51.htm
Don't waste time wondering if it's a good idea or not.

Rick39 · 04-02-2011, 08:45 AM

huh, could have sworn I'd read all those FAQ's.. must have missed this one because I didn't read them in order haha :P Thanks for the advice Tom!

MAEnthoven · 04-04-2011, 12:32 PM

It's a good idea, but...

It's challenging to show a journal online. The only real spot where you can really give it credit is in an actual interview, but getting the interview is really the hard part.

I'd recommend getting your musings online asap, but regardless of your situation, always be recording any musings that you have.

Rick39 · 04-06-2011, 09:00 PM

So would you suggest starting a blog of some sort? I use the notebook as a kind of think tank where I keep all my level designs and ideas until I can get the software to actually make them as well.

tsloper · 04-07-2011, 08:18 AM

If you have to ask if you should start a blog, then you probably shouldn't. Don't do it until you're sure of whether and why you should do it.
In general, you should be pursuing your passions as hard as your passions drive you. And you should get a degree and build a portfolio.