Do you want to be in the more "visual" side of it, that being designing scenery, characters and such, or the more "mechanical" side, such as actually making it so the character can move about, swing a weapons etc? If the latter then what programming languages do you know right now? If you know none, I'd suggest looking into some round about now.Dr. Gorgenflex said:
Pretty much. From what I've read getting a job in game design is extremely difficult - it's very rare for someone to get a job in game design without first working in another area of the games industry; I'd recommend you actually research properly before considering a career like that, sites such as:Gormourn said:
That's not technically "Game Design" (well, not the definition I've seen anyway) - it's modelling and art - although well done for getting on a course at Teeside - it's certainly one of the best in the UK for games.Distorted Stu said:
I do prefer the visual side, I know a lot of animation programs and film theory. I have a basic knowledge of programming, and know a little bit of python and flash ((If you could count that)and so far I don't really like programming all that much. What I'd really want to do is write, or be a director of design. I'm concerned those things are too specific for where I'm at.effilctar said:
We have an indie developer here on the Escapist.Dr. Gorgenflex said:
Blatant advertising aside (and it is blatant advertising) you make a good point, (sort of) making a game in extremely basic tools like RPGMaker might be good if you're a complete novice and want to try making simple games. However, you also run the risk of not really proving much if you're serious, it might be best to start off with more advanced and powerful kits such as XNA (C# programming), Maya (Art / Modelling) or joining a team (Design / writing - or better yet, since you mentioned writing, get something published).pimppeter2 said:
I'm not going to dig around the Escapist for hours looking for his original thread! (I have my reviews bookmarked).D_987 said:
It depends really, from what I've read most companies are more intrested in their writers having something (books, scripts) published, as oppossed to previous game writing experiance - bear in mind that there are only a few core writing spots within even companies like Bioware - the problem, as someone on a site I can't remember pointed out, it's very easy to excel with script writing - anyone can do it, that's why so many film scripts are so poorly written.pimppeter2 said:I'm not going to dig around the Escapist for hours looking for his original thread! (I have my reviews bookmarked).
Still, I point out Cleril's Haven because even though its fairly simple in gameplay, it stands out with excellent writing. A game like that is great for a good resume if the OP wants to write for videogames in the future.
I have to completely disagree there. Making a game alone with a kind of RPG-maker isn't really demonstrative of game design skills to a sufficient standard to impress potential employers. Using industry standard tools as part of a team showcases far more valuable skills for the industry imo. A game developed by a single person using a limited program doesn't really demonstrate an ability to work in the current game biz, and an unconventional approach can work against the developer in terms of employment (you don't see ads for auteurs). Demostrate originality by all means, but something as wilfully contrary to conventional gamedom as Haven appears to be (judging by other's reviews) may not be the best advertisement.pimppeter2 said:
Best way to get in is through a college education in a university that isn't solely based around the creation of games. If I had to cough and suggest, I'd say, *ahem*, that you look at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York State. They have an excellent game design program, and there are plenty of video game studios in relatively nearby cities, like New York. Certainly the game design course would be worth it, but consider computer science as well, so that you may best use your writing skills while being able enough to create some titles on your own, should you choose to be independent.Dr. Gorgenflex said:
Like I said.pigeon_of_doom said:
As far as writing goes, unless the writer manages to rise to the position of general game overseer, then practise of working with members of the design/art/animation/music team and an ability to work with their efforts in the game being produced is just as important as sheer writing ability. My emphasis on working in a team is just as applicable to a writing position in games if it is to implemented well imo.pimppeter2 said:
