So you want to be a game designer, but you’re just starting out. In fact, chances are, if this is one of our first articles that you’re reading then I am guessing you’re here to learn the barebones of video game development.
Well, take it from real game developers in the real game development industry, you’re in for a ride.
See, before you take a leap into the world of game designing, you have to ask, what does it look like for you? What sort of video game developer would you like to be?
Are you someone who solely wants to focus on creating mobile-based MMORPG? Or are you more of a AAA game material?
This little article will help you find your voice in the infinite vistas of video game design.
So, what are you waiting for let us get going, shall we?
1. For designers that want to focus on graphics
You’re the type of person that just loves games from rockstar. Be it GTA V of Red Dead Redemption 1 & 2, you’re always about those graphics and gameplay mechanics.
The more realistic, the better.
You probably own the latest console, siding a little towards the superiority of the play station. They get the most exclusive games, and nearly all of them are the best.
But don’t let this dishearten you, X-Box lovers. Only you can enjoy the glories of Red Dead Redemption 1.
So, what should you concentrate on, if graphics are your main jam?
Well, here’s the thing, unless and until you’re working in some Ubisoft/rockstar type of world-class game development company, working on graphics is going to be a tough nut to crack.
Today, most of the games require live actors that are going to be rendered in CGI, so that means you can’t create a game like Uncharted 4 if you’re still living in your mom’s basement.
Yes, I know, Hell Blade Senua’s Sacrifice was a game with just 8 people working on it and t turned out to be a direct hit. We all know that it’s a masterpiece in video game designing but that’s just not feasible if you’re new to this game.
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So, what should you do instead?
Practice, a lot. Like a “LOT” lot. No seriously. Start small, as an indie game developer, hire some game development company as consultants if you’ve got that scratch, learn where you can, and fail faster. That’s the best piece of advice I can give you because, oh boy, the unreal engine isn’t here to mess around.
Now, moving on to our next target…
2. For designers that want to focus on the background score.
You always wanted to be a musician but your parents made you an engineer. So now you wish to combine both worlds, don’t you?
You’re the kind of person that likes to save the best songs from the trailer, and you probably have an entire album full of songs that have no lyrics.
Background music is your jam.
You tend to focus on the old series like Zelda and final fantasy, with a good dose of Mario and Japanese Role-Playing games. You also don’t shy away from fantasy games that also have a strong dose of music such as Skyrim.
So, what should you concentrate on?
Learn how to make your game more immersive. And the best way to do this is by understanding music.
Your best bet is to not actually go too deep on game development. You can always hire Game Developers for that. What you need to do is to focus on creating engaging music that just enraptures the heart of the player.
This brings us to our last point
3. For designers that want to focus on the story/world-building.
You’re definitely a Lord of The Rings fan. You’ve imagined yourself as an NPC in Narnia for years. You might even have a bit of a daydreaming problem.
But through thick or thin, what you love, is an enchanting story. You have 3 unfinished novels, and you might have 30 more stored in that imaginative brain of yours.
Whatever the case might be, you’re the quintessential storyteller of the 21st Century. Welcome to the new generation, where video games are modern epics.
You like your God of War 4, and cannot wait for God of War: Ragnarök. You’re one of those who loved Battlefield WW1. You’re the one that plays uncharted for the adventure and the character relationship.
So, what should you concentrate on if this is your main focus?
Learn how to craft amazing stories. Video game development is storytelling at its most immersive. This is where you get to shine.
