Many students who are passionate about video games and technology dream of becoming video game designers. As the gaming industry continues to grow, this is a career with a promising and exciting outlook. However, it requires more than a passion for gaming to become a successful game designer.
Students looking to become game designers should be good at problem solving and creative thinkers. They should try to learn all that they can about computer programming, hardware and software while in high school by taking appropriate classes. Of course, they should also have some knowledge about what makes a good video game, from graphics to play settings. While these skills are not necessarily essential to enter a college program in video game design, they will certainly create a solid foundation for a future career in the field.
The best way for students to perfect their programming and design skills and gain credibility is to earn a degree in video game design. Since it is still a relatively new field, game design programs vary on emphasis and specialization. Some may offer a more technical degree within a computer programming major, while others may focus more on the creative side of coming up with graphics, animation, and storylines. However, the majority of programs will provide training in digital media, computer science, and the latest technology.
Most video game designers start out as interns or apprentices at video game companies. These jobs may not pay much (if anything), but they are great opportunities to gain practical experience working in the industry and make contacts for networking. Another way some students try to get into the industry is through freelancing. They may work as freelance designers for a number of different companies or design their own games and try to market them to companies.
With talent, experience, and a little luck, it’s possible for a student to work their way through internships and related jobs to end up becoming a video game designer. Game designers can have many responsibilities depending on their area of expertise and the role they play on the design team. Lead designers are the main visionaries of a project, using both their technical and artistic skills to coordinate the other designers. There are also designers with specific responsibilities to create levels, environments, characters, or puzzles. Game mechanics designers are in charge of the strategies and rules of the game.
Video game designer salaries vary widely depending on the size of their company, their responsibilities, location, and experience. Average salaries range between $50,000 to $80,000 a year, though competitive jobs at big companies can pay much more.
Marcus Morris is a computer programmer who has been passionate about gaming for his entire life. He owns the site Computer Game Design for students who are interested in learning more about what it takes to be a game designer.
Nine indie studios showcased their games at the Game On festival. Adults and children were able to play their games, ask questions and get tips ranging from making games to breaking into the video games industry.
Thank you so much to the following developers who came to Game On:
Nnooo, Necromancer, Visual Outbreak, Dinoroar, Bubble Gum Interactive, Alternator, Convict Interactive, Hedgegrove Enterprises and Blowfish Studios.
A couple of the indie studios were still developing their games. We particularly loved this photo of a message from the makers of Necromancer, James and Brogan. The message reads,
“Hello!
We are James and Brogan.
We are both Game Development students from NSI
We have been up all night coding, so we may look a little tired.
We want to demonstrate the ins and outs of game development,
So we are improving the game right now!
Ask us questions about game programming, games or anything in particular.
We are happy to chat.
James and Brogan
Authentic learning in context – absolutely!
All the developers were so enthusiastic and willing to share their knowledge and not just showcase their games. It was great to see adults and kids so eager to take advantage of this opportunity. A great day was had by all.
Oct 26
This gallery contains 27 photos.
In an attempt to create a new Guinness World Record, robots from all over NSW came together at Macquarie University on Tuesday 25 October for a huge dance party. Organised by the staff here at Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre we were hoping to set the record for the most robots programmed to move and dance […]
Want to be a game designer? Come along and chat with the indie game developers showcasing their work at our GAME On: community video game festival on October 29, from 9:30am onwards. These developers are happy to chat with you about what they are doing, how they got started and answer any questions you may have. The indie developers range from one person operations to a development team of 32 spread across the globe. All are at various stages of completion of their games.
Click here to register for this session.
James
I’m a solo developer working on a space trader called “Necromancer”.
The game is set in the distant future, civilization has collapsed due to overpopulation. This collapse has caused a sort of future dark age.
People no longer understand how to operate technology and it is up to archaeologists to resurrect derelict ships and other technology, to save humanity from lack of supplies, spreading disease and destruction. The game is developed in the spirit of games like the Escape Velocity series and Freelancer.
Currently I am studying game development but my plan is to get heavily involved with developing the game this year. I am excited about meeting people interested in indie game development, and games in general, so I am looking forward to this event.
Necromancer
Nyssa Norton (lead writer and PR manager), Alex Norton (creative director and lead developer), Rachel Birchnoff (lead content artist) and Natalie ‘Elianan’ Jane (lead concept artist and designer)
We here at Visual Outbreak are out to create our ideal RPG experience. Our current title, Malevolence: The Sword of Ahkranox, is a game that fuses the turn-based, vast worlds of early classics such as Might & Magic and Eye of the Beholder, with the modern, high-end graphics of games such as Rage and Skyrim. Malevolence is unlike any other first person RPG currently available, however, in that the world which the game takes place in is – quite literally – infinite. In this game, there is an infinite number of weapons, items, armour, NPCs, dungeons, cities, forests and more. The game quite literally never stops creating itself, and it does all this while maintaining a classic turn-based feel. However, more modern players will also find that the gameplay is quite adaptive and will allow for a faster-paced approach if desired, turning it into a quick-moving, hack ‘n slash type adventure!
We have a playable demo coming out just before Christmas this year, with the full version being released on December 21st, 2012. Follow along with the game’s development on the official Facebook page and Twitter feed!
Dinoroar is a juxtaposition playing on the idea of the old world versus the new technological age. Dinoroars’ focus is basic interaction – which means that the team provides smart, quirky and entertaining situations for you to be in. Dinoroars’ innovative and interactive products and games gives anyone (of any age) an excuse to enjoy themselves for that brief moment in time.
Dinoroars recent release “Tapmatic” uses the tap function, a player must be able to repeat and identify the sequence given to them. Puzzle players around the world will be able to test their skills within 4 different play modes (Easy, Medium, Hard and Timed).
The latest game in production “Havoc” is an entertaining and addictive game of destruction which is sure to get you hooked!
You can check out Dinoroar via
Bubble Gum Interactive is an independent game development studio with headquarters in Sydney. Our mission is to create compelling and engaging gaming experiences that help kids discover every day. We have just released the beta of our first game, Little Space Heroes a fun and safe virtual universe for kids. Players create their own heroes, team up with friends and explore a colourful and vibrant universe full of fun and adventure as they seek out clues left by the dastardly Lord Shadowbot.
The Bubblegum Team
The beta is free to play. If you’d like to be a beta tester just head to http://www.littlespaceheroes.com where you can create your own hero, strap on your jetpack, fire up your starjet and blast off for adventure!
Watch the teaser trailer
You can also check out our Facebook fan page
http://www.facebook.com/littlespaceheroes
Bryan Moses & Dean Tuttle
Alternator is an action-packed, futuristic racer set in the Outback 50 years from now, with environmental devastation at crisis point. You drive an off-road racing vehicle powered by the future of renewable energies. As you race you uncover encrypted technologies which you take back to your HQ to hack. These let you research and invent new, clean ‘green’ technologies to modify your car. These mods increase your speed, acceleration, boost power and ability to perform stunts. Then you blast your way across desert dunes, canyons and open cut mines, winning races, proving your technologies and saving your world!
This premise allows the creators of Alternator, Dean Tuttle and Bryan Moses, to seamlessly incorporate their serious subject matter into the game play. As you play to win, you uncover an incredible array of factual stories from the cutting edge of today’s science and engineering. From laser propelled spacecraft, to garbage-fuelled monster trucks, you discover a treasure trove of potential solutions to our energy crisis. These are real solutions that already exist. They are set to inspire players to learn more and help create a brighter future.
Alternator is the winner of the ABC TV and Screen Australia Serious Games Initiative. This high profile competition challenged the Australian games industry to create a game that proves it’s possible to have awesome fun and do social good at the same time. Dean and Bryan are first-time game makers and are looking forward to sharing their experiences at GAME ON.
Convict Interactive is an independent game development studio based in Wollongong, Australia. After winning the 48 hour game making challenge in Brisbane in 2009, we realised we had what it takes to make high quality, entertaining games. So after graduating from university we decided to form a company to do just that.
We have just released a game for Xbox Live Indie Games called Convict Minigames. We also have a number of other games in development to be released for smart phones and hopefully Steam.
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ConvictInteractive
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ConvictInt
Check out our website www.convictinteractive.com
Blowfish Studios is a small Australian independent game development company, located in Sydney since 2009. We specialize in game applications for the mobile platform: Apple iPhone, iPod, iPad & Google Android.
Even though we are only three full time people, we like to compete with the big studios on game appeal and quality. We pride ourselves in creating innovative and well-designed games that are most importantly fun and enjoyable!
Check out our Website: www.blowfishstudios.com
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blowfishstudios
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/blowfishstudios
Our first title, Pop, was one of only 6 titles chosen by Nintendo of America as a launch title for the US WiiWare service in 2008. We have also released a series of organisational applications for the Nintendo DSi called the myLifeCollected series. This includes the myNotebook range (with sales of over 250,000 units), myPostcards and myDiary.
Our latest game was released on WiiWare at the end of September and is a retro-styled arcade game called escapeVektor: Chapter 1. The game has enjoyed widespread critical acclaim and has a Metacritic rating of 89, giving it the second highest rating of all WiiWare titles.
We are also working on an augmented reality role playing game called Spirit Hunters Inc, in which the player hunts, battles and captures mischievous spirits which are inhabiting our world.
Video 2 – Spirit Hunters Inc
‘Kraken Up’ is a hilarious nonsensical adventure that stretches from the bottom of the ocean to the depths of space. You play a young Kraken, thrown out of home by his demanding parents, and must now undertake an arduous vertical journey. Climb and chew your way to homeownership through six levels, collecting powerups and unlocking minigames along the way. Then, compare your scores with other players around the world using Apple’s Game Center.
Hedgegrove Enterprises is a recently-formed team of young developers based in Sydney, Australia. Coming from a wide range of backgrounds, the Hedgegrove team has come together with the intention of making some genuinely fun games. We are currently working on our first title, Kraken Up, with plans for other games in the pipeline.
Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre is running a game design competition that invites to you design the game that will change the future of our beautiful planet and win amazing prizes.
3DEDRATS Festival: Play with robots, virtual worlds and video games. 