Game design training is complex, because video games themselves are so complex. Consider your average video game. There's a story with narration, in many instances, that has to be written. There are music, voices and sound effects to be recorded. Every character, every article of clothing and every object has to be designed from scratch. The game has to contain absorbing gameplay that's at just the right level of difficulty-too hard and everyone will give up, too easy and no one will be interested. The people who design video games are storytellers, artists, graphic designers, computer programmers, writers, musicians and composers-and daydreamers in many cases.
What all this means is there's no one set path when you want game design training. The best idea is probably to enroll in a four-year college and major in game design if you can. If that's not an option (it's still fairly rare, although video game major programs are on the rise) then become a computer science or programming major and take other courses on the side that will be applicable to game creation: art, music, even history or literature. How about psychology? If you can understand what motivates people's actions, you can create more believable characters. You'll also understand the sorts of things that appeal to human beings on a subconscious level, and this knowledge will inform your designs. It might even help you to create one of those truly addictive games that people waste hours playing without even realizing how much time has gone by. Also, take a film class if you can. College film courses delve into moving images as narrative tools, techniques which certainly apply to video games as well. And sign up for a game theory class if your university offers one.
To truly be an outstanding game designer, however, you will also have to train yourself. This means you'll have to study as many video games as you can. Treat every video game you buy or rent as an educational opportunity. If it's great, try to figure out what makes it great. Pick it apart mentally the way you would physically take apart a car engine. Try to absorb the lessons it has to offer. If you're playing a boring or mediocre game, ask yourself where the designers went wrong, what they could have done differently. These lessons will help you when you're trying to improve your own work in the future. You will exercise your brain to think critically.
Finally, commit yourself to becoming a lifelong learner. You'll have to constantly keep up with new technology if you want to remain a video game designer, so be willing to sign up for technology conferences, college courses and seminars all through your life. Of course, if you really love your job this won't be a chore at all, but rather an exciting opportunity to learn how to make your work even better and more exciting.
What all this means is there's no one set path when you want game design training. The best idea is probably to enroll in a four-year college and major in game design if you can. If that's not an option (it's still fairly rare, although video game major programs are on the rise) then become a computer science or programming major and take other courses on the side that will be applicable to game creation: art, music, even history or literature. How about psychology? If you can understand what motivates people's actions, you can create more believable characters. You'll also understand the sorts of things that appeal to human beings on a subconscious level, and this knowledge will inform your designs. It might even help you to create one of those truly addictive games that people waste hours playing without even realizing how much time has gone by. Also, take a film class if you can. College film courses delve into moving images as narrative tools, techniques which certainly apply to video games as well. And sign up for a game theory class if your university offers one.
To truly be an outstanding game designer, however, you will also have to train yourself. This means you'll have to study as many video games as you can. Treat every video game you buy or rent as an educational opportunity. If it's great, try to figure out what makes it great. Pick it apart mentally the way you would physically take apart a car engine. Try to absorb the lessons it has to offer. If you're playing a boring or mediocre game, ask yourself where the designers went wrong, what they could have done differently. These lessons will help you when you're trying to improve your own work in the future. You will exercise your brain to think critically.
Finally, commit yourself to becoming a lifelong learner. You'll have to constantly keep up with new technology if you want to remain a video game designer, so be willing to sign up for technology conferences, college courses and seminars all through your life. Of course, if you really love your job this won't be a chore at all, but rather an exciting opportunity to learn how to make your work even better and more exciting.
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