Isn’t it amazing how detailed the Cyberpunk 2077 kNight City is? Or how holding and releasing the trigger on your controller makes you feel like you’re the one slinging webs in the latest Spider-Man title? These immersive experiences are made possible with cutting-edge game designing by skilled creatives. Not only do they create complex mechanics, but they also tell stories, create characters, and perfectly embed them in the gameplay.
So, if you are fascinated by what happens before a game becomes playable, then game designing is a career fit for you. But where do you start? Well, here are six steps you must complete to become a successful video game designer.
Step #1 – Get a Certification
First of all, you will need certification to substantiate your skills and knowledge of the subject. You can either opt for a bachelor’s degree from a university or get a certification from institutes like Pearl EDGE. They teach a comprehensive 9-month course that will help you learn creative software and game engines widely used in the industry.
Step #2 – Choose a Specialisation
Video game designing generally has three fields –
- Game concepts
- Game mechanics
- Storytelling
Designers can either specialise in any one of these fields or work in all three.
Step #3 – Understand the Industry
To say the competition in the industry is cut throat would be a massive understatement.
As the industry evolves, you need to stay on par with the industry standards for game designing and development roles. Besides, publishers are also more reluctant to add new talent. So, as a designer, you need to be well aware of the latest as well as upcoming design trends. It can help you future-proof your position with little effort.
Step #4 – Expand Skill Set
Your game designing skills should age like fine wine. Especially in such a competitive environment, mastering new skills and learning new code and software is the key to stay relevant. By staying on top of industry trends and working on things that are in demand, you can get ahead of the competition naturally.
Step #5 – Build a Compelling Portfolio
Apart from theoretical knowledge and certification, you must also have practical work at hand. How else can you show what you’re capable of?
Design your own games to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Having a working project of your own comes in handy when applying for a job. It shows your knowledge and skills but highlights your passion for the career as well.
Step #6 – Apply for Positions
With the master’s certificate, specialised skills, and a compelling portfolio in your hand, you are good to apply for your dream job.
Actively look for new job openings, and do not hesitate to apply whenever you come across one. If you have a favourite publisher you want to work for, drop your resume and a link to your work for them to see. It may take some time to come around a good opportunity, so you must not lose hope and stay patient.
After all, game designers are often at the inception of new gold industry standards. So, follow the steps mentioned above and you’ll be well on your way to achieve game designing excellence.