Bladdaow!

So you love to play video games and/or computer games, and what better way to put these talents into a profession than learning how to become a game designer, right? Well, know that moving into that profession requires you to understand technology well, along with industry skills, too. The payoffs are great, though, as you’ll start out anywhere between $40,000 to $60,000 and, generally, get much more money as you advance in the company for which you work. So, then, it is best to look at a small set of guidelines, which should be treated as a checklist, for individuals wanting to have a part in “Zelda”, “Final Fantasy”, “Halo”, or any other awesome game:

1) Graduate from high school with a firm understanding of what game designers do on a daily basis. When you do some investigation, you will probably find out that game designers are also called “graphic designers”; as such, you should get familiar with photography, 3D animations, and special effects.  Having skill, creativity, and inspiration are important for individuals wanting to go into this field. The next step to become a game designer is choosing a college that offers a degree in graphic design or something similar; the college can be an online one, as long as it is accredited and offers you some sort of hands-on experience.

2) Earn your four-year degree (i.e., Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design). Having a degree is essential for anyone wanting to get a real job in today’s workplaces, and game designers are no different. Hopefully your four-year degree will have offered you some sort of hands-on practice techniques, which would have allowed you to see what you will soon be doing in the field of game designing. For example, many programs around the nation that offer graphic design with an emphasis on video or computer games require students to make their own video games before getting their Bachelor’s degree!

3) Apply for a job. There are many companies available (e.g., Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, Blizzard Entertainment, Squaresoft, etc.) and you probably have a handful to which you would like to apply. Take advantage of career fairs as they come to your colleges, as Nintendo and Sony have been known to come frequently to the main colleges offering game design programs. Be confident when speaking to any representative, showing them what verbal skills you have (which hopefully are good!), and possibly give them some of your designs so they can get a feel for where your talents lie.

4) Give them references, such as your fellow students, professors, and advisors; your references should be people who know you well in all areas of life, and they should see your potential for any company to which you will apply.

5) Have fun making the games once you get into a company! Individuals from all walks of like to play video games, and the individuals from the 80′s and 90′s who started out with Pac Man, Mario, and Tetris are, generally, still playing them; thus, focus on their needs, too, while simultaneously slanting the games to everyone’s needs.