Video Game Designer (3399 hits)
Category: GeneralRating: 0.25 on 15 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Danny Koss <lnknptheory.at.yahoo.com> (View user info) at 2003-04-17 01:16:16 EDT
I always say, "To get to the top, you must start at the bottom." All my life, I have had no clue what I wanted to do or become when i am an adult. I have never had the security or pleasure of knowing what I wanted to do and how I was going to do it in the [very] near future, that is, until now. At the beginning of this school year, I stumbled upon various websites that helped direct me to my "ideal" career. After reading various articles of others experiences in this feild, I have decided that I want to become a Video Game Designer when I grow up.
But what is a video game designer, you ask? A video game designer is the one behind the scenes, the one who puts the game together, the one who brings the game to life. More specifically, the video game designer is the one who writes the game and creates a plot for the game. This job requires very well written skills, which I think I have, and probably more importantly, a creative mind, which I also have. I have no doubt in my mind that I would be able to obtain this position and express my ideas. One of the thrills this job brings me is that you are able to write a story and see it come to life. You allow others to feel your expressions as well as enjoying themselves.
Probably the hardest part of obtaining this job is getting into the industry. I have repeatedly read that in order to gain this position, you must "get you foot in the door" by starting at an entry level position. A great entry level position that I have repeatedly read about is a job as a Video Game Tester. A video game tester goes through video games, looking for bug/glitches/faults in the game. Many of my friends have not agreed with me on this note, as well as saying that the job is very sought after and I will never get it. They obviously don't know what they are talking about. Anyway, I plan to start small and gradually gain entrance to higher levels of the video game industry, eventually landing the jobe of a Video Game Designer.
If I were to obtain this job, I would be able to express my thoughts into words, eventually into a story, and eventually into an interactive game where everyone would be able to enjoy my creative ideas. Just the thought of this makes me feel good. It makes me feel good because I am able to see something that I have worked hard on and expressed, and see it as a source of entertainment where all can enjoy. I know the position of a Video Game Designer is a highly sought after job, and I am will to do whatever it takes to obtain it.
User Reviews
Submitted by JinkyWilliams (user info) at 2004-05-04 11:11:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Murphy's right about DigiPen here in Seattle, WA. That's the place to go.
I've always wanted to do video game testing. To get paid for video gaming. Liek WTF LOL!!!11! OMG U GET PAD 4 DOING TEH GAEMS AL DAY?!!?!?ROXXORZZ DOOD SWEET CUPPIN CAKES
My friend got a job at Nintendo as a game tester. I think he worked there for 2 years. He said it can be a really awesome thing... or a really crappy thing. Kinda like a job. He said the worst he heard of was one of his friends there having to play Little Mermaid Pinball on the Gameboy (original Gameboy, btw) for 300 hours.
That just ain't right.
...I don't really know what the above really has to do with your query.
However, what I can say is that video games have never been more accepted by more people, ever. There are advertisements in the theaters right alongside movie trailers (and the graphics now make them almost look like movie trailers). 40-year olds are playing Final Fantasy (and DOA volleyball), and generally games are getting a lot of respect nowadays as a legitimate form of entertainment for people of all ages to play and not feel ashamed or embararassed. There's never been a better time to get into the gaming industry. It's going to get a lot bigger, a lot faster. Not only is it a holy grail of jobs (for gamers), but it's never been more attainable. I say go for it. Go work for Valve. Design Half-Life 3. Make us proud.
Stay orange.
--JW
Submitted by lowsodiummonkey (user info) at 2004-05-04 10:56:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
There is no money in it unless you start your own company. Even great programers in the industry don't make much cash unless they were the founders of a company (like ID).
Submitted by Random Joe at 2004-05-04 10:50:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I have no comment i just like to vote on things you should try it's really fun
Submitted by me <mehe> at 2004-05-04 10:49:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I have no comment i just like to vote on things it's really fun you should try.
Submitted by hendrixjrr (user info) at 2003-04-18 21:39:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
"This job requires very well written skills, which I think I have..."
HAHAHAHA!!!! Oh, the irony, it's killing me!
Jason
Submitted by lnknptheory (user info) at 2003-04-18 20:49:41 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Thanks Hardak, that's some great advice. I know it won't be easy and the work is extreme, but I am prepared to fulfill the requirements and reach my desired position. Thanks for your great advice
-=lnknptheory=-
Submitted by Hardak (user info) at 2003-04-18 20:35:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Ahh young blood... every time I talk to somebody about my job I hear this, Video Game jobs are just like any other job. Yes it can be fun but it can really suck too...
So instead of telling you how to "get in" I'll tell you how I did.
· I got a comp-sci Bach in AI
· I applied for QA (Play-tester for the uneducated)
· I worked about 80 - 100 hours a week
· I took on extra duties (tools programming, hiring, and systems analysis
· I was promoted to DB administrator/Assistant producer in six months because the last guy had a nervous breakdown (he's the 2nd btw)
· I still work about 80-100 hours a week and have a credit on the 8th page of the game credits.
Sadly at my company game designers don't really exist any more, it's more like production and marketing together.
I think most noobs are disappointed by the lack of romance in the job, it's not like the old days of game anymore, it's basically the same as any other software development house; big teams, overly complicated systems and a lot of politics. The only exceptions are less pay than any other Software industry and way more hours.
Look if this is your dream, you're following the right path, it takes a lot of hard work and patience... but you can get there.
Post some links to what you've done so far... I'll take a look and provide some feedback.
Submitted by DarthAwesome (user info) at 2003-04-17 20:54:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Its a tough job, not nessasarily fun either. My dad made some video games, his first one would be the golf game for the Atari and the Atari Computer. Please, if you played tell me, Im curios to see if anyone remeber that game.
Submitted by Beer_bong (user info) at 2003-04-17 20:47:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I think that Budweiser, a major toilet company and Serta should merge just so someone could have a great job. Quality control on the beer, what toilet can you puke in most easily and what was the most comfortable bed to wake up with a hangover in.
Fuck it took me like 20 minutes to type this.
Submitted by jwlmar10 (user info) at 2003-04-17 15:54:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
It probably won't be as cool as you expect, but whatever kid.
Submitted by Murphy1844 (user info) at 2003-04-17 11:47:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
There are UDULES of jobs in the video game industry. Story board editors, sound tecs, graphic desiegners, game testers, programmers, etc.
I suggest you check out digipen university in Seattle, WA. Chances are high you can land a job with Nintendo after you graduate.
Good luck.
Murphy
Submitted by Razor (user info) at 2003-04-17 10:50:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I don't know what you're talking about. I have a friend who works for Big Huge Games. He started out as a playtester, working 60 hours a week because that's what they need from their testers, and now he has moved on to scenario editor, which is a step up, and in the video game industry you climb from the bottom up.
Kid, if you want to do it, you have the right idea. Find out what local game companies are near you.
Submitted by DarthAwesome (user info) at 2003-04-17 09:45:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Blah Blah Blah, If you read computer magazines or books you would of realized that that job isn't very important more and its slowly dissapearing.
Submitted by chipolatte (user info) at 2003-04-17 02:42:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
lol Danny. nice post, i guess. neal
Submitted by drink_DDT (user info) at 2003-04-17 02:25:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
I read the first two sentences and called it quits. Take a marketing class or someting. I dunno it just didn't grab my attention. ADD is the pits.