How to become a video game designer

A video game designer is one of the most exciting professions out there for bright minds. A game designer salary provides a comfortable lifestyle for anyone but it does not come without hard work. It is not that difficult to launch a full time career as a game designer provided one takes the proper steps.

Specializing in graphic/creative design

You must decide in what part of game design you would like to specialize. For example, if your talent lies in graphic arts, then you would want to learn everything you can about gaming graphics, 3D modeling, and high-end graphic manipulation/animation.

If your interest is in coding, you would want to learn everything you can about a particular gaming code (whether it be C++ or a proprietary coding that a company is using).

If you venture away from technical areas into the more creative side, you will want to acquire all possible knowledge about game story design. Not all game designers work with graphics, many work on the plot i.e. the storylines and the general structure of the games.

Education to become a video game designer

In terms of education, the qualifications required are quite flexible, but to work on the graphical side, you will need to have a technical background such as a good degree in computer science or similar.

Those wishing to work in the creative side do not necessarily need knowledge of any coding, but tend to come from the areas of media or degrees in English literature and other similar areas.

Game design experience on resume

Practice your skills! The big game designer salary is not just handed out. Corroborate on GPL/GNU projects so that you may have games on your resume. In general, open source games are always looking for knowledgeable assistance in certain areas. This is a great way to beef up your resume and gain real-world experience.

Video game testing

Apply for experience-enriching positions. Though these positions might not pay a great deal, your ultimate goal is to gain a wide variety of experience so companies like EA and SOE will be knocking your door down. Being a video game tester provides wonderful experience on bug-related patching and can be quite fun.

Overall, spread yourself around and offer assistance wherever possible. Remember to get reference names and projects to put in your game design arsenal.