Game Design Experience{Indie Centered
by Jesse Dorsey · in Jobs · 07/06/2007 (9:50 am) · 6 replies
I am just wondering (although I honestly probably know), why is it so hard to find a serious project in need of a Game Designer.
Now I know that this isn't the first position that people look for (most teams don't even go looking for one), so shouldn't there be more postings about " [GAME DESIGNER NEEDED] ". Why do people believe that just because they thought of the idea, they have everything that is necessary to make it as a Game Designer?
I ask this, because I am trying to find projects, that actually have some hope (not in the hopeful, but in the its actually possible) of being completed. So that I can have more Design Experience to add to my Resume. (aside from having complete well thought out Game Ideas*).
Now I understand that Game Designers are supposed to have some reasonable talent in all of the fields needed for creation of the game. But what happens when you have that, if you can't get any work in that actual job then you aren't good for much aside from Every other position that may/may not be needed.
*Acc. Design Docs, and other stuff that maps out the creation and integration of a game.
** All of this is in regards to indie development. I know the Bigger Game Companies/Teams hire Designers, but I am years away from being there.
Now I know that this isn't the first position that people look for (most teams don't even go looking for one), so shouldn't there be more postings about " [GAME DESIGNER NEEDED] ". Why do people believe that just because they thought of the idea, they have everything that is necessary to make it as a Game Designer?
I ask this, because I am trying to find projects, that actually have some hope (not in the hopeful, but in the its actually possible) of being completed. So that I can have more Design Experience to add to my Resume. (aside from having complete well thought out Game Ideas*).
Now I understand that Game Designers are supposed to have some reasonable talent in all of the fields needed for creation of the game. But what happens when you have that, if you can't get any work in that actual job then you aren't good for much aside from Every other position that may/may not be needed.
*Acc. Design Docs, and other stuff that maps out the creation and integration of a game.
** All of this is in regards to indie development. I know the Bigger Game Companies/Teams hire Designers, but I am years away from being there.
#2
From my experience, the best way to design a game is "brainstorming". When I need fresh ideas for my projects, I call my friends and invite them to a pub for some beer. And we are talking about my game and this way many great ideas born.
07/17/2007 (3:12 am)
Jesse:From my experience, the best way to design a game is "brainstorming". When I need fresh ideas for my projects, I call my friends and invite them to a pub for some beer. And we are talking about my game and this way many great ideas born.
#3
07/17/2007 (7:44 am)
Yeah.. if you want a well designed game.. start your own? 
#4
It is true that just having a good idea does not make you a good designer. However, being a good designer absolutely mean you have to be great at documentation either. Being good at both will secure you a position somewhere, so keep looking if you are talented in both fields, Jesse. Landing a designer position is difficult in both the professional and indie world.
07/17/2007 (7:52 am)
Jesse is not complaining about being unable to design a game or find a good game design to work on. The problem is not being able to find a project or team that is in need of a Designer. It is true that just having a good idea does not make you a good designer. However, being a good designer absolutely mean you have to be great at documentation either. Being good at both will secure you a position somewhere, so keep looking if you are talented in both fields, Jesse. Landing a designer position is difficult in both the professional and indie world.
#5
Project lead (myself)
Programming Lead and Staff
Creative/Writing Lead and Staff
Level Designers
Concept Artists
We are currently short modelers and animation support, but the project is open ended and slowly developing none the less.
07/17/2007 (9:22 am)
Hi Jesse. I'd be interested in hearing you out as our lead designer. We have a great deal of the foundation laid and are currently organizing everything nice and neat. Although there are a good deal of *great ideas* floating about, getting them structured and implemented is vital to the survival of any large project. Please feel free to contact me to look over what we have. Our staff consists of:Project lead (myself)
Programming Lead and Staff
Creative/Writing Lead and Staff
Level Designers
Concept Artists
We are currently short modelers and animation support, but the project is open ended and slowly developing none the less.
#6
Finding a project that is started and convincing them to rethink their process is more difficult imho.
Though obviously Jason Lee's team would be the forward thinking exception.
07/17/2007 (4:55 pm)
Yeah I get that michael. But I think the easiest way to find a team in need of a designer is simply start the team yourself. It is the easiest way to get that level of control ayway.Finding a project that is started and convincing them to rethink their process is more difficult imho.
Though obviously Jason Lee's team would be the forward thinking exception.
Employee Michael Perry
ZombieShortbus
From what I can tell, everyone wants to be a designer, so that might be another reason why there isn't a demand for the position.