游戏行业新人必修功课编辑本段回目录
在本系列文章中，我们摘录了Destin Bales（游戏邦注：Destin Bales投身游戏产业已经11年，现在作为Paragon Studios的产品开发部总监正致力于开发大型多人在线游戏《英雄城市》以及其它两款未公开名字的游戏）在博文“I Need To Make Games”中的一些内容。Bales在此与我们分享了他的相关经验，并给予那些刚刚起步的游戏产业新手一些重要建议。
步骤1：了解市场
学生们总是被灌输这种想法，只要热爱游戏并幻想着融入游戏创造过程中便算投身于游戏产业。当然了，作为玩家是一个很好的开始，但是与此相比，新手们更先需要了解市场。
你也许已经很熟悉一些专门提供给用户新闻，评价以及游戏画面的网站。大多数游戏开发者起初都是玩家，并且每天都会频繁地访问这些网站。我们最喜欢的一些网站有：
Gamespot
VG247
IGN
Gametrailers
Penny Arcade
每天访问这些网站能够让你更加了解当今最受欢迎的游戏类型。这是一种时间投资，而对于开发者来说，明确成功游戏，细分市场的游戏，大受好评的游戏以及独特的游戏等信息是非常重要的。
“如果你想要进入游戏产业，那就不要犹豫。你应该尝试各种类型的游戏，阅读各大网站上的相关新闻，熬夜等待更新内容，彻彻底底地了解游戏。因为在你未来雇主的眼里，你拥有越广泛的知识就意味着你拥有更多的激情。”
——Bethesda Game Studios设计师Matt Daniels
上述网站主要针对外行人，而以下网站提供的则基本是关于内业人士必阅的内容。很多开发者每周都会抽时间去浏览这些网站，以了解更多技能以及他们周边的市场环境等。较为受欢迎的网站有：
Gamasutra（主要关于产业新闻）
VGChartz（主要关于销售数据）
如果你希望更深入地了解这个产业，你可以参加每年举办的各大会议和活动，进一步挖掘游戏开发，游戏文化，以及当今热门产品等信息。尽管参加这些活动还不足以帮你达成目标，但是如果你能够因此而明确方向，你便能够从中积累更多经验。
2012年GDC上的独立游戏节(from gamecareerguide)
游戏开发者大会（GDC）
PAX（西雅图）
PAX（波士顿）
E3
2012年游戏开发者大会上的独立游戏节
最后，并且也是最重要的是，你应该从现在开始一直玩游戏。尽可能多地尝试各种游戏。
“为了制作游戏，你必须先了解游戏。但是光玩那些人们所谈及的最佳游戏或最糟糕游戏还不够；你必须想办法体验整个产业所提供的任何游戏。
也许你根本不愿意去尝试那些糟糕游戏的最后一些关卡，但是除非你坚持到最后，否则你将很难了解到游戏的精髓。一般来说，惨痛的经验总是能为你带来最有价值的教训，它会使你在今后的职业生涯中受益！”
——BioWare Mythic开发总监Maurice Nelson
每一款游戏都含有值得学习的价值；不管它是优秀的还是糟糕的，是高预算的还是独立的，是在掌机，PC，手机还是平板电脑上，它们本身都具有宝贵的经验教训。
今天的玩家更容易玩游戏了，甚至出现了更多免费游戏！你是否拥有Steam帐号？基于该平台，你不仅能够轻松地在自己的PC上购买游戏，还能够下载并玩各种免费游戏样本。
如果你拥有Xbox360或PlayStation 3，你便能够基于Xbox Live或PSN界面访问免费游戏样本内容。除此之外，Gamefly（游戏邦注：像Netflix的一种游戏组了服务）也允许玩家付钱玩更多不同的游戏。
了解市场是帮助你达到目标的第一步；并且作为你未来几大步骤的基础，需要你投入一定的时间的精力。很多开发者已经投入了好几年的时间去积累各种宝贵的经验和教训了。不论你的年纪多大，拥有多少可支配收入或者工作资历多深，你都能够轻松地开始这第一步！
步骤2：发现机遇
创造一款成功的游戏需要各学科的人员做出不同的贡献。以下我将阐述游戏创造过程中的不同分工，以及他们在此所扮演的不同角色，并列举一些成功开发者的亲身经历。
随着这几年来游戏创造复杂性的提高，以及各种新平台（如iOS，Facebook）和发行方式（如Steam，直接面向消费者）的出现，导致创造一款游戏将需要更细致的分工。以下我们将深入分析游戏创造过程中的不同角色，帮助你明确游戏产业中到底存在哪些工作机遇。
游戏设计师
很多人认为制定游戏项目框架是游戏设计师的工作。但是因为游戏设计拥有各种不同的类型，所以一般情况下设计师只会负责建立并传达主要游戏理念给团队中的其他成员。游戏拥有何种系统，游戏的关卡是怎样的以及游戏体验存在何种挑战性等则是设计师应该予以回答的问题。
对设计师来说最有所得的一点便是，他们能够根据自己的想法帮助团队中的其他成员明确游戏和功能的方向。但是很多设计师对于必须努力让美工，技术人员甚至是其他设计师将自己的理念变成现实的这种责任感到厌烦。
设计师必须拥有的主要技能包括，交流能力，协作精神以及创造游戏的无限激情。
“在孩童时期我很喜欢讲故事给朋友听。我喜欢与他们一起玩纸笔角色扮演游戏，并且我能够很快了解到他们喜欢什么并讨厌什么。所以在我真正进入游戏产业之前，我便掌握了聆听玩家这一重要的技能。
当我真正开始为游戏撰写故事时，我便利用这一技术创造出玩家真正喜欢的游戏内容。”
——Paragon Studios首席设计师Joe Morrissey
QA测试员
QA人员是许多行业新人入门的最佳选择之一。该角色的主要作用是测试团队所创造的游戏质量，而这一步关系到一款游戏的成败。作为团队中的一员，测试员的主要责任便是评估团队所创造的游戏并向开发团队提供正负面反馈意见。
“我是通过自己的人脉进入这个产业的。我在大学时获得了的数字媒体艺术BFA学位，而那时候我的哥哥正在为一家大型游戏制作商兼发行商测试游戏。他向公司推荐了我，所以我很快就得到了第一份测试工作。”
——Paragon Studios QA人员Jared Aizawa
作为QA人员最让人欣喜的一点是他们将扮演着开发团队与用户之间的最终防线。如果能在游戏发行之前找到关键性漏洞，可以给整个团队创造极大贡献。除此之外，也有很多人将QA人员作为他们晋升至游戏开发领域其它岗位的跳板。但是这一工作也存在许多潜在的负面元素。一方面就测试过程本身来说，这是一种非常乏味的工作，特别当你需要反复测试同一个内容上百次时。另一方面，很多时候为了赶上发行进度，QA人员总是需要长时间投入工作，并影响他们自己的正常生活。
游戏测试员需要具备的技能包括灵活的口头和书面表达能力，注重细节，擅于抓住要点并且能够忍受并完成那些不断反复的任务。
“当你在争取第一份QA工作时最大的瓶颈便在于你缺少足够的测试经验。所以我便仔细研究了我之前在游戏产业中的经历以及工作相关技能是否能够用于游戏测试中，并想办法说服雇主我拥有百分百的热情和潜力，希望他们给予我一次机会。”
——Paragon Studios 首席QA人员 Daryl Hall
程序员/工程师
程序员或工程师在游戏开发过程起着支柱的作用，他们将编写游戏代码而创造出游戏。不过有些技术人员并非科班出身，有些程序员在大学中是主修其他专业，但通过自学成才获得计算机科学学位。
“程序员需要与其它部门的人员协作以深入了解游戏该如何运行。随后他们的任务便是明确游戏世界运行的任何小细节并将其编写成电脑能够理解的代码。程序员的大部分时间都是在创建并学习哪些代码能够被再次应用于游戏功能创造中，如物理功能或渲染功能。”
——Paragon Studios技术总监Neal Kettler
作为程序员最让人欣慰的一点便是你可以直接从电脑中获得反馈而不需要牵扯到其他外部人员。就像设计师和美工人员需要依赖于其他人去评价自己的工作，程序员则可以独立完成这种评价。除此之外，从最近一些大获成功的独立游戏来看，程序员也能够独当一面地创造出自己的手机游戏或网页游戏。最典型的例子便是《Minercraft》，这便是由一名程序员独立创造的作品。
Minercraft(from gamecareerguide)
尽管技术人员能够直接影响游戏的创作，但是有时候他们却很难参与整个游戏设计过程。尽管一个优秀的团队将合理分配每个学科人员所扮演的角色，但是这却不是整个游戏产业所遵循的标准。
作为一名优秀的程序员需要能够有效地解决问题，理解软件架构，与别人进行协作（游戏邦注：通常是指参与相同代码编写的人员），懂得自我激励并最终完成任务。
“与游戏产业中的许多人一样，我一开始便接触了一个完全陌生的领域，即在制药产业中担任化学工程师的角色。但是我真的非常喜欢创造计算机模拟，所以我便来到了游戏产业——因为在这里我可以随心所欲地进行模拟创造。”
——Hypnos Entertainment创始人兼软件工程师Fred Ehnow
美工
尽管如今的游戏创造中包含了各种不同学科人员，但是单从美工来看，这里就存在多种分类。在游戏开发过程中所涉及到的美工学科包含概念艺术人员，2D美工，UI美工，FX美工，场景美工，角色美工，动画师以及技术美工等。而传统意义上的美工主要是创造场景，角色和游戏特效。
“我的建议很简单：只要制作出某些内容并将其放到网上便可。不论你属于何种学科或拥有何种兴趣，你都有各种选择，包括从iOS到Unity再到UDK等各种杰出的工具；以及从《Minercraft》到《天际》等各种模范游戏。你真正需要做的只是找到一个能让你放松的在线社区（如TIGSource或Polycount）并继续创造更多内容。”
——Bethesda Game Studios美术人员Lucas Hardi
作为美术人员最让人兴奋的一点是你可以很容易地向好友和用户炫耀你的作品，通过屏幕截图或视频就能够做到。与技术人员一样，有时候美工也会因为不能参与整个游戏设计过程而沮丧。尽管一个优秀的团队将合理分配每个学科人员所扮演的角色，但是这却不是整个游戏产业所遵循的标准。此外，对于美工作品的评价更是一种主观过程，使得这种交流工作变得更加困难。
游戏美工需要具备精湛的数字和传统的美工技巧以及使用必要程序编写工具的经验。
“从小我就喜欢画画。并且在进入游戏产业之前我便同时拥有美学和计算机艺术两个学位——尽管我个人认为只要实践性够强有没有学位也没关系。
我最在乎的是你能够完全专注于自己真正感兴趣的领域。找到最能够启发你创作灵感的例子，学习它，掌握它的技术，并将自己的作品与之相比较。然后尝试着创造一些更棒的作品。从一件作品的5大细节中我们就能发现一个人是否有才能了。”
——Paragon Studios美术总监Arron Simpson
制作人
不同公司的制作人所扮演的角色也不同，但是总的来说他们的职责都是确保整个团队和项目的有效进行并朝着良好结果而发展。有时候，制作人也可以明确整个项目的发展方向，并支持着整个团队朝着这一方向而前进。大多数制作人都是来自于游戏产业中，所以对于那些没有开发经验的人来说直接挑战这项工作的确有点难度。
“我一直认为电子游戏制作人和好莱坞制片人的工作是相同的。我们都需要在规定时间以及特定预算内完成项目；我们都需要管理不同人才并推动他们交流与协作；我们都需要拥有足够的远见以明确完成后的项目会是怎样的；我们都需要适应各种未知的变化，为了遵循时间表而适当删减某些功能，并习惯长时间的工作安排。
我们都希望整个团队协作而创造出的作品能够让那些花钱消费的人感到愉快。”
——Paragon Studios制作人Mark Davis
作为制作人你必须承担起项目成败的责任。但是从这一点看来，这也给众多制作人带来巨大的压力。
“好的制作人能够创造出游戏。好的制作人能够维持一个优秀的团队并创造出让玩家难忘的游戏。”
——BioWare制作人Jeff Skalski
对于制作人来说最重要的是他必须拥有广泛的游戏开发经验，灵活的交流能力（贯穿整个行政管理系统以及各个部门人员）以及紧迫感，能够紧跟任务进度。
“要想成为一名制作人需要你先在其它学科打拼几年。就像我在游戏产业的第一份工作只是业务经理！
而在过去几年时间里我学到了各种技能，包括沟通与尊重；制定决策与策划；领导与多重任务处理；以及如何使自己成为公司文化和工作流程中不可缺少的一份子。如何让自己得到重视又不显得出风头也是一门学问，而如果你无奈找不到机会去展示自己的技能你就需要好好研究这一点。”
——Paragon Studios制作人Melissa Bianco
音频设计师
音频设计师能够创造游戏过程中的音效和音乐。通常他们都需要独自进行工作，并且懂得如何有效地分配时间。
作为音频设计师最让人兴奋的一点便是能够通过创造声音和音乐而独立地完善整款游戏。在很多开发流程中，音频设计师都会发现自己必须不停地经历各种等待（等待美工，程序员以及设计师完成自己的工作）。如此便导致音频设计师常常需要面临各种延工状况，而让他们感到沮丧。但是优秀的音频设计师总是具有预见性，能够事先设计一些符合概念艺术和设计文件的音频内容。
音频设计师必须知道如何使用录音室的设备，拥有声音设计，音乐设计并实现游戏对话的经验，并懂得如何自我激励从而在有限的监督下独立完成任务。
“下载Fmod Designer或Wwise并学习如何使用这些工具。基于这些工具而学到的任何技能都能够帮助你更加自如地应对初级面试。
如果你还未拥有作品展示带，那就马上做一个。截取电影中的一个场景，或者一些游戏画面，甚至也可以是现有的游戏预告片，然后删除原有的音效，自己重新制作一个。如果你能够专注于如何创造一个生动的场景，你便可能争取到自己的第一份工作。”
——Paragon Studios音频设计师Adam Kay
社区管理员
社区管理员的角色是直接面对游戏的目标用户并同时与用户和开发者进行沟通。他们不只要创建并管理论坛，随着越来越多社交媒体的崛起，现在的社区管理员更多地活跃于Facebook，Twitter，Googl+，UStream以及Youtube等更大平台上。
“优秀的社区管理员总是能够清楚玩家的要求以及自己工作室的业务需求。你需要设身处地地进行思考，并擅于各种社交，同时你也应该意识到自己的行动和言语将直接影响着游戏的业务。”
——Paragon Studios社区管理员Andy Belford
作为社区管理员你应该想办法将用户的想法和开发团队所传达的内容维系起来。通过网络或者举办社区活动与用户面对面交流能够带给你非常有益的经验。不管怎么样，玩家可能非常愤世嫉俗，而你就需要在各种负面攻击下尽量厚着脸皮保持自己的积极态度。
社区管理员必须擅于沟通，懂得从玩家角度去理解你的产品，并知晓哪些内容才能真正吸引玩家的注意。
步骤3：术业有专攻
当你越来越了解市场并知道如何创造游戏后，你便需要开始学习并寻找任何符合自己学科并且有帮助的工具。
每个学科都拥有属于自己的独特资源，能够帮助不同学科的人员学习更多与工作相关的内容。这些资源包括文章、书籍、视频，甚至是早前的GDC记录以及在线可访问的内容。
“游戏开发中的各个学科就像是足球队伍中各个位置的球员。理解它们所扮演的角色以及它们之间是如何协作这一点很重要，而选择并精通其中一门学科才能够帮助你的团队获取成功。你所选择学科的技能也是未来雇主希望在你身上所考察到的内容。”
——BioWare资深制作人Bruce Maclean
“当你在申请或应聘一份与游戏开发相关的工作时，最糟糕的情况便是你让招聘者认为，你只是希望成功地得到这份工作或者只是单纯地希望找到能够糊口的工作。我们身处于一个充满活力与激情的产业中，并且总是希望能够与那些全身心投入自己工作的人一起共事。
作为一名招聘经理，我一直在寻找不同学科中能够与团队其他成员和谐相处并拥有丰富的知识和经验，并且愿意与别人分享（或者拥有强大的成功欲望）的雇员。”
——BioWare产品开发主管Ken Shuck, Sr.
你的目标不只是理解每一个不同学科；相反地，你应该着重关注于其中一个学科，并尽可能深入地了解这个学科。在此，重要的不是你如何熬夜学习制作美术作品或编程代码，而是你能够明确地判断自己所选择的领域需要何种经验。
“通过专注并投身于一个特定学科，你便能够成为这个领域的专家并根据周围的事物而抒发灵感。你的激情具有蔓延性，能够感染团队中的其他成员并推动他们更加努力地完成自己的任务。”
——Paragon Studios制作人Nate Birkholz
步骤4：积累实际经验
现在是时候该动手创建能够运行的体验内容，你可以将此当作获得首份开发工作的垫脚石。
在本系列的所有文章内容和建议中，“积累实际经验”是目前为止最重要的一点。遵循此路线，你将实现自己涉足游戏领域的目标。若你跳过这一步骤，你会发现自己更难涉足开发领域，机会将不会垂青于你。是的，这需要花时间——可能是相当多的时间。但最终这将是你获得的最宝贵的经验，这将成为你简历的主要亮点，是你向潜在雇主推销自己的筹码。
无论是你希望涉足哪个具体学科，你需要坚持的最重要的一点是，通过呈现艺术元素或设计感觉，在荧屏上证实自己的价值，或通过共享功能演示内容、模型、修改内容或新创建的游戏展现自己的编程技能。虽然实现这一目标有很多渠道，但我们建议从学习免费的强大游戏开发引擎Unity入手。Unity过去曾帮助开发者在PC和iOS平台推出众多商业成绩显著的作品，它提供直观的界面、众多在线指南及书籍，甚至还允许我们花几美元购买可运用于游戏中的资产。此外，Unity支持C#和Javascript语言，所以如果你遵循我们的意见，参加免费Stanford Programming Methodology课堂，那么你就能够动手编写任何必要的代码元素。
“Unity引擎兼具强大功能和易用性。我们还有其他免费引擎选择，但没有工具能够呈现类似于Unity的创造性自由。”
——Paragon Studios技术总监Neal Kettler
循序渐进，遵循如下步骤，朝目标迈进：
* 下载和安装Unity引擎
* 通过阅读若干基本教程熟悉界面
* 通过高级指南、书籍或在线文章研究更多引擎的高级功能
* 着手通过引擎创建自己的内容
无论你基于哪个学科展现自己的才华，都可以遵照这一流程。Unity引擎可以向网页玩家导出项目内容，这令你能够通过步骤6创建的在线资料夹在线呈现你的作品。
只要你熟悉引擎，独立制作内容，现在就是时候涉足普通的内容修改社区。诸如《军团要塞2》和《无冬之夜2》之类的众多零售游戏都允许游戏爱好者对其内容进行修改，在其中融入调整过的玩法或新内容，供他人进行体验。虽然从头创建目标内容是项艰巨的任务，但我们完全可以基于既有作品在相当短的时间内创建引人注目的内容。通过修改内容，你甚至能够同他人合作，获得宝贵的跨学科经验。最后，成功修改内容受玩家追捧通常能够让你获得第一手用户反馈信息。这是制作杰出简历，获得第一份正式开发工作的筹码。
如今业内有两款可进行修改的热门作品，即《Minecraft》和《天际》。不妨给这款作品制作引人注目的修改内容，这样你就能够在面试过程中呈现丰富的开发经验。
image 1 from gamecareerguide.com
“在查阅简历的过程中，我倾向关注创建过修改内容或演示内容的求职者。他们多半能够快速掌握我们的工具，这说明他们非常着迷于游戏制作。
有些人希望能够制作出杰出的作品，而有些人则是不得不创造出杰出的作品。最终选择聘用谁完全无需思考。”
——Paragon Studios制作人Ellisa Barr
步骤5：教育
这里我们将分享若干关于教育的建议，因为这涉及游戏开发。无论你是即将步入大学的高中毕业生，还是没时间争取学位的成年工作者，在此我们将提供众多选择。
关于教育及游戏开发最常见的问题是，大学学位是否是在行业谋得职位的必要条件。答案是否定的，你无需依靠获得学位涉足游戏开发。
但你应该积极获得学位。
虽然大学学位不是专职开发游戏的绝对要求，但拥有相关学位能够提高你获得首份工作，最终发挥自己最大潜能的机会。大学学位对于涉足游戏开发至关重要的原因主要如下：
* 在这一高度竞争的领域，你应该争取所有的有利条件
* 没有学位会限制你的长远发展潜能，限制你在行业的发展空间
* 获得学位能够提高你的创造性思维，扩宽你的兴趣，赋予你稳固的工作技能，这可能会在今后派上用场
* 最终你也许会放弃游戏开发，那么学位将能够给你的其他事业增添筹码
“我庆幸自己置身和电子游戏一样有趣、富有创造性和有意义的行业。教育背景是我成功的一大推动因素。”
——NCSoft品牌和商业策略高级副总裁Ross Borden
关于获取什么学位及就读什么学校，我们有很多选择。很多传统大学有提供计算机科学专业的学位，近来有些学校开始提供有关游戏开发的课程。
此外，如果有兴趣，Ross Borden之类的大学会集中培训学生，帮助他们入行。虽然我们无法证实相比更传统的大学，就读这类型的学校能够提高你在行业内找到工作的机会，但显而易见的是，专注于这一过程能够协助你提高自己的开发技能。
若我无法进入你所说的大学呢？也许你是肩负其他责任的成年人，你没有足够的时间和资金念大学。不要烦恼。通过遵循本网站罗列的所有步骤，你依然有望实现自己的目标。许多这一年轻行业的杰出人士凭借自主学习和个人决心获得成功。你可以通过实际操作经验弥补教育背景的不足（游戏邦注：通过创建修改版本的内容或其他作品）。
步骤6：简历和在线资料夹
现在是时候该追逐自己的梦想了。通过制作适当的简历和在线资料夹做好充分准备。下面就来谈论如何进行这一操作。
待到在游戏行业谋求职位的时候，你的简历和在线资料夹在向潜在雇主呈现你的价值方面起着举足轻重的作用。在当前的数码形式世界里，我们建议求职者同时制作简历和在线资料夹，以确保获得最大限度的曝光度，提高目标公司的操作便利性。
制作优秀简历的建议：
* 突出你的实践经验，作为没有开发经验的求职者，突出自己修改过的作品或Unity工作经验至关重要。
* 将内容限制在2页之内
* 仔细校对你的简历，同时请好友帮忙查看
* 不要满足于传统模板，上网搜索富有创意的范例
* 制作突出开发激情和自我成就的求职信
* 就所申请的各职位定制相应的求职信和简历，运用相关职位的常见术语
制作在线资料夹的建议：
* 网上有许多免费的托管和设计网站
* 在资料夹中融入不针对特定公司的简历版本
* 突出自己的工作经验，清晰、简要概述你所扮演的角色，具体制作什么内容
* 只展示自己的突出成就，因为在此质量远比数量重要得多
在线资料夹 01 from gamecareerguide.com
在线资料夹 02 from gamecareerguide.com
“若你有制作样品录像带，要将时间控制在1分钟以内，大小要在10mbs以内。保持简历的简单性、易读性，只融入重要信息。将Google Analytics同网站绑定，方便查看谁何时阅读过你的资料夹，这样你就能够获悉是否有公司阅读你的信息。仔细填写自己的LinkedIn资料，因为公司通常会在阅读简历前查看这一信息。”
——Paragon Studios高级动画师Colin Brown
如今许多开发者都以LinkedIn作为同他人分享自己工作经历的渠道，我们鼓励你也这么做（游戏邦注：这一免费服务让你能够将自己的简历和在线资料夹同平台联系起来，向所有查看你信息的潜在雇主提供方便的一站式服务）。
游戏工作室每天会收到很多的申请资料，所以花时间制作精致的简历和资料夹非常重要，记得应该只呈现自己最杰出的作品，最重要的是，要保持简洁性。
若你希望获得简历和资料夹的反馈信息，不妨点击下方的评论或我们的讨论版块。要发布内容前要记得移除家庭住址之类的个人信息。
（本文为游戏邦/gamerboom.com编译，作者：GameCareerGuide）
How To Break Into The Industry, Part 1
GameCareerGuide.com staff
In this new series for aspiring developers, Destin Bales shares his experience and offers advice on starting a career in the game industry. Bales has been working in the industry for 11 years, and now serves as the director of product development at Paragon Studios, which manages the superhero MMO City of Heroes and is working on two unannounced titles. The following are excerpts from his blog, “I Need To Make Games.”
Step 1: Understand the Market
Students are often introduced to the concept of working in the industry simply by enjoying the games that they love and daydreaming about being a part of the process. Being a gamer is a great start, but there is much more that can be done right now to understand the market.
You may already be familiar with a number of web sites that target consumers by showing news, reviews and gameplay footage. Most game developers are gamers first and frequently visit these sites on a daily basis. Some of our favorites include:
Gamespot
VG247
IGN
Gametrailers
Penny Arcade
Visiting these sites each day can give you a great overall view of what games are popular today. It’s an investment that takes time however, but understanding which games are successful, niche, critically acclaimed and unique is an important knowledge base for any game developer to have.
“If you want to get into the games industry, then get into it. Play all kinds of games, read the news on web sites, stay up to date on the latest changes, learn it inside and out. In the eyes of a prospective employer your knowledge will help prove your passion.”
- Matt Daniels, Designer | Bethesda Game Studios
Where the sites above show the perspective from the outside looking in, listed below you can find resources that show the viewpoint from within the industry looking out. Many developers view these sites on a weekly basis to learn more about their craft and the market around them. The most popular pages tend to be:
Gamasutra (For industry news)
VGChartz (For sales data)
For more concentrated and direct exposure to the industry there are a number of conferences and events that take place each year in which you can learn quite a bit about game development, gaming culture and the hottest products of today. Attending these events is not necessary to achieve your goal, but if you find that you have the means to do so you will likely learn quite a bit from the experience.
Game Developers Conference
PAX (Seattle)
PAX (Boston)
E3
The Independent Games Festival at the 2012 Game Developers Conference
Last but not least, the most important thing you can do starting today and forever more is to play games. Play a lot of games. Play as many games as you possibly can.
“To make games you must know games. It isn’t enough to play the best or the worst game that everyone is currently talking about. You must experience everything that the industry has to offer.
It may be difficult to play through the last ten levels of some poorly reviewed game, but you never know what you may learn from that very last level. That painful experience could teach a lesson that saves you when you need it most in your career!”
- Maurice Nelson, Director of Development | BioWare Mythic
There is something to learn from each and every game out there. Whether the game is good or bad, big budget or indie, on console, PC, mobile or tablet, there are valuable lessons in each title.
It is easier than ever to play games today, even for free! Do you have a Steam account? In addition to the ease of use and the ability to buy games instantly from your PC, Steam offers a simple way to download and play free game demos of all kinds.
If you own a console like the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 you can access free game demos weekly via Xbox Live or the PSN interface on your system. Also, consider trying out Gamefly — a game rental service that works much like Netflix, allowing you to play many more games for your money.
Understanding the market is the very first step towards achieving your goal. It serves as the foundation for all future steps and is a process that takes time. Many developers have spent years accumulating a wealth of knowledge thanks to utilizing these types of resources. No matter your age, amount of disposable income, or working experience it is easily possible to dive in head first right now!
It’s time to take your first step.
Step 2: Recognize the Opportunities
The process of creating games often requires a significant amount of people from varying disciplines to contribute to the success of the product. Here we outline the many different jobs that are a part of the business, share insight into what it’s like working in these roles today, and offer origin stories from accomplished developers.
Over the years the complexity of creating (most) games has increased dramatically. That fact, combined with the recent rise of new platforms (iOS, Facebook) and distribution methods (Steam, direct to consumer), means that there are more roles than ever involved in bringing a game to life. Below we do our best to capture a high-level snapshot of each of those roles to help you recognize the sheer amount of job opportunities that exist today.
Game Designer
Many people who think about making games picture the role of the game designer in their heads. There are many different types of design positions but in general the designer establishes and communicates the key concepts of how the game should play to the rest of the development team. What systems will the game have, what the levels or areas of the game should look like, and how challenging the overall experience will be are all typical questions that designers are tasked with answering.
Here are a list of key resources you can follow to learn more about what the role of game designer entails:
So You Want to be a Game Designer
So You Wanna Be a Game Designer
Game Design, An Introduction
One of the most rewarding elements of being a designer is having the opportunity to help steer the overall direction of a given feature or game towards your desired vision. Alternatively, many designers may be frustrated to find that they are beholden to the work of artists, engineers, and even other designers to actually see their concepts come to life on screen.
Key skills that a designer must possess include the ability to effectively communicate with others, a collaborative spirit, and an unrelenting passion for understanding the fundamental building blocks of what makes games enjoyable to play.
“Ever since I was a kid I loved telling stories to my friends. I’d run pen and paper RPG’s with them and I learned quickly what kept their interest and what did not. The art of listening to the player was the greatest skill I learned before working in the industry.
When given the opportunity to write stories for games, I used that skill to deliver experiences to the player that they wanted to play.”
- Joe Morrissey, Lead Designer | Paragon Studios
Quality Assurance Tester
The QA tester position represents one of your best chances at obtaining an entry level role in game development. A critical part of the process, testing games as they are created is instrumental in ensuring a quality title and when done properly can be the difference between a hit game and a poorly reviewed disappointment. Working as a team, your main responsibility is to evaluate the game as it is being created and provide feedback to the development team regarding what is working properly versus what is not.
“I was able to get into the industry by networking. I graduated from college with a BFA in digital media art, and my brother was testing for a big game producer and publisher. He put in a good word for me, and soon after I started my first testing job.”
- Jared Aizawa, QA Tester | Paragon Studios
Here are a list of key resources you can follow to learn more about what the role of QA tester entails:
Game Testing
Game Tester
Testers – The Unsung Heroes of Games
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a QA Tester is knowing that you are the final line of defense between the development team and the consumers of your product. Saving a particularly nasty bug from finding its way into the final build helps the team tremendously. Additionally, many people use the role of QA Tester as a springboard towards other jobs in the game development pipeline. There are a number of potentially frustrating elements to the job however. The process of testing itself can be quite dull, especially if you are required to test the same part of the game hundreds of times in a row. Also QA Testers are frequently asked to work long hours towards the release of a project and in some cases this can impact their personal lives in a negative way.
Key skills that a game tester must possess include effective verbal and written communication, a superb attention to detail, and the ability to maintain focus while completing a potentially repetitive task.
“The hardest part about getting your first QA job is overcoming your lack of testing experience. I focused on my gaming history and how my previous job-related skills could apply to game testing, convinced them that I was passionate and had potential, and they gave me a shot.”
- Daryl Hall, Lead QA | Paragon Studios
Programmer / Engineer
Programmers or Engineers are the backbone of the development process, writing the code that brings games to life. Though some are self-taught most engineers learn the trade in college and obtain a degree in Computer Science.
“Programmers work with other departments to get a high-level understanding of how the game should play. Their task is then to figure out every last little detail of how the game world should work and then translate that into code that computers can understand. Much of your time is spent building or learning re-useable libraries of code that provide common game features like physics or rendering.”
- Neal Kettler, Technical Director | Paragon Studios
Here are a list of key resources you can follow to learn more about what the role of programmer entails:
So You Want to be a Developer
Game Programmer
So You Want to be a Game Programmer
One of the most rewarding elements of being a programmer is that you often get direct and immediate feedback of your work on screen without the reliance of any outside parties. While designers and artists are reliant upon others to see their work in game, programmers are capable of making it happen on their own. Furthermore, as the recent success of some indie hit games have shown, programmers are occasionally able to make compelling games entirely by themselves for mobile phones or on the web. The most successful example of this is the game Minecraft which was originally created by just one programmer.
Minecraft, the hit indie game originally created by Markus “Notch” Persson
While engineers hold the ability to most directly affect the game, they can sometimes be frustrated by their lack of involvement with regards to the overall design of the game. Good teams ensure that all disciplines are properly represented as concepts are approved, however this may not yet be the norm in the industry.
Skills required to be a valuable programmer include the ability to efficiently solve problems, a strong understanding of software architecture, the ability to work collaboratively with others (often in the same code), and a self motivated approach towards completing your tasks.
“Like many in the games industry, I started in a completely different field – I began my career as a Chemical Engineer in the Pharmaceutical industry. I really enjoyed creating computer simulations, which led me to games – where simulations don’t have to obey the laws of mother nature!”
- Fred Ehnow, Co-Founder and Software Engineer | Hypnos Entertainment
Artist
Of all of the different disciplines involved in game creation today, the artist is arguably the most varied of the bunch. Aspects of the art discipline in development include Concept Artist, 2D Artist, UI Artist, FX Artist, Environment Artist, Character Artist, Animator and even Technical Artist. Traditionally artists create the environments, characters and effects that you see in the games that you play.
“The advice I give now to folks looking for a job is so much simpler than it used to be: Make stuff and put it on the internet. No matter your discipline(s) or interest, there are options. From iOS to Unity to UDK there are fantastic tools out there. From Minecraft to Skyrim, there are moddable games. The key is to find an online community (like TIGSource or Polycount) where you can feel at home and just keep making stuff.”
- Lucas Hardi, Artist | Bethesda Game Studios
Here are a list of key resources you can follow to learn more about what the role of artist entails:
Game Art Design
Creative Uncut
Artists in Demand
One of the most rewarding elements of being an artist is how easy it is to show off your work to friends and customers alike. Through the use of screen shots or video you can display your artwork for all to see. Like engineers, artists can sometimes be frustrated by their lack of involvement with regards to the overall design of the game. Good teams ensure that all disciplines are properly represented as concepts are approved, however this may not yet be the norm in the industry. Furthermore, evaluating art is a subjective process making the communication element of the job all the more challenging.
Skills required to be a game artist include superb digital and traditional artistic skills and experience in with the necessary authoring tools of your chosen profession.
“As a kid, I was always drawing. I got into the games industry after studying degrees in both fine art, and computer art – though I would personally hire an artist who didn’t have a degree if the work was stellar.
The key for me has always been to focus on the area you are most passionate about. Find the most inspiring examples of the artistic discipline you want to work in – study it, learn the techniques, and compare your work to it. Then try and make something better. Five great pieces of work would be enough to show me that someone has talent.”
- Arron Simpson, Art Director | Paragon Studios
Producer
The role of the producer can vary from company to company, but typically they are responsible for ensuring that the entire team and project are working efficiently and towards the desired end result. In some cases the producer also establishes the vision for the overall project and supports the team to achieve that goal. Most producers are hired from within the industry, making it one of the most challenging jobs to jump directly into without prior development experience.
“I’ve always imagined a video game and Hollywood producer to have very similar jobs. We both have the goal of completing our projects on time and within budget. We both must manage wildly different groups of talented people to collaborate and communicate effectively. We both need to have a strong vision for what our project should look like when it is complete. We both must adapt to unplanned changes, cut some of the features we cherish most for the sake of the schedule, and work long hours.
All in the hopes that our teams produce something that makes a large group of people smile and happily part with their hard earned money to be entertained.”
- Mark Davis, Producer | Paragon Studios
Here are a list of key resources you can follow to learn more about what the role of producer entails:
So You Want to be a Producer
Video Game Producer
Game Production – An Introduction
As the producer you are ultimately held accountable for the success or failure of your project. As such, the most rewarding aspect of the role (responsibility) can also be the most frustrating as well.
“Good Producers make games. Great Producers build amazing teams whose talents go on to create moments for players that will never be forgotten. Champion your people and dare to believe.”
- Jeff Skalski, Producer | BioWare
The key elements required to be a producer include extensive game development experience, the ability to communicate effectively both up and down the chain of command as well as across all disciplines, and a sense of urgency that can be applied to the task at a measured pace.
“The opportunity to become a Producer came after years of discipline and hard work. My first job in the industry was as an Office Manager!
Over time I learned many skill-sets: communication and respect; decision-making and organization; leadership and multitasking; and a knack for making myself an invaluable part of the company culture and workflow. There is an art to making yourself visible without being pushy which is important to grasp as you’ll never get an opportunity to show what amazing things you can do if no one knows what an asset you are.”
- Melissa Bianco, Producer | Paragon Studios
Audio Designer
Audio designers create the sound effects and music that play during gameplay. They often work alone and must be capable of managing their own time wisely.
Here are a list of key resources you can follow to learn more about what the role of audio designer entails:
Game Sound Design
Game Audio Resource Guide
Audio Engineering
One of the most rewarding elements of being an audio designer is the ability to independently improve entire games through the creation of sound and music. In many development pipelines the audio designer may find himself waiting for work (art, code, design) to be completed by others before he can begin. In some cases this leads to a large amount of work being dropped on the audio designer towards the end of a milestone or project, which can be a source of frustration in this role. I good audio designer will constantly be looking ahead, designing assets that he knows he will need by working from concept art and design documents to get ahead of the end-of-project crunch.
The key elements required to be an audio designer include a working knowledge of recording studio equipment, experience with sound design, music, and dialogue implementation into games, and a self-motivated mentality to independently drive towards deadlines with limited oversight.
“Download the Fmod Designer tool or Wwise and learn what you can about implementing with them. Any demonstrable skills you obtain with either of these tools will serve as a real win for an entry-level candidate interviewing.
If you don’t have a demo reel, make one. Take a scene from a movie, some gameplay footage, or even an existing game trailer and remove the original sound building it back up from scratch. If you can show attention to detail and an ability to make a scene come to life, you’ll have a real shot at landing that first job.”
- Adam Kay, Audio Designer | Paragon Studios
Community Manager
The role of the community manager is to directly interface with the target audience for your games and create an avenue of two-way communication between the users and the developers. This not only involves the creation and management of forums, but with the rise of social media community managers now lead initiatives on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, UStream, Youtube and more.
“A great Community Manager has a thorough understanding of both the players they represent and the business needs of their studio. You’re empathetic, understanding and diplomatic, all while remaining conscious of how your actions and words have a direct effect on the business of your game.”
- Andy Belford, Community Manager | Paragon Studios
Here are a list of key resources you can follow to learn more about what the role of community management entails:
Online Community Management
How to Become a Community Manager
Great Community Management
As the community manager you serve as the liaison between what the audience desires and what the development team delivers. The direct connection with users via the web and face to face at community events can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Players can be quite cynical however and it takes quite the thick skin to stay positive amidst an unending onslaught of forum negativity that strikes even the most popular games.
The key elements required to be a community manager include the ability to build solid relationships, an incredibly deep understanding of the products you represent from the players perspective, and the ability to understand content that will attract the player in a positive manner.
Step 3: Study the Trade
Armed with a growing understanding of the market and insight into the various positions that work together to create games, now you can turn your attention towards learning and obtaining the tools you need for your desired discipline.
Each discipline has a number of unique resources available to help you learn more about the job at hand. These range from articles, books and videos to previous GDC courses recorded and viewable online.
“Game development disciplines are like positions on a football team. Having some understanding of all of the roles and how they work together is important, but pursuing a mastery of one is how you help your team win. Your skill at your chosen discipline is also the first thing your future employer will want to know about you.”
- Bruce Maclean, Senior Producer | BioWare
To help you get started, here are a few examples that you may find useful:
Overall Development
GDC Vault – Online Free Sessions
Design
The Game Design of Starcraft II
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses
Game Development Essentials
QA
Game QA & Testing
Game Testing
Art
Creating the Art of the Game
Game Art Complete
Engineering
Free Stanford Online Course – Programming Methodology
Learn C++
Production
The Game Producer’s Handbook
The Game Production Handbook
Audio
The Game Audio Tutorial
Game Audio Development
Community
Online Community Management for Dummies
The Art of Community
“One of the worst things you can do when applying or interviewing for a job in game development is lead people to believe that you just want a foot in the door or will take literally any job. We work in a dynamic and passionate industry and want to work with others who are committed to their trade, whatever it may be.
As a hiring manager, I am looking for that complementary puzzle piece that interlocks with the rest of the team and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table (or an aptitude and strong desire to succeed) in a particular role.”
- Ken Shuck, Sr. Director of Product Development | BioWare
Your goal should not be to attempt to thoroughly understand each and every one of these disciplines. Instead try and focus in on a specific one, and begin absorbing as much information about it as you possibly can. What matters here is not that you learn how to make art or create code overnight, but that you get a good sense for what the experience might be like working in this field.
“By maintaining focus and dedication for a particular discipline you become an expert in your field and inspire those around you. Your passion is contagious and makes the rest of the team better in the process.”
- Nate Birkholz, Producer | Paragon Studios
Take your time, explore the information that is out there and share your findings with others. (source:gamecareerguide)
