How to Become a Video Game Designer 1-2-3
Become a Video Game Designer
Video Game Design is a rapidly-growing field that offers lots of opportunities. Video
game customers are not exclusive to kids anymore, and people can play these games virtually anywhere. If
you enjoy video games - and you are creative, methodical and have strong technical skills - being a video
game designer may be the perfect career for you.
If you don't already have a video game designed, your first step is to design the game. You will need some
software to do this, including game development software, graphics software (Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop
are some of the most popular) and 3D modeling software
(like 3D Studio Max or LightWave 3D).
Video Game Design Basics
Once you have your design tools, it's time to create your game concept - what is the goal of the game?
Sketch what you want the characters and backgrounds to look like and then use the game development software to
create them. Build a wire frame of the world and add textures. Use the 3D software to create the characters and
objects in the game and assign behaviors to the characters.
How to Make Money
Designing Video Games
Learn industry secrets from expert Phil Marley, who has designed many games - including videos for
Playstation and Microsoft. He goes beyond business start up and operation basics to share pointers on
trends and where the video gaming industry is headed - a key factor in business success.
See what you get:
- How the video game industry works and the best way to find out about video game jobs and freelancing
opportunities
- How to develop your video skills and create video games that will sell
- Unique networking opportunities, creative ways to make more money
- Future trends in the video game industry & how to stay ahead of competition
Become a Video Game Designer
Video Game Business Resources:
Video Game Advertising Tips:
How to Bring Your Product to Market
In the video game industry, you can either develop your own video game products and sell them or you can
freelance - taking on jobs to develop video game programs for other people.
Selling Your Own Video Games
Start by attending gaming conventions and trade shows and
let people test out your games. Get feedback and make connections. You may meet people who can help you
sell your product - or refer you to someone who can. Letting people try out your game is probably the best way
to market it.
As with most products, it's easier for game designers to work with smaller retail stores and sell
their own products online before they contact the big chain stores. The reason for this is that the big stores
want to know that there is a demand for your product before they start carrying it.
Once you can demonstrate that you have a loyal following of customers and some demand, they are willing to
listen to you. Here's an article with more information: Get Your Video Game in Stores.
Use Online Forums
Another way to get the word out about your games is to let gamers try
them and let them do the selling. Join a few gaming forums and research to see who are the active
users and the people who talk the most. Reach out to them to see if they would like to try out your new
game to see if they like it.
If they like it, they are likely to share the information with their friends. You can also form an
affiliate partnership with
them so that they receive a commission for each game they sell. This is a great incentive for gamers who
like your game.
Freelancing Work
There are many freelance websites that help independent contractors
connect with potential hirers. Typically, you can list the services you offer so that someone interested in
developing a video game can hire you.
You also can browse available jobs under "game design" or "video games" and find contract jobs that way. You
can find more information and a list of freelancing sites here.
