Game Designer (Multimedia)
Game designers invent, build, produce and promote computer games. Game design is like being the film director, but for a computer simulation (imitates the appearance of reality). They are limited only by their own imagination and the customer’s budget.
Game designers are the creative thinkers in the development of a game, and they become the story-tellers in how the game is to be played. They produce the game design document and develop games for educational, entertainment or computer platforms. There are different styles of computer games:
simulation - where the player takes on a real-world simulation
strategy - where the player takes on opponents using strategic and tactical moves
role-playing - where the player controls characters in fantasy or science-fiction environments
action - where the player needs a quick eye and reactions to make his moves against a character.
The degree of programming is dependent on the type of game. In small projects, game designers do the design and most of the programming, whereas in larger projects, they may do the design only and the programming will be done by other people. They work with a team of programmers, developers and animators.
Satisfying Aspects
- exciting, as you are at the cutting-edge of a new medium
- challenging, ever-changing career
- highly creative and fun
Demanding aspects
- long and irregular hours
- working under pressure to meet deadlines
Requirements
- highly creative and dynamic
- computer-literate and technically minded
- able to work under pressure
- prepared to work long, irregular hours
- analytical, skilled at solving problems
- able to communicate effectively
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics
Recommended Subjects: Computer Sciences
Training
Computer Science related degree for programmers, Art qualification for game artists.
Most tertiary institutions offer computer courses in programming. Examples of places to study:
Degree: BSc Software Development - RU,
BSc Information Technology: Computer Games Design - UCT, BIS Multimedia - UP
Diploma: NDip Information Technology - UJ, NMMU
Employer
- computer software companies
- advertising agencies
- game developing companies
- self-employed, with appropriate experience
Contact
The following websites:
Game.Dev
www.ea.com
www.gamedotdev.co.za
www.novalogic.com