VIDEO GAME PRODUCTION - JOB ROLES

SAM KING, ZOE COLGATE & SCOTT DURU

LRSFC

V I D E O G A M E SGAME DEVELOPMENT

Game DesignerWhat is a game designer?

A game designer is the person who is in control of how the gameplay/visuals work. The game designer is a very multi-

skilled employee, they’re in charge of setting; structure; rules; story flow; characters; the objects, props, vehicles, and

devices available to the characters; interface design; and modes of play. The game designer is also usually part of a team

of game designers who are led by the leading designer.

What does a game designer need?

A game designer needs to have many qualities to succeed in this industry.

- A game designer needs to be able to create, receive feedback, then work with the feedback to improve the first creation.

This means that the designer needs to be able to work as a team, help each other, and not take feedback personally. This

is one of the most important parts of creating a game; being able to help each other and improve by doing so. Team-

work.

- A game designer needs to be able to think creatively, whilst being able to stick to a specific task/process. This meaning

that they must be able to think of new and initiative ways of doing the same task. This is what puts certain games

above others.

- A game designer must have storytelling and narrative skills. There is no point having a game designer who can code a

game but not have any ideas on how to improve it, add to the story, and make it not a step by step game, but a story.

How to become a game designer.

To become a game designer, you need a huge variety of skills, ranging from game coding, to 3D design. A lot of people

who go into game design are usually graduates from University that have a degree in game design. Having this degree

will show your potential employers that not only are they hard working and willing to learn, but have also learnt how to

use specific softwares. Alternativley you can get into game design by starting off at QA (quality assurance) and work

your way up from a game tester. You would also need to have a good knowledge/portfolio with the software used to

create games.

Example.

When creating ‘FEZ’ Phil Fish re-designed the levels of the game numerous time, he started off with very basic detailed

levels, and after each year of production Phil’s skills in pixel art would improve and he felt like he should go back and

re-design each levels art.

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ArtistWhat is an Artist?

Artists create the art for the game such as the Characters, surface textures, vehicles, scenery and other visual elements.

Artist also help out with or create storyboards during the pre production phase.

Key qualities to succeed at this job role.

It is essential for the artists to have a portfolio with all their work they have created, their work should carry a range of

different styles and techniques and originality of approach. Artists in the games industry have a degree or HND in an art

subject, such as graphic design, illustration or fine art.

Key skills for all artists include:

art and design skills

Awareness of colour, modelling and texturing techniques;

the ability to work as part of a team and independently;

imagination and creative talent;

attention to detail and observation skills;

good communication skills;

ability to work to a style guide;

knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

How to become an artist.

A work placement undertaken during a degree course is a useful way to gain the industry experience that could lead to a

first job.

Contribution made by someone in this job role.

FEZ - Phil Fish.

Phil fish created art design for the game FEZ, he created a puzzle platform, it's a 2D game set in a 3D world, as the two

dimensional character receives a fez that reveals a third dimension and consequently tears the fabric of his universe.

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Audio Engineer.What is an audio engineer?

The Audio engineer is responsible for creating or finding a soundtrack for the game, the person pursuing this task may

use scoring, composing and also the recording of the music for the sound track.

What are key qualities needed to succeed at this role?

One aspect that the audio needs to keep in mind is the fact that the game is non-linear and particularly when scoring

they need to remain interactive experiences.

Deadlines for the production of the music is often very tight, this is teamed with the fact that the process can be quite

complex means the person needs to be sufficiently organized and be able to complete work at a fast pace and at a high

quality.

Common technical constraints are needed to be taken into account as well.

Two alternative approaches to entering this job?

There is not a particular route that must be followed or specific qualifications, in order to enter audio production, but

musical experience in sectors such as editing sound recording and mixing are all essential.

Candidates would be at an advantage with strong experience and portfolios of work, there are also courses available that

vary from HND to degree level.

Contribution of someone in this job role?

- An example of an audio producer for the Indie game ‘FEZ’ was called ‘Rich Vreeland’ for the audio in this game Vree-

land set out to reduce the reliance on percussion instrumentals and ultimately went for a softer synth sounding track. He

worked on the composition and production of the track within 14 months.

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