From Coder to Game Designer?

FortKnox asks: "I, originally, asked this in my journal, but figured more people would have the same questions. As most coders, I'd eventually like to crack into the gaming industry. Yes, this is similar to an older AskSlashdot, but that was more about how someone going into college wants to get into the gaming industry. My question is how does a veteran computer professional crack into a designer job?"

"I am a coder by trade, so I would like to try and get a job as a game designer. What kind of experience (besides other game company experience) grabs attention of gaming companies? Project Management experience? Software Architecture experience? Create a design document (high and low level) for a game?

Most people say 'You need a demo or create a game for gaming companies to consider you', but the time it takes to make something like that isn't available to all; yes, I understand that most gaming companies require long shifts, which I am fully capable of doing, but that isn't the same as having the extra time to design and code a game. Is there anything besides a lot of luck that will help get a job in the industry as a designer? As a side question: Do designers make enough to support a family well, or is the pay pretty low?"

Comments

Game industry titles

[robson]

This can get pretty complicated. You use "game programmer" and "game designer" synonymously; this is sometimes the case, but not usually.

Most teams I've seen are composed of:

A. Programmers - Write code for the game.
1. Systems guys - Write engine code; generally code that's not game-specific.
2. Content guys - Write game code, which is usually game-specific.

B. Artists - Make art for the game.
1. Modelers - Make models.
2. Texture artists - Make textures for models and the world.
3. Animators - Animate characters.
4. Environment artists* - Make game levels.

C. Designers - Design game play.
1. Game designers - Design global game play systems.
2. Scripters - Implement game design through high-level coding.
3. Level designers* - Make game levels.

D. Management - Uh... management.
1. Producer
2. Director

So... there are really two ways into a "game design" job -- move up through level design (more art skills) or through scripting (more programming skills). If you're interested in pursuing the latter, grab a single-player Unreal-based game (like Deus Ex), learn UnrealScript, and put together some "mods" that will serve as a portfolio of your work.

As for programmer/designer, in my experience, it's not a good idea for the lead programmer to also be the lead designer. You really want a balance of power between the art lead, design lead, and programming lead. Otherwise, it's easy for an entire discipline (and game element) to get neglected.

* On some projects, level designers are responsible for making game levels; on others, environment artists do this. It's really the same job, although artist positions usually pay more.)