The many roles of a hobbyist game developer
To make your own computer games you will need to train and use a wide set of skills. While some game engines like Game Maker and FPS Creator allow you to drag-and-drop elements into the game you will sooner or later need to work in an area outside of your normal expertise.
What type of game developer are you?
Which role do you prefer? While there are nearly countless roles a computer game developer can have there are certain archetypes that are commonly seen.
Game Designer
When you are planning the overall layout of the game, its story, how it feels, strength of weapons and bosses you are a game designer. Ideas are flying in your head and what actually goes into your game (and what does not) is what being a game designer is all about.
Graphic Artist
One of the ways we experience games is through the graphics on the computer monitor. Game reviewers sometimes focus a lot on this when they write their articles on the latest games. Graphics are created by artists who spend a lot of time on image editing software. They often specialize in either 2D or 3D graphics since mastering even one of these is time consuming.
Programmer
Do you immediately check which type of scripting language a new game engine uses and do you prefer game engines that uses coding rather than a graphical drag-and-drop editor then you are probably a game programmer with a good sense of logics and math.
Audio Designer
Does the word Twitter remind you of bird singing rather than an internet text message service or do you love mixing new and cool sound in audio editing software then you are probably destined to be an audio designer. If you also like to compose your own music then it’s a sure thing.
Level Designer
Did you play with LEGO’s as a kid and still think back on this as the best days of your life then level design might be just the thing for you. Level designers are excellent at putting together all the small bits and pieces from the other departments. They can create meaning and fun out of whatever they are handed and they know how to structure levels so that they are gradually harder and when the player progresses.
Chances are that you are probably strong in one or two of these areas but not all of them. Luckily there are ways to make games even if you are not a programmer and for those who don’t want to spend time making graphics or sound it is possible to find free resources online or team up with someone who is willing help you.
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February 13th, 2011 - 15:41
Hi,
I stumbled on this site and read most of the articles and the manifesto,this is great information for beginners and most of the advanced to think about.Just want to say thanks and keep up the good work,good to see that there is still good information available on the web.