Video Games

Video Games:

How to Design a Video Game

Want to design video games? Here's a good place to start.

Steps

1. Be imaginative. You don't want to create a game that's already been created before. Exercise your creative thought by doing things such as writing, drawing and reading. Other games can provide inspiration, but it's important to be creative and build on your imagination.
   
2. Expand your knowledge. Many game designers have interests in subjects other than video games and computers, such as Science, History, Music, Literature or any other form of education. Sometimes it is just the history of the Starship Enterprise and it's myriad shades of brown. Fear not! You're only a step behind the Star Wars fans who type "that's no moon" into every comment in their code. This has a big effect on game design because it improves your creative skills -- the more knowledge you have of other subjects, the more you will be able to create original games based around the knowledge that you have.
   
   • Learn Maths. A game designer (as opposed to a game writer or level designer) needs to know how to balance lots of figures in many dimensions. Maths is the key here. Learn arithmetic, algebra, probability & statistics, and basic economics. The ability to chase artists who don't deliver work is reliant on this skill.
     
   • Learn how to code. Many designers lament not knowing how to code. It is understood that major players in the games industry all know how to code.
     
   • Learn how to write. Designers need to be great communicators on paper and off. Writing short stories is a good way to start. Learn other forms of writing, and try writing your own design documents. This will teach you a useful skill and the documents make great portfolio filler. People will love your games if you are imaginative.
     

Tips

• Don't get too overworked about avoiding cliches. They become cliches because they work, so sometimes you can get away with putting a fresh spin on a used one.
  
• If you've never designed a game before, your idea will take ten to one hundred times longer than you think to complete. Start very small. If you start small, the approximate rule of thumb for project completion is one line of code for every 2 cups of tea. This is still an acceptable rate when you're a professional providing you understand the concept of "waiting to compile".
  
• Get something playable working as soon as possible in development, then work out from that kernel.
  
• Take breaks. Leaving a design for a while will give you a fresh perspective. Just make sure you actually come back. The morning after is not just for regretting relationships or previous drunken nights. Sometimes it can save a project when you realize that an entire night's work looks like a poodle due to lack of sleep and too much crunch. Explaining to your boss or yourself why code looks like a poodle is not easy. Take breaks and avoid this scenario.
  
• The entire process will seem much easier if you are imaginative and creative. Try to come up with inventive new ideas and let your creativity flow - it will pay off in the long run.
  

Things You'll Need

• A video game maker. There are many kinds out there, but for beginners RPG Maker is a good start. It contains everything you need right from the start, and allows you to add on custom graphics, music, and other things.