- What could I do after I finish the Games Design course?
There are multiple options available for me after I finish the Games Design course. A few examples of these are to go to University, get an apprenticeship, get a job or perhaps go into self-employment as a freelance game designer.
Initially I think that I’d prefer to learn more about concept art or map design for games or work with some big game companies such as Studio Wildcard, Blizzard Entertainment, Activision, Rockstar or Bethesda.
2. Which option do I think would suit me best at the moment, and why? Think about what your main skills and interests are
My main skills in game design are creativity and designing. I would like to design interesting maps or terrain, or creatures. I really enjoy concept art, it allows my talent to take control and I don’t need any reasoning or explanations behind some of my creations. I like that sense of freedom. I think some of the best options would be to apply for a job as a concept artist or practice with modelling or perhaps creating assets that would suit a playable map. I also use Pinterest for a lot of ideas and inspiration.
I don’t really have much interest in animation or any further education after this course. I would prefer to learn as I work or take some time to myself to teach myself new things.
3. What can I do to start to prepare myself for that pathway? Think about your FMP – what could you specialise in?
For my FMP, I would like to specialise in creating concepts or assets and modelling them, making them come to life in a game engine. I like creating creature/character concepts. I also really like the look of supercars and I have been practicing drawing 3D vehicles. I would also like to create concept cars.
To prepare for this, I could maintain a consistent level of practice and keep creating concepts that one day may be useful. I could also improve my modelling skills and look at different opportunities that would suit me around the world. I would like to move to a different country, maybe America, because there are a lot more job opportunities there.
After doing a bit of research, I have found that the average game artists can earn between £30-£45k annually. However, a freelance game designer can earn around £60-£80k annually. In retrospect to this, I would like a job in the gaming industry that could provide a higher pay. These kind of jobs include; software developer, engine or VFX programmer, or a straight up CEO of the company. However, at the moment none of these jobs appeal to me as I prefer the more creative side of game design and development.
I have recently been playing a game called ‘Among Us’ and it proves how a video game doesn’t have to be flashy and high quality and demanding to be successful. Even the old phone app, Flappy Bird was extremely successful. Sometimes, well thought-out video games can be simple yet successful.
I found a website that finds multiple game design jobs, creative or otherwise. I used this to find job opportunities around America.
An Environment Artist ^ is someone who uses resources to create and design maps for both multiplayer and technical requirements. This can also include building and editing assets for the map.
ARK: Survival Evolved is a game that has variety within it’s playable maps. After playing through multiple of them I have come to appreciate how beautiful they can be and this makes me want to create something similar. Furthermore, ARK allows players to build, which can make the game more aesthetically pleasing.
Leah Morrell Games Designer 