As I get deeper into what it means to be a video game designer, I am starting to research more of the specializations and aspects of what a new designer needs to get started making games. I researched on the topic of game engines, and what I discovered truly made me very excited. I have found out that many engines don’t actually require the person to know as much coding as I expected. For someone of my caliber (no programming knowledge), either Unity or Gamemaker would be the best option to get started on.

Both engines have a free edition and have numerous tutorials online. This shall open up doors to what I can achieve this year in ISM, as well as discover what is possible in game design. Unity requires a little coding, but not nearly as much as some of the professional software packages need. In contrast, Gamemaker needs no programming knowledge what so ever, but some of the functions and abilities are limited due to it being a free trial. More research is also needed on if my current computer can even handle any game design program. I’m glad I have experience on building computers and researching for the parts, as I sense the specifications for every computer part are going to be complicated.

After this week, I can safely say that my interest for going into the video game developing industry is stronger than ever. The area I’m specifically interested in now is video game design, so I shall hopefully meet with professionals who have experience in the field so that I can increase my own knowledge. There is still a large amount research needed to be undertaken as I explore the specifics of video game design, as well as honing in skills necessary to go into the industry.

Specifically, I need to learn some kind of programming language in order to be successful. Most recommend Java or Lua, but more research is needed to find out the pros and cons of both to see which one is better to study this year. I also need to sharpen my drawing and writing skills so that I can create an effective storyboard for my game ideas. Adding onto that, I shall do more research into what the different areas of video game design are and what I’m interested in, such as level design, story and plot design, or even head of the game designer team. It makes me very excited to do all of these tasks to increase my understanding of the job, as this is one of the first areas of my own life where I’ve felt passionate about my future career.

Regardless of what I chose, I know that through the support of the ISM program and my peers, I can go farther than I ever would have if I did this all alone.

With the start of my final year in high school comes new opportunities, trials, and growth. This blog shall be updated weekly with my progress in the Independent Study and Mentorship program as I explore the industry of video game design. ISM is meant to train and enable students to pursue their interests in the business world by teaching professionalism, development of core values, and ways of getting connected with professionals of their field of interest.

Now that I have a more established grasp of what the video game business is after researching, I plan to now reach out to professionals and become connected with the industry. This can be achieved by the completion of a linked-in account, but more so with actually reaching out to companies and people that are in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The opportunities of connecting with some fantastic people are very high, since the independent video game producer Gearbox is headquartered in Frisco Square and SMU has a prestigious graduate program in Plano devoted to video game creation and inspiring students to make their own games. No matter where I go or who I meet, it shall be one of the best experiences of my life. I am looking forward to seeing where this program shall take me, and the sky’s the limit for what’s possible.