15 Dumb Questions for a Game Designer

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To become a game designer, you must have a number of key skills and knowledge. An important aspect is understanding the basics of gameplay and mechanics. A game designer must be able to develop game concepts, create engaging narratives, and design levels that will be interesting to players. Skills in working with graphics editors and game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine are also important.

There are several areas of game design. These include developing game mechanics, creating characters, designing levels, writing scripts, and managing gameplay. Each area requires specific knowledge and skills, allowing game designers to find their niche in the industry.

The secret to engaging game mechanics lies in a harmonious combination of simplicity and complexity. Players should easily grasp the rules, yet still face challenges that require strategic thinking and creativity. Effective game mechanics should maintain player interest and motivate further progress, creating a unique experience and emotion.

Skillbox Media's "Gamedev" editorial team is launching a new column in which we ask provocative, uncomfortable, and even embarrassing questions to gaming industry experts. The goal of this initiative is to dispel myths, doubts, and misunderstandings surrounding various careers in game development. We strive to provide readers with accurate and useful answers to help them better understand the world of video games and the career opportunities it offers.

In this article, we present 15 unexpected questions we posed to game designer and founder of Workshop 15, Yaroslav Kravtsov. These questions will help us gain a deeper understanding of his approach to game development and the creative processes that underpin his work.

Let's say we're planning to create a game. In this context, a game is a set of images that move according to certain rules. An artist is responsible for creating the visual content, while a programmer ensures their animation and interactivity. Furthermore, we need a specialist who can explain why this project will be engaging, how it will be perceived by players, how many characters will be required, and what rules will govern their interactions. Thus, creating a game requires a comprehensive approach and collaboration between various specialists.

A game designer is responsible for developing and communicating game rules, acting as a liaison between the various aspects of the project. Their job is to create clear and understandable rules that will guide gameplay and player interaction. This includes not only establishing the fundamental mechanics of the game but also ensuring harmony between the story, visual elements, and user experience. Well-designed rules contribute to the creation of an engaging gameplay experience, which in turn increases the interest and involvement of players.

Game creation involves many aspects. These are, first and foremost, visual elements, which are presented in the form of graphics created by an artist. The programmer is responsible for the implementation of movements and interactive features, ensuring the smoothness of the gameplay. It is also important to have a specialist who can analyze the game's concept and explain what makes it exciting and interesting for players. He determines the number of characters, their design, and the rules of interaction, which are key to shaping the gaming experience. Effective collaboration between all these specialists allows for the creation of a high-quality product that will attract the attention of the audience.

First of all, it is necessary to develop and justify the rules of the game. This task falls on the shoulders of the game designer, who acts as the link between the various aspects of development. A game designer creates the concept of a game, determines mechanics and interactions, and ensures balance and engagement of the gameplay. Rules should be clear and understandable so that players can easily understand and follow them, which in turn contributes to a positive gaming experience.

Design is a broad concept that encompasses many aspects related to the process of creating and organizing various objects. Although I do not have in-depth knowledge of fashion design, elements such as interactivity can be considered. For example, the features of pockets, zippers, and the functionality of movement affect the overall user experience. Thus, there is a certain intersection between different design fields, where attention to detail and ergonomics are key.

Design is a broad concept that encompasses many aspects related to the creation and organization of products in the production process. Although I am not an expert in fashion design, elements of interactivity can be considered, such as pockets and zippers, as well as their functionality and movement. In this context, some overlap between various design disciplines can be identified, particularly in the areas of ergonomics and user experience.

Board games have their own unique designers who consider the specifics of figurine production, game board creation, and card design. However, the general principles of development remain similar: this includes creating rules and transforming narrative into game mechanics. One of the main advantages of board games over computer games is the lack of interaction with programmers, which simplifies the development process. However, testing board games can be challenging: it requires gathering groups of people for extended play sessions to identify and eliminate potential flaws.

Board game designers and game masters are entering the game development industry, which has a positive impact on video game development. Such specialists know how to entertain players, which is a key aspect of successful gameplay. In board games, the master directly observes the participants' reactions, allowing them to understand what causes joy or, conversely, frustration. This experience helps develop skills for creating engaging games, as well as avoiding mistakes that can negatively impact the game's perception. Understanding the needs and expectations of players is an important factor in developing high-quality game content.

Board game design requires a specialized approach. This process involves aspects such as creating the pieces, designing the game board, and designing the cards. Despite the unique features, the general principles remain the same: developing rules and translating narrative into game mechanics. One of the main advantages of tabletop design over computer game development is the lack of interaction with programmers. However, this process is not without its challenges, such as labor-intensive testing, which requires gathering a group of players to play through the game multiple times.

Boardgame designers and experienced game masters who facilitate tabletop sessions are particularly valuable in the gaming industry. They possess unique skills that allow them to entertain players and create engaging moments. Working with boardgames, game masters observe participants' reactions, which helps develop their ability to design high-quality games. This understanding of what irritates or frustrates players helps avoid similar mistakes during development. Creating games that take into account the emotional reactions of players is a key aspect of successful game design.

In any entertainment industry, the main goal is to bring people joy and happiness. Jesse Schell's "The Art of Game Design" provides valuable insights into the creation of amusement park attractions. The author examines in detail how to design physical attractions so that they are not only engaging but also interesting for guests. The spatial design approaches described in the book are similar to those used at Disneyland. These methods help create a unique guest experience, ensuring a high degree of engagement and satisfaction.

Game designers aren't limited to creating video games. Their skills can be applied in a variety of fields, such as the event industry or the development of interactive installations. There's also a subfield of serious games, which includes training simulators. These projects aren't intended for entertainment, but instead fully utilize the technical aspects of a game designer's work. Thus, specialists in this field can apply their knowledge and creativity to a wide variety of projects, expanding their horizons and influence across various industries.

Serious games are gaming applications that simulate real-life situations with practical application. Such games include pilot simulators that help develop aircraft handling skills, as well as training programs for oil workers before going on shift. Additionally, there's a wide range of simulators, such as earthquake survival games, that teach users how to properly respond to emergency situations. Serious games are becoming an important tool for learning and training, allowing users to practice necessary skills and knowledge.

The entertainment industry strives to bring people joy and happiness. Jesse Schell's "The Art of Game Design" explores important aspects of creating amusement park attractions. He shares approaches that help design physical attractions to be fun and engaging. These spatial design methods are similar to those used at Disneyland. Thus, one can see how the experiences and principles applied in gaming and entertainment environments intersect, creating unique and memorable experiences for visitors.

Game designers have a wide range of opportunities beyond traditional video games. They can successfully work in the events industry, creating engaging and interactive experiences. There is also a branch of serious games that includes educational simulators. These projects lack the entertainment aspect, but all the technical skills and knowledge required for a game design career are fully applied. This opens new horizons for professionals seeking to utilize their talents in various fields, including training and development.

Serious games are interactive applications that simulate real-life situations and allow users to develop skills needed in everyday life. These include pilot simulators that help learn how to fly an airplane, as well as training oil workers for work in challenging conditions. Furthermore, serious games can cover a wider range of scenarios, such as survival simulators for natural disasters, including earthquakes. These games not only entertain but also educate, making them a valuable tool in fields ranging from education to vocational training.

A game designer is often compared to A director, however, is not entirely accurate. A more appropriate comparison is to a creative director or other manager, as game development typically involves multiple game designers, and their areas of responsibility may be limited. A more appropriate analogy would be to an assistant director, but I prefer a different description. A game designer is a person responsible for creating game mechanics, balancing, and the overall concept of gameplay, making them a key figure in the development team.

A game designer can be compared to a technical writer, as both professions require the ability to transform creative or commercial ideas into clear technical documentation. A game designer develops a design document that serves as a primary reference for programmers, artists, and other members of the development team. This document contains key aspects of gameplay, mechanics, visual style, and other elements necessary for creating a game. A well-structured design document not only simplifies the team's work but also ensures a shared understanding of the project, which is critical for the successful implementation of game ideas.

The idea for this comparison came from an experienced HR manager who has interviewed hundreds of game designers. Her observations and experience in this field inspired me to create this comparison.

Game designers are often compared to directors, but this comparison is not entirely accurate. Perhaps a creative director or other manager is closer to the image of a director. Most projects have several game designers, and their areas of responsibilities are limited. A more appropriate comparison would be to an assistant director, but I prefer a different definition. A game designer is an architect of the gaming experience who shapes the player's interaction with the game, creating unique mechanics and scenarios. Their job is to develop game elements that make it engaging and memorable.

A game designer plays an important role in the gaming industry, and their work is in many ways similar to the tasks of a technical writer. It transforms creative ideas and commercial concepts into clear technical documentation that serves as the foundation for the entire team's work. A game designer develops a design document that becomes a key reference point for programmers, artists, and other specialists involved in the game's development. This document includes descriptions of the game's mechanics, characters, levels, and visual style, allowing everyone involved in the project to work together and effectively.

This comparison was suggested to me by an experienced HR manager who has interviewed hundreds of game designers.

The most effective way to master game design is to create your own games. Start by learning a simple game engine or editor, and then move on to more complex tools. John Romero shared on Twitter that Doom was about his ninetieth game, which emphasizes the importance of practice. Even small, non-commercial projects will allow you to see your ideas come to life. This process develops game design skills much more effectively than theoretical knowledge. Practice not only deepens your understanding of game development principles but also helps you develop a unique style and approach to creating game mechanics.

I hire game designers and often encounter a common problem among newcomers. When asked to demonstrate past projects, many respond that they have no experience and expect to start from scratch. This approach is inappropriate. It's important to demonstrate your interest in the field from the outset, whether you're working on a team or independently. Game design isn't just a job for income; it's a field that requires passion and creativity. Potential employers are looking for candidates willing to invest time and effort in developing their skills and creating high-quality games. Therefore, it is important to have a portfolio and demonstrate your ideas and projects, even if they were implemented as part of studies or personal initiatives.

The most effective way to immerse yourself in game design is to create games. Start by mastering a simple game engine or editor, or learn the basics of a more complex tool and get started developing. John Romero shared in one of his Twitter tips that Doom was his 90th game. You don't necessarily have to start with a large project; even creating small, non-commercial games will help you better understand the process and learn game design. Seeing your vision come to life is much more rewarding than simply studying theoretical aspects. Practice is the key to developing skills and understanding what really works in the gaming industry.

I hire game designers and can share some important observations. One common problem faced by new candidates is the lack of a portfolio. When asked about previous work experience, many of them respond that they haven't had the opportunity to do this before and expected to start from scratch at a new company. This approach is inappropriate. It's important to demonstrate your interest in the profession from the outset and demonstrate your willingness to invest in development. Game design isn't just a job for a living; it's a field that requires passion and creativity. Therefore, candidates should prepare examples of their work or projects in advance, even if they were completed as part of a class assignment or hobby. This will help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your dedication and passion for game design.

This approach promotes the development of a game designer and allows others to evaluate his skills through a portfolio. Having a browser-based game that can captivate a player for half an hour demonstrates a specialist's ability to hold an audience's attention. This is an important quality in game development, as it demonstrates the ability to create engaging and interesting content. A portfolio of such projects significantly increases a game designer's chances of success in the industry.

Achieving the desired result in game design is impossible without training and practice. The main challenge for a game designer is that they can't simply follow templates; a creative approach and new ideas are always required. The exception is projects based on clones, where the task boils down to analyzing an existing game and creating a similar product. However, even in such cases, originality and uniqueness are important to attract the audience's attention. Development in this area requires constant training and skill development.

This approach promotes the development of a game designer and allows others to evaluate their portfolio, seeing how they handle various tasks. Having a game development that can run in a browser and is capable of captivating a player for a long time demonstrates a specialist's high skill in managing user attention. This is an important indicator of a game designer's professionalism.

Achieving the desired result in game design is impossible without constant training and practice. The main difficulty of the profession is that you can't rely on ready-made templates. Each project requires a creative approach and original ideas. An exception is when working with cloned games, where the main task boils down to analyzing an existing game and developing its analogues. Therefore, for a successful career in game design, it is crucial to develop creative thinking skills and constantly improve your skills.

Game designers typically earn less than programmers. This is due to the nature of the labor market, where there is high competition for entry-level positions. Many people aspire to become game designers, which leads to low starting salaries and the ease of replacing employees with cheaper candidates. As a result, beginning game designers face difficulties finding high-paying jobs.

Currently, there are no educational institutions that train highly qualified game designers. In most cases, successful designers are self-made geniuses who have achieved success. While many educational programs focus on training technical specialists, creating a clear understanding of how to become, for example, a technical director, there is no similar approach to developing personnel for the role of creative director. As a result, the number of qualified specialists in this field is limited, leading to high salaries for game designers.

Game designers typically have lower salaries than programmers. This is due to the nature of the labor market in this field, where interest in the profession is high. Many people aspire to become game designers, leading to competition for entry-level positions. As a result, starting salaries remain low, and companies can easily find and replace entry-level employees.

Currently, there are no educational institutions that train outstanding game designers. Successful designers are typically self-taught individuals who have achieved success through their own efforts and experience. Many educational institutions offer programs for technical specialists, creating a clear career path to the position of technical director. However, a similar approach to training creative directors does not exist, leading to high costs for their labor. Due to the shortage of such specialists, their salaries increase significantly.

A game design team may consist of several specialists, each responsible for their own part of the gameplay process. For example, one game designer focuses on creating characters and their unique abilities. Another manages the progression system, determining how much currency the player earns for winning battles, the required experience to reach the next level, and the rewards characters receive upon leveling up. A third game designer might focus on narrative, ensuring the game has a well-developed story that supports the overall gaming experience. Thus, the collaboration of these specialists helps create a deep and engaging gaming environment.

Testers play a crucial role in gameplay development, providing feedback to designers. High-quality studios typically conduct playtests, where the entire team participates in the gameplay and shares their opinions. Testing with players is also crucial, as their feedback helps improve the game. In addition, there is UX testing, during which player behavior is analyzed in specialized labs. Players complete questionnaires and evaluate how much they enjoy and understand the gameplay. This approach helps developers create more engaging and intuitive game mechanics, which positively impacts the overall experience.

All testing has a significant impact on gameplay. It's important to understand that in game design, there's no situation where a single decision is made by just one person, and their work is non-negotiable. Each stage of development and testing is the result of collective responsibility, where the contribution of each team member is important to achieve a high-quality final product.

In the team Game development may involve several game designers, each specializing in a specific area of ​​gameplay. For example, one game designer might focus on character development and their unique abilities. Another is responsible for the progression system, including mechanisms for earning currency for winning battles and experience requirements for reaching new levels, as well as the rewards players receive each time they level up. A third game designer might focus on the game's narrative, ensuring that the story we tell is engaging and captivating for players. This approach allows for a deeper, more layered gaming experience, where every detail contributes to the overall atmosphere and interactions within the game.

Testers play a vital role in gameplay development, providing feedback to designers. High-quality game studios practice playtesting, in which the entire team participates in the game and shares their opinions. Testing with players is also a key stage, as their feedback is highly valuable. UX testing is also conducted in specialized labs. As part of this testing, players complete questionnaires and rate their enjoyment and understanding of the gameplay.

Ultimately, all tests conducted have a significant impact on gameplay. There's no situation where a game designer makes a decision alone, and that decision is released without input from others. Every change is the result of collaborative teamwork, with each member responsible for the final product. This approach ensures a higher quality gaming experience and helps avoid errors at various stages of development.

A key aspect of the work A game designer's primary responsibility is interacting with stakeholders. When a project is launched, the decision-makers behind it are responsible for its implementation. These may include studio heads, creative producers, and product managers, who are responsible for the game's concept. They understand why the studio needs a particular game and shape its genre, setting, budget, and target platforms. It's crucial for a game designer not only to communicate with these professionals but also to deeply understand their vision and expectations. This interaction helps shape a high-quality product that meets market demands and the interests of the target audience. It's crucial for a game designer to establish effective communication with the project's stakeholders. At the beginning of a game's development, the decision-makers behind the project play a key role. These may include studio heads, creative producers, and product managers, who are responsible for implementing the game's vision. They have a clear understanding of the studio's goals and know why the game is needed. They determine the genre, setting, budget, and platforms for the project. Effective communication between a game designer and these specialists allows them to better understand their vision, which in turn contributes to the successful implementation of the game project.

In most cases, the designer does develop the gameplay economy. For example, a player starts with a level 1 sword, from which a certain monster can drop two gold. A level 2 sword will require three gold. This approach requires careful calculation and development. It is also important to achieve a balance in monetization: the player should be interested in using paid features, but at the same time, there should be no feeling that the game constantly requires additional costs. A proper economic model helps maintain player interest and promotes a positive perception of the gameplay.

In most cases, yes, designers do develop the gameplay economy. For example, a player might start with a level 1 sword, receiving two gold for defeating certain monsters, while a level 2 sword costs three gold. All these elements must be carefully considered and balanced. It's also important to ensure proper monetization so that players feel engaged in its use, but without feeling like the game constantly demands financial investment. A balance between engaging and unobtrusive monetization plays a key role in retaining players and creating a positive gaming experience.

In my experience, game designers typically choose between artistic and technical directions. Artistic game designers focus on creating engaging stories, expressive presentation, and aesthetics, striving to evoke strong emotions in the player. Technical game designers, on the other hand, focus on systematizing and streamlining game mechanics and processes. Game designers are given the opportunity to choose the direction they want to develop, which opens up broad horizons for creativity and innovation in the gaming industry.

A designer responsible for numerical metrics must have a deep understanding of mathematics, including probability theory. This knowledge is crucial for creating an engaging gaming experience. On the one hand, it is necessary to avoid complete predictability of player actions, which requires the introduction of random elements. On the other hand, all game events must be carefully designed and orchestrated to ensure harmonious interactions and an engaging storyline. The right balance between randomness and control allows for a unique and memorable adventure for the player.

Based on my experience, game designers often choose between artistic and technical direction. Artists are more interested in story, presentation, aesthetics, and creating an emotional response in the player. Technical specialists strive to systematize and organize gameplay processes. Game designers are given the opportunity to determine the direction in which they want to develop, which allows them to focus on those aspects that are most close and interesting to them. The choice of direction influences the style of work and the end result, which in turn creates a unique experience for players.

A designer working on game projects must have a good knowledge of mathematics, including probability theory. This knowledge is essential for creating engaging gameplay. It is important that game elements are not completely predictable, as random events add an element of surprise and interest for the player. At the same time, every aspect of game design must be carefully thought out and directed to achieve the optimal balance between randomness and control. Ensuring this balance significantly improves the gaming experience and player retention.

I divide the information into several categories.

• game design about balance, signs, and numbers;
• game design about stories - narrative design;
• game design that creates spaces - level design.

In game development, it is not always possible to draw a clear line between the roles of game designer, narrative designer, and level designer. Often, a single person performs the functions of several specialists, which is especially common among indie developers. They often take on all aspects of game creation, from gameplay development to story writing and level design. This allows them to realize their ideas more freely and creatively, but also requires broad knowledge and skills in various fields. Thus, modern game design is seeing a trend toward multitasking, which opens up new opportunities for creating unique and original projects. In larger companies and projects, the need for division of labor is increasing. It is important for a game designer to possess skills in all major areas of game development. This knowledge allows for a better understanding of the processes and interactions of various elements, which ultimately contributes to the creation of a higher-quality game product.

I divide the information into several categories. This helps me better organize my thoughts and understand how different elements interact with each other. This approach not only helps me organize data but also improves its analysis. Proper classification of information is an important aspect in any field, be it work, study, or personal projects. Effective structure of information contributes to a deeper understanding and better assimilation of the material.

• Game design is about balance, tables, and numbers;
• Game design is about stories – narrative design;
• Game design that creates spaces – level design.

In the video game industry, there is no strict division between the roles of game designer, narrative designer, and level designer. Often, one specialist performs several functions simultaneously. This is especially noticeable among indie developers, who take on all aspects of game creation. Thus, they can develop mechanics, write stories, and design levels, allowing them to create unique and original projects.

As the scale of a company and project increases, the need for a clear division of responsibilities increases. However, it is important for a game designer to develop skills in all three areas. Understanding how the various aspects of game development function allows for the creation of higher-quality and more cohesive game products. This knowledge promotes better interaction with the team and increases the overall efficiency of the project.

Sid Meier emphasized that gameplay consists of a sequence of exciting choices. This aspect is key, as it involves a choice in which the player anticipates possible consequences but cannot predict the exact outcome with certainty. Gameplay becomes more engaging when players are presented with complex challenges that require deep analysis and strategic thinking. Under these conditions, players experience excitement and engagement, making the gameplay more immersive and memorable.

When a choice becomes obvious or the consequences are unclear, it loses its significance. This leads to boredom, and players quickly lose interest. The primary task of a game designer is to devise the elements that make a game engaging. Mechanics, presented in their pure form, function merely as a set of sequential actions. It is important to create conditions that allow players to experience a sense of engagement and tension with each choice, which in turn maintains interest in the game.

Sid Meier emphasized that gameplay is a sequence of engaging choices. This statement emphasizes an important aspect: the presence of choices where players can anticipate the consequences of their actions, but cannot be certain of what will happen. When players are presented with challenging tasks that require analytical thinking and engagement, the game becomes more intriguing and immersive. Interactive elements that allow players to explore different scenarios add depth and richness to the gameplay.

When a choice becomes obvious or the consequences are unclear, its meaning disappears. This leads to boredom, and interest in such mechanics quickly fades. The primary goal of a game is to create an engaging experience that retains the player's attention. Mechanics presented in their pure form merely form a sequence of actions but do not provide emotional engagement. Therefore, it is important to design game elements to stimulate interest and maintain user engagement throughout the gameplay.

Visual design plays a key role in games, as it is the image that players form their first impressions on. If the graphics are unattractive, the game is unlikely to gain attention. However, even with beautiful visuals, technical issues can significantly detract from the experience. The importance of gameplay cannot be underestimated, as it shapes long-term player preferences. Games that achieve cult status and create devoted fan communities are always distinguished by high-quality game design. Therefore, a successful game must combine attractive graphics and thoughtful gameplay. Undertale, with its primitive graphics and unusual art style, may seem odd at first glance. However, thanks to its outstanding game design and deep narrative, it becomes a true masterpiece. This demonstrates that visuals don't always determine a game's quality; a compelling story and thoughtful gameplay are also crucial. Undertale is a shining example of how an original concept and attention to detail can create an unforgettable gaming experience.

See also:

The interview with Yaroslav Kravtsov is a deep dive into the thoughts and ideas of this outstanding specialist. Yaroslav shares his experience and views on current trends in his field, and discusses key aspects of his professional career. He emphasizes the importance of an innovative approach and continuous self-improvement. The interview provides a better understanding not only of Yaroslav's personality but also his contribution to the development of the industry. Readers will be able to learn about his projects, inspiration, and plans for the future, which makes this conversation especially valuable for anyone interested in modern trends and successful practices in the professional field.