Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Game Developer
Game developer
is a comprehensive, overarching term for the person in charge
of almost any aspect of game design and production. If you want to design and
then build your own game, you'll be a game developer. Within the industry,
though, the developer can also work with others in a group of other developers
or specialties associated with design and production in a larger company.
In smaller companies, the developer and designer positions can be covered by
one person.
Game Designer
The designer comes up with ideas and can create art/concepts and playable
demos (even the final finished game). They also understand the different plat-
forms such as computer, handheld, console, arcade, mobile, other wireless apps
and Internet games, and programming. Therefore, this person needs to remain
current with technology and what the demographic the game is targeting looks
for in a game. Designers tend to also stay as current as possible with trends in
the industry—what kinds of games people like to play and the platforms they
like to play them on.
Creative Director
The role of the creative director is to oversee and assist with developing the overall
look and feel of the game during development. This work includes development
of the art, animation, and sound, and making any decisions that can affect the
gameplay. In addition, as builds are created that can be used to start testing the
gameplay, decisions are made about how to possibly redesign weaker aspects of
the game, and the creative director is responsible for overseeing that work.
In larger companies, this person may work with a core team of developers, com-
ing up with the art, audio, and other elements that will go into the game. Other
companies defer these duties to the lead artists, producers, and programmers.
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Sid Meier, a noted game designer with over 20 years' experience in the
industry, was inducted in the Computer Museum of America's Hall of Fame
in 2002. Although he is a founder and senior officer for Firaxis, he lists his
title as Director of Creative Development.
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