It’s a sad day. Our current lead designer of the microbe stage has announced that he’s leaving the project. So we need a new lead designer.
We don’t currently have experienced designers on the team so I thought I’d also post here just in case anyone here is a game designer or knows one, who would want to apply to the team.
For a pure game designer to join, we’d like to see at least a couple of finished game projects where that person was the / a game designer. This is so that we avoid getting just an ideas guy who doesn’t actually know how to make an actual game design with thought put into it so that it is self consistent and also make tweaks based on playtesting to make the design work.
I think the fastest way to learn game design if anyone is interested is to make games. So make pong, asteroids, breakout etc and then add a bunch of new mechanics to them, balance them differently, make them more fun. That’s a great way to learn.
Its also important to note that for new game designers, your games should start out simple. Like, REALLY simple. A basic platformer, a sideways scrolling shooter (like jetpack joyride), and so on. If you can describe the gameplay in 15 words or less, then you’re probably good.
I made this mistake when I attempted to (with no prior knowledge of code) create an MMO Space themed Open World Shooter/Flight Simulator with an inventory system, crafting system, online shop, and character customization along with a dozen other features and - KEEP IT SIMPLE FOR CHRISTS SAKE. Don’t make my mistake of shooting too high, so just shoot low at first. At least you’ll probably hit something.
I agree. It is also so much more satisfying to complete a small idea really well than a bigger idea really crappily. (This applies to playing the result too, it is more fun to play a simple platformer with really smooth controls than a massive RPG that plays like shit)
3 Likes
Zahyyy
(the one who spent 4 hours writing a single post)
9
It is sad that TJWhale is leaving but we should be thankful for everything he has done for the project. He’s been one of the few MVPs for quite some time. And we thank you for that, TJ!
Also
However flattered I would be, I’m afraid I lack the skill necessary as of now. On the bright side, my field of study (software development) suggest that in the future I might be more capable of taking the role of a game designer/theory team member. I’m also intrigued by the idea of creating a simple game of my own, so once I acquire more skill and have time to put a few simple games together, I’d be more than happy to apply for the position. As of now, I don’t think I would be much use, though.
Though you could do like a design analysis as a work sample on something posted here on the forums.
For example this recent topic brought up organelle upgrades again:
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s already been a while since his last post. He will likely reappear at some point in the future, but he’s often gone for long periods of time.