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About Alexander Hodgkiss
Expertise
I can answer questions in all parts of game design including creating game mechanics, game elements to keep track of, setting up an asset pipeline, and constructing a design document to plan and map out your game. I've worked on several games in various platforms on design, producing, programming, art, and audio to better understand each element and best design and plan out a game from start to finish.
Experience
I've worked on the design process for several games of varying genres including racing, action, RPG, sports, and RTS. I've written over half a dozen Game Design Documents with some award-winning documents. Along the way I have taken part in the production phase as well to understand programming and 3D modeling.
Organizations
OSITY Media Group, JHT
Publications
Gamasutra
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media, specialization in Interactive Systems
some coursework in Serious Games development
internships with 2 game studios.
Awards and Honors
Red Bull BUILD winner
Past/Present Clients
Red Bull, University of Central Florida, CREATE lab, big IDEEAs lab, Games for Health
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You are here: Experts > Games > Interactive Fiction > Designing Computer Games > career interest
Expert: Alexander Hodgkiss
Date: 4/30/2008
Subject: career interest
Question
Hi there!! I'm a 5th grader from Mississippi. I am very interested in working as a computer game designer some day. I have invested a lot of time in this field. I have some questions about your job.
Did you major in computer science or some type of graphic design field?
Do you work for yourself or a company?
Where do you get your ideas for new games?
What is your favorite computer game?
How wide open is this field?
Who troubleshoots you games after you've designed them?
Answer
Howdie Kurston,
I think I do need to ask by what you mean when you say you "have invested a lot of time in this field." If by this you mean you have been playing video games for a long time, I need to warn you now that playing games and making games are two entirely different things. I've seen many people say they would be great at making games just because they spend years playing them, but most of the time they are done after 1 year of realizing how hard it really is - just a fair warning.
Being in 5th grade though, you have a lot of time to figure out what area you want to be in. There really is no set way to get into the industry though as there are literally SO MANY WAYS.
For my case, I studied Computer Science in high school, learning programming; and then in college I studied Digital Media. Reasoning here, is by learning programming you understand the logic and the effort that goes into coding a game. It also helps you understand what a programmer does. I did Digital Media because I personally am I designer. I enjoy coming up with a game concept, and then spending a couple of months fleshing out all the details that will make it an excellent game to play. Then I would work as a producer for a year with artists and programmers to actually build the game. Key here is to figure out what area you want to specialize in: art, 3D, programming, scripting, design, production, etc.
I have 2 jobs at different companies. For one, I am the Lead Designer and I lead the game design for their products. I also have my own venture going on where we produce casual games and I act as Lead Designer, but here I also assist with GUI design and some light scripting.
Everyone has their own way of generating ideas. Most of the time it comes from experiencing life, broadening your knowledge, and just plain being creative. Basically, think inside the box, think outside the box, then find a sphere and think inside it. I've designed games for several genres: action, RPG, health, racing, platform, math, adventure, shooter, fighting.
My favorite computer game if we're talking just computer and not console or handheld: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
This field is ever-growing and ever-changing. Especially now with Independent games, Casual Games, and Serious Games taking such a growth, the potential for work in the field is extremely high.
Once you design a game, you then begin production. Depending on how the company is setup, you will have game testers playing and testing out bugs, levels, gameplay, everything as soon as it get built just to make sure it all is working correctly. Most companies have anywhere from 1 to 15 game testers on staff.
Hope that takes care of all your questions. Take care.
~ Alexander
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