Creating new worlds: a journey through video game design | Peter Burroughs | TEDxMSU

Summary

In this talk, Viviane P. explores the process of game development, emphasizing the importance of art, programming, and design. She highlights how games are no longer just a pastime for boys, revealing the industry's broad appeal with nearly half of Americans playing games, including women and adults over 35. Through an engaging mix of personal stories and examples, she demonstrates how game creation is a collaborative effort, blending creativity and technical skills to craft immersive experiences. Viviane also draws connections between life and game design, encouraging viewers to embrace new experiences and iterate on their ideas.

Takeaways

• 😀 Games are made with art, programming, and design – the three core disciplines in game development.
• 😀 The video game industry is legitimate and thriving, with millions of players and billions in revenue globally.
• 😀 Gaming is no longer just for boys; nearly 44% of gamers are women, and 74% of gamers are over 18 years old.
• 😀 Game development has evolved, and companies like Blizzard Entertainment grew from a small team to thousands of employees.
• 😀 Art in game development includes character design, 3D modeling, animations, and environments, all contributing to the visual experience.
• 😀 Programming is essential for making games functional, using code to control mechanics like character movement and physics.
• 😀 Game designers ensure that all parts of a game (art, programming, mechanics) come together cohesively to create a functional, enjoyable experience.
• 😀 A strong example of collaboration in game development is the creation of 'Yozakura', a project inspired by traditional Japanese architecture and concepts of nature preservation.
• 😀 Life experiences, like practicing martial arts, can enhance skills in game design, especially in animating human movement and creating realistic gameplay.
• 😀 In game development, harmony and connections are key, as designers must bridge the gap between seemingly unrelated elements like art, code, and narrative.

Q & A

What are the key elements of game development discussed in the script?

The key elements of game development discussed in the script are art, programming, and design. These are described as the essential components that work together to create a complete game.

How did the speaker convince their parents to support their decision to enter game development?

The speaker explains that game development is often seen as an uncertain career path, which made their parents worry about their future. It took time to convince them that it was a legitimate and viable way to make a living.

How does the speaker challenge the stereotype of gamers and game developers?

The speaker challenges the stereotype by sharing statistics showing that nearly half of Americans play video games, 44% of gamers are women, and 74% are adults over the age of 18. They also highlight that game development is not just a niche for 'scruffy dudes' but a growing and diverse industry.

What is the process for creating a 3D game character as described in the script?

The process starts with concept art, followed by 3D modeling using software like Autodesk Maya. The model is built from basic shapes, then given bones for animation. Finally, textures are applied to complete the character.

What role does programming play in game development according to the speaker?

Programming is essential for making the game function. Programmers write scripts that control game mechanics, such as movement and physics, allowing characters and elements to interact with the environment as intended.

What is the role of designers in the game development process?

Designers act as the glue of the development team, bringing together art and programming. They are responsible for the game's direction, including story, level design, and game balance, ensuring that all elements fit together cohesively.

How did the speaker’s study abroad experience influence their game design work?

The speaker’s study abroad in Japan inspired them with the theme of balancing nature preservation and infrastructure development, which they incorporated into the game Yozakura. This reflects how life experiences can directly influence game development.

What challenges did the game design team face when developing Yozakura?

The team faced the challenge of creating a game mechanic where the player could move forwards and backwards in space instead of the traditional left-to-right movement. This was difficult to conceptualize and required significant design and planning.

What message does the speaker convey about the connection between art, programming, and design?

The speaker emphasizes that art, programming, and design are interconnected, and each discipline is vital for the game to succeed. Without one of these elements, the game would be incomplete, showing the importance of collaboration and harmony.

What insights does the speaker offer about life and its connection to game development?

The speaker suggests that life experiences, such as trying new things or learning new skills, can enhance one's ability to create in game development. For example, practicing martial arts improved their animation skills, showing how real-life experiences inspire creativity in games.