To goal of a game-environment creator is to keep you engaged.
Also known as a level or mapper, a game-environment creator is graphic designer who is responsible for creating the different missions, environments and levels within a game. This professional is proficient as a game designer and visual artist so he can control most of the aspects involved with player experience. In addition to creating the scenes and backgrounds and different levels for games, a game-environment creator may also design enemies and characters that game players battle. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of graphic arts will grow by 13 percent through the year 2018.
Instructions
1. Play a lot of games. In an interview with Bob Colayco for GameSpot, game designers Chris Avellone stated that playing games can help you learn what you specifically do and do not like about them, which is important to know as a game-environment creator. Avellone suggests experimenting with map or level editors that come with games and have them critiqued by peers so you can start gaining experience and practice as an environment creator before you even apply for a job with a game company.
2. Watch others play games. In particular, notice how a player interacts with a game using the interface and provided menus. According to Avellone, you will begin to notice elements of the game environment that please or frustrate players.
3. Get a degree in computer science or graphic design. The BLS states that most entry-level positions as a game-environment creator require you to have at least a bachelor's degree. It is a good idea to take classes that teach you about storytelling, computer programming, art, graphic design and computer-interface design. Avellone says that writing classes are helpful as well because game-environment creators need to know write technically, clearly and critically. Good programming languages or coding to learn include C++, Visual Basic and C# applications. You should learn to use game-level editors, multi-engine and multi-game editors and 3D editing software. In college, you will learn apply advanced mathematical knowledge to create simulation and rendering tasks, as well as algorithms to complete tasks such as clustering and spatial partitioning.
4. Gain work experience. According to the BLS, it can take up to three years to advance to a position as a game-environment creator. With experience in the field, you will get a good grasp on challenge players and give them an enjoyable gaming experience that is immersive, story-based and incorporates the use of audio components and textured graphics. When gaining experience, look for jobs that allow you to draw game maps, write character dialogue, create quests, build levels and test-play the works of your peers.
