Confused Between Game Design and Game Development?

One of the most demanding job roles under the profile is game designer or game developer. The titles seem almost the same, which is confusing enough. But trust us, they are not the same no matter how closely linked they seem because of their names.

The difference between game design and game development lies in their core functions: while game design focuses on the creative aspects, such as storyline, characters, and gameplay mechanics, game development involves the technical execution of bringing these ideas to life through coding, programming, and testing.

The basic difference between being a game designer and a game developer is conceptualizing the game, developing the concept stage by stage and bringing it to reality.

That is what a game developer does. A game developer is a magician (read as programmers) who focuses more on technical aspects of making the game. Placing sketches, layouts also storylines together and bringing it to playable condition.

A game developer is anyone who is involved with creating the game at all; it could also include engineers, animators, modellers, musicians, writers, or producers.

Basically, the game developer converts the objectives and ideas of the design team into an actual product, which is accomplished by writing hundreds of thousands of lines of functional code expressing the designer’s idea.

These game developers possess deep understanding of various languages, such as C++, Perl, Lua, and more, to develop games.

One of a game developer's core competencies is the ability to develop code that makes the game work. This could also involve resolving or fixing game glitches or bugs. Understanding the scope of game development is essential, as it encompasses coding, testing, design, and post-release updates to ensure a seamless user experience.

If you decide to become a game developer, you also have to be aware that their work is never-ending. They have to be abreast of the latest gaming trends and developments in various programming languages.

Some of the key skills a game developer should possess are:

• Passion for games
• Strong analytical mind-set
• Proficiency in programming languages like C# and C++, video graphics and hardware
• Wide knowledge of gaming trends
• Problem solver

READ OUR DETAILED CAREER GUIDE TOKNOW HOW YOU CAN PURSUE A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN GAME DEVELOPMENT

A game designer on the contrary are the creative wizards who blend skills like understanding the game flow, story and imagination to develop virtual world and engaging game concepts.

Basically, game designers are the ones who have an in-depth understanding of what can entice a gamer. Based on this understanding, they visualise the idea and come up with the initial framework to ensure the virtual world they want to create is flawless and appealing to the segment.

The creation of this initial framework is the most perilous part for a game designer. A game’s success is dependent and can make or break it. Quite often , multiple teams are created, which makes it easy to handle different stages of the entire process.

Game designers can also be a part of game script writing, for which the only aspect required is to be able to dream big and to be able to analyse how far a game or its stages goes. They study how the game will work and flow from start to finish; understanding of various ways a game can be played; collaborate with other team members to build levels successfully; and create product document for future reference.

Certain key aspects that a game designer should possess are the imaginative ability to think and structure a game, creativity, problem-solving skills, and innate love for playing games.

READ OUR COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE TO LEARN HOW YOU CANPURSUE A REWARDING CAREER IN GAME DESIGN

Seamedu has come up with a  3 year course in Game Art & Design at their Bengaluru campus.  This course can help you learn and grow as a Game designer, and the curriculum teaches the basics needed to create an engaging game. With this comprehensive course, students understand the scope of game development, including essential aspects of game art and design that prepare them for various roles in the industry.

If you think you are cut out for a career in the gaming industry, contact our academic counsellor to discuss the options available to you in detail. Our campuses are open Monday through Saturday, so feel free to walk in if you are around!