Train2Game game designers should definitely have a look the latest article in Develop Online’s ‘New Year, New Job’ feature, as social game developer PopCap provides advice on how to be a better game designer.

PopCap are responsible for a huge number of games including Plants vs. Zombies, Bejewled and Peggle, and the guide to becoming a better game designer comes from their Senior Designer Dave Bishop. Check out his advice below.

1. Look at/play as many games as you can; not just ones you would naturally gravitate towards.

2. Circulate your thoughts/findings/learnings, especially  where you believe a game breaks new ground and/or does something particularly well – or badly – where lessons can be learnt.

3. Publish the above on your own design related, blog.

4. Organise/run board game evenings (and make sure you play King of Tokyo J)

5. Look for any way to get/be involved in the creative process – ask to be invited to/included in brainstorm and design review sessions. Do your homework so you are well placed to contribute in a meaningful and ‘memorable’ fashion.

6. If already in a design team then offer to help/support/review the design work of your peers.

7. Study design trends and best practices, especially in emerging areas such as social gaming, and position yourself as the company’s expert in one or more of these specific areas of game design.

8. In your own time, create new design ideas/concepts that might fit into your company’s future produce strategy. Look for ways to present these to the key stakeholders within your organisation.

9. Try to attend conferences/seminars etcetera. that will broaden your experience base; for example GDC.

10. Look for opportunities to attend any relevant training likely to enhance you skill set and standing within your organisation; for example, scrum master, product owner, running successful brainstorm sessions etcetera.

It’s excellent advice for Train2Game game designers, who along with all other Train2Game students should keep an eye on Develop Online’s jobs feature for more excellent advice from industry professionals.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the advice from PopCap? Has it given you some new ideas?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Develop Online]