Throughout the class, I delved into the formal elements of game design, such as gameplay, character arcs and loops, mechanics, and aesthetic design. These concepts have now become crucial aspects that I analyze when engaging with new games. By being part of two game design teams and creating my own games, I had the opportunity to apply these principles in practical ways. The iterative process taught me valuable lessons about game design, and I developed a newfound appreciation for card and board games as well.
As a designer, I experienced growth in several areas. I learned how to effectively theme my work and connect various design elements into a coherent story. Additionally, I honed my skills in Figma, particularly in creating masks and utilizing plugins, which significantly sped up my workflow. Moreover, I developed stronger collaboration skills and fostered meaningful relationships with my teammates. Instead of being fixated on a single idea, I learned the importance of incorporating everyone’s input to create a well-rounded and polished end product.
While I encountered challenges along the way, they served as valuable learning experiences. One notable challenge was finding the balance between creativity and feasibility. Sometimes, my initial ideas were ambitious but difficult to execute within the constraints of time and resources. This forced me to refine my concepts and prioritize practicality while still maintaining a creative vision. Another challenge was effectively managing and organizing project tasks, ensuring that everyone remained on track and deadlines were met. These challenges taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of clear communication within a team.
Moving forward, whether it’s in future game design projects or continuing to work on my own games, I will implement the lessons I’ve learned. I will continue exploring the diverse gaming landscape, embracing different genres and styles to broaden my perspective. I will prioritize incorporating the formal elements of game design into my work, focusing on gameplay, character arcs, mechanics, and aesthetics. Additionally, I will strive to further refine my design skills and expand my toolkit, continuously learning and experimenting with new techniques and technologies. Lastly, I will keep nurturing my collaborative abilities, actively seeking input from teammates and valuing diverse perspectives to create exceptional gaming experiences.
