Funsmith Fireside Chats Episode #1
Guest: David Zheng
David Zheng is the behind the scenes Co-Founder of Game Design Skills. He’s a growth marketing strategist and an avid self learner who has acquired a range of skills during his entrepreneurial journey.
In this episode, we had a nuanced discussion on how to increase your chances on getting your foot in the door in the gaming industry as an aspiring game designer. How to get get noticed by hiring managers and best practices for your game design portfolio.
Watch or listen to the full episode below:
Audio:
#1: David Zheng – Get Noticed by Game Design Hiring Managers
Listen on your favorite podcast platform and format:
Referenced Links & Resources
Connect with Alex:
Connect with Ari:
Resources:
International – Game Developers Association
Game Jams
GDS student game jam: Paper Soldiers gameplay recording
GDS student game jam: Paper Soldiers creative process
Replicating Game Mechanics
God Of War 4 every Kratos & son super attacks reference
GDC Talk: Magic the Gathering – 20 years 20 lessons
Free Game Design Learning Resources:
What is Video Game Mechanics (Beginner’s Guide)
How to Become a Video Game Designer
How to Write Game Design Document with Examples
Game Design Portfolio, with Examples (Guide)
Topic Breakdown (with Timestamp)
0:00 – Introduction
2:44 – How to Capture and Keep The Attention of job interviewers and ultimately get your foot in the gaming industry door
5:08 – Live exercise for evaluating and hiring a character designer
10:40 – How to properly approach your game design job interview
12:40 – How to find your fit in a new work environment
15:57 – How to get your resume past the automated screening system and into human hands
18:20 – What should I include in my game design resume to stand out from the competition? (Portfolio)
19:45 Definitive process of getting into game industry?
22:08 – Common problems when looking for your first game design job and how to overcome them
24:42 – How to showcase your game in a portfolio in a way that demonstrates your skills
27:32 – How to push against your limits and think through other spaces that are adjacent to your skill set?
29:26 – What are some essential tools that aspiring Game Designer can utilize to drill and exercise?
33:06 – How generate new ideas and get inspiration from other work without plagiarizing?
36:57 – What are some accessible ways for an aspiring game designer to accumulate experience?
40:07 – Some soft skills to make use of when building your game design portfolio
42:28 – How have group projects in college helped you adapt to the real world?
45:55 – Join online communities to network and to meet people outside of your skillset
47:31 – Why being collaborative is a crucial skillset in the workspace?
50:00 – Common way most Interviewees fail out of their interview
51:33 – What is the nature of giving people advise?
52:47 – Best place for the audience/viewers to get more information and watch more game design content?
What was your favorite part of this episode?
Please let us know in the comments below.
