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[FortNinety]

As some of you might recall from the days of pre-Neo GAF, I was set to teach a class at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. Well that class has come and gone with a certain degree of success, so it’s happening once again.

So once more, I’m just spreading the word to anyone here who might be interested (especially since the school doesn’t have much in its budget for advertising )

The class is called The History and Exploration of Video Game Design and I'll simply quote my own course description as it appears in the bulletins...

The video game industry has exploded in popularity and importance during the last decade. What was once considered a fad is now a growing part of the entertainment industry; rivaling the film industry in terms of popularity, profits, and social impact. This course will trace the evolution of video games from simple child's play to the current billion-dollar industry that unites players of disparate ages, cultures and geographic backgrounds. In revisiting early video games and exploring what games are popular today, we will examine the technical and cultural influences that impact video games, and determine the elements of successful game design. Students will develop their own ideas and concepts and learn how to author a game design document, the first critical step to designing a video game.

... Quite a few schools today now offer courses on game design, yet the vast majority simply concentrate on the technical aspects and fail to address the more intangible facets, such as what makes a game good game "good", so its my hope to fill in the gaps, or at least try to.

Like I said, I first taught the class this past summer and it went fairly well, though it wasn't exactly perfect. But I learned a few things myself since then and am confident that this next time around will be a lot more well rounded (just in case those here who already took the class might be wondering).

So if you or anyone you know is interested in learning how to design games, please check it out! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask; you can get my contact info at my personal site.

If you're ready to register, you can do so by calling 212-592-2200 or going here. But act fast! Registration ends really soon I think.

 

[Grizzlyjin]

If only I was in New York...you would go easy on me if I mentioned GAF, right?

Sounds awesome, I know someone who could be interested and is in the area. I'll pass this off to him.

 

[Duckhuntdog]

what if you have already done design and just want to take a look at someone else's take on it? Also can you email stuff to those of us not in your area?

Do you touch on such things as dominant/dominated strategy? Transitive relationships? Iterative design? You know the real meat a potatoes of design. Granted I know all these.

I am more interested in a good step by step example of level design and implementation, especially for designers with no art skills. I tend to use VISIO. Do you gray box? Have an examples?

 

[RiZ III]

Fortey, just wondering, have you designed a game that was published? If so, what was the title.

 

[evil solrac v3.0]

how much does the class cost? can i just sign up for it part time? give me details.

 

[Musashi Wins!]

Will you be discussing "JizzMoppa"?

 

[TekunoRobby]

Quite a few schools today now offer courses on game design, yet the vast majority simply concentrate on the technical aspects and fail to address the more intangible facets, such as what makes a game good game "good", so its my hope to fill in the gaps, or at least try to.

That sounds scary. if GAF is filled with crazed fanboys that randomly attack machinery that they don't own then I'd imagine a real life scenario would be even worse. I salute and wish the best for you.

If you're ready to register, you can do so by calling 212-592-2200 or going here. But act fast! Registration ends really soon I think.

The flying rocket cat shedding a tear was AWESOME.

 

[Duckhuntdog]

Fortey, just wondering, have you designed a game that was published? If so, what was the title.

Uh, just check his website.

 

[Necroscope]

I have found that most schools that offer so call game designer program and are being taught by people that do not have enough experience and track record of critically acclaim or commerically successful console or PC titles. I think you need to have that quality in order to be qualified as an instructor in game design, just common sense.

 

[xsarien]

I have found that most schools that offer so call game designer program and are being taught by people that do not have enough experience and track record of critically acclaim or commerically successful console or PC titles. I think you need to have that quality in order to be qualified as an instructor in game design, just common sense.

Just as a counter-point, using commercial success as some kind of barometer of how qualified a person is to teach a course on game design is pretty useless, given the amount of pure, unadulterated crap that people buy in droves simply because it's attached to a familiar name or license.

I'd take a lecture from the guys behind Rez over the team behind Blinx any day of the week.

 

[Necroscope]

Just as a counter-point, using commercial success as some kind of barometer of how qualified a person is to teach a course on game design is pretty useless, given the amount of pure, unadulterated crap that people buy in droves simply because it's attached to a familiar name or license.

I'd take a lecture from the guys behind Rez over the team behind Blinx any day of the week.

Read carefully at my post, "Critically Acclaim " OR " commerically successfull"... Also, the important is a track record of titles fall under the above categories, not just one.

 

[FortNinety]

If only I was in New York...you would go easy on me if I mentioned GAF, right?

Sounds awesome, I know someone who could be interested and is in the area. I'll pass this off to him.

Yah, all GAFers get a 25% discount.


... just kidding.

Fortey, just wondering, have you designed a game that was published? If so, what was the title.

Well I used to be a designer at Ubi Soft New York while it existed (during it's second incarnation; I was the head designer there) and for the most part I worked on mostly European PSOne titles, plus a few web games here and there, when Ubi was interested in producing them (this was late 1999/early 2000 when having anything online was going make you money magically, or so was the common belief).

But perhaps my "biggest" title was Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Now I know what you're thinking... and yes, it did indeed suck big time. But in my defense, I tried everything in my power to ensure that it would be an awesome game. Afterall, it had all the ingredients to be one since it's movie tie in was actually decent. But... I'm not in the business of airing dirty laundry in public. You'll just have to take the class to hear the whole story

 

[FortNinety]

how much does the class cost? can i just sign up for it part time? give me details.

The info was on the link, but it's $395.00. And if I'm not mistaken, it's actually the cheapest class we offer here at the Computer Art Department since there's no lab work. There's no programming involved, though students will be making games.... mostly in the shape and form of board games. Some of you might think that's dumb, but trust me... if you want to be be a good game designer, you better be able to make any kind of game.

And sorry, if you sign on, you'll have to take the class full time and pay full time.

Will you be discussing "JizzMoppa"?

Ummm.... I'll touch upon it if someone asks I'd talk about it here, but the last time I did, I got banned for some reason, hence why I'm a bit tight lipped on the subject.

 

[FortNinety]

I have found that most schools that offer so call game designer program and are being taught by people that do not have enough experience and track record of critically acclaim or commerically successful console or PC titles. I think you need to have that quality in order to be qualified as an instructor in game design, just common sense.

Well I'm not sure if that was intended as a jab at my credentials (I'd like to think not) but the bottom line is that I'm not some super talented, ultra successful game designer (if I was, I don't think I would have so much time to kill on the GAF ), though I freely admit this.

What I am is someone who's been able to make their own path within the industry with a certain degree of success (anyone who works in the industry in New York can attest to how far and few opportunities are around here). I do sincerely believe I have a certain degree of insight that those who are interested in becoming involved in the field could benefit from. If this is you, please come aboard! If not, well, move along then please.

 

[Necroscope]

Well I'm not sure if that was intended as a jab at my credentials (I'd like to think not) but the bottom line is that I'm not some super talented, ultra successful game designer (if I was, I don't think I would have so much time to kill on the GAF ), though I freely admit this.

What I am is someone who's been able to make their own path within the industry with a certain degree of success (anyone who works in the industry in New York can attest to how far and few opportunities are around here). I do sincerely believe I have a certain degree of insight that those who are interested in becoming involved in the field could benefit from. If this is you, please come aboard! If not, well, move along then please.

I am just pointing out the obvious and ppl should think about what they can actually learn from a program like this. I don't think I am qualified to teach anyone and very far from it but I've been in the trench for 5 years working on titles for companies like EA and Rockstar. Just the fact that someone can become a head designer at Ubisoft without previous published console or PC titles puzzled me but I guess the short lived career at Ubisoft may give us some insight. So, r u retired from the industry now so you can spread your wisdom?

 

[FortNinety]

I am just pointing out the obvious and ppl should think about what they can actually learn from a program like this. I don't think I am qualified to teach anyone and very far from it but I've been in the trench for 5 years working on titles for companies like EA and Rockstar. Just the fact that someone can become a head designer at Ubisoft without previous published console or PC titles puzzled me but I guess the short lived career at Ubisoft may give us some insight. So, r u retired from the industry now so you can spread your wisdom?

Well in my opinion, it's not so much how long you spent at a company, as much as it's what you did there. Though I'm not trying to take anything away from you since I don't know what your background is.

As for instant spot at the top, well what else can I say than I was at the right place at the right time, though I did have to prove myself to earn it. Like everything in life, it's a combination of timing, luck, and persistence.

And currently, even though I am not a full time designer, I work on projects related to the mobile space for my own company. I'm also a writer as a few here already know.

 

[FortNinety]

The flying rocket cat shedding a tear was AWESOME.

Thanks

 

[FortNinety]

Since registration ends in just a few days, plus it starts in exactly two weeks, I figure a bump might be in order.

 

[FortNinety]

Okay, the class is starting up again this Spring, so I figured a bump was in order. The same means of registration applies from before, but just in case, here it is again...

By phone: 212-592-2200

By internet: http://www.schoolofvisualarts.edu/ce/courseFinder.php?sCourse=SCC-1227-A

And as before, act fast! Register soon!

 

[FortNinety]

Yet another bump (sorry for the spamming, but I got the okay from eXxy).

Anyway, the class starts in just one week, but registration will end in just a few short days. If anyone is interested, you have to register ASAP!

 

[number386]

A friend of mine went t the school of visual arts, she was a photography major I wanted to be more than friends but it didn't pan out =(

Anyway the course sounds interesting unfortunatly wednesdays are not good for me, good luck with the course hopefully they'll expand the gaming curriculum at SVA.

 

[Fixed2BeBroken]

i would go if the time doesnt interfere with my schedule and it was free.

guess i wont be going. :lol

 

[FortNinety]

A friend of mine went t the school of visual arts, she was a photography major I wanted to be more than friends but it didn't pan out =(

Speaking as a former student, I know first hand how the photo chicks work, and have similar stories. All SVA alumni do.

Anyway the course sounds interesting unfortunatly wednesdays are not good for me, good luck with the course hopefully they'll expand the gaming curriculum at SVA.

Thanks for the kind words. Expansion is something I would love to see, but that all depends on how popular the class is. And unfortunately, there isn't much interest in game design here in the New York City area...

 

[Shin Johnpv]

Since you teach at SVA I wanted to ask you what you thought of the school over all

I'm a 3D Animator and I'm looking to go back for my masters narrowed it down to either Pratt or SVA just looking for opinions on both

 

[Wellington]

Nooo! Wish I had seen this earlier in the year. I am away most of next week. :|

 

[Zaptruder]

So... you're going to throw in a line about furries somewhere in your classes right?

 

[xsarien]

I can vouch for the class. It's fun, interesting, and, if nothing else, showing up before it starts yields the added bonus of having FN harangue you about eating McDonald's as an early dinner.

 

[FortNinety]

Since you teach at SVA I wanted to ask you what you thought of the school over all

I'm a 3D Animator and I'm looking to go back for my masters narrowed it down to either Pratt or SVA just looking for opinions on both

I really can't say too much about Pratt since I'm not too familiar with the program, but I know its decent.

Though ultimately, I really can't buy too much of the "this school sucks" dogma much of the time, since ultimately, all schools (at least art schools) have their negatives. It's all up to the individual to make the most of their education. This is especially so for art schools; anyone who expects to just sit there and go through the motions and get an amazing portfolio in the end is a total fool. Like many things worth pursing, an art school education is not ever pretty. You're bound to be pissed with the instructors, annoyed with stupid students, and at times, be at the mercy of politics. Every college, art related or not, is like this.

All I can say about SVA is that if you really want it, and are willing to truly work at it, you will reap what you so.

Hope that helps...

Nooo! Wish I had seen this earlier in the year. I am away most of next week. :|

Damn. And I remember you being one of the first persons on the GAF to show support and interest in the class. Once again, you will be missed...

So... you're going to throw in a line about furries somewhere in your classes right?

What do you think?

Answer: probably.

I can vouch for the class. It's fun, interesting, and, if nothing else, showing up before it starts yields the added bonus of having FN harangue you about eating McDonald's as an early dinner.

Once again, I really wish I told you about the Wendy's that wasn't that far away.

 

[FightyF]

I'm in the process of quantising "fun". And incorporating all of that into my own game.

I'd like to take your class to see your perspective on good design, fun elements, etc. But unfortunately I'm on the other side of the country so I won't be able to take it.

 

[Shin Johnpv]

All I can say about SVA is that if you really want it, and are willing to truly work at it, you will reap what you so.

this is true of ANY art school

I guess more what I'm wondering is how is the job placement at SVA?


see here is my problem, the school I went to for my undergraduate my freshman year like the whole 3d team quite so we ended up with alot of you know come in for a semester teach a class and not give a shit teachers

so I bassicaly taught myself maya and animation and all that good stuff, I busted my ass in my undergraduate, it seems though that the 3d industry is a bitch to get into unless you have some good contacts, unfortanetly when the 3d team there left so did all the schools contacts and job placements so Ive been having a bitch of a time finding work

 

[BreakyBoy]

Sorry if I'm hijacking your thread FortNinety, I thought I'd take this opportunity to let any interested folks in the south florida area know that the Miami-Dade College is offering a game design course. Apparently it's been around for a few semesters already and I just wasn't aware of it.

The professor taking care of most of the classes is John Wiacek. I missed the first week of class, so I missed out on his introduction and his credentials, but so far the one class I'm taking (Level Building and Design) is interesting and the assignments so far (currently making a multiplayer map for Starcraft) are giving me the opportunity to experiment with some fundamentals in game design (i.e. balancing). Another plus, is the assigned book is actually pretty worthwile so far.

In any case, the college offers a pretty good range of courses for game development (I plan on taking some 3D graphics programming courses in the summer with Wiacek), and it's a community college, so right off the bat most of you students will know it's gonna be a whole lot cheaper than most other alternatives.