Game author

Say to a stranger – well, a person you know – “I’m a game designer”. The reaction to this could be exciting or unexpected. Or disturbing, if it’s a stranger and who would be… Well, disturbing by a familiar… disturbing too. I digress.

In any case, the question remains whether the person then also wants to hear an explanation. What exactly is a game designer? Do you know that yourself? How do I define myself as a game designer? The creative next door? The famous author of the upcoming game of the year? The dork who sells his great idea to a publisher for 6% of the net retail price? Or as someone who enjoys bringing fun and joy to other people through their game?

The last two sentences have it all, as they show the discrepancy between most game designers and the commercial publishers – they don’t really go together. And: of course, opposite opinions are coming up here now, but it’s Paul’s blog, so an opinion.

Have a fun weekend!