How do you update game design and mechanics skills?

1 Play games

The best way to learn about game design and mechanics is to play games. Not just the games you like, but also the games you don't like, or the games you are not familiar with. Playing games can help you analyze how they work, what makes them fun, challenging, or boring, and what you can learn from them. Try to play games from different genres, platforms, and styles, and pay attention to how they use mechanics, feedback, balance, progression, and storytelling. You can also play games that are in development, such as demos, prototypes, or early access versions, and see how they change and improve over time.

2 Read books and articles

Another way to update your game design and mechanics skills is to read books and articles about the topic. There are many books and articles that cover the theory, history, and practice of game design and mechanics, from different perspectives and disciplines. Reading books and articles can help you expand your knowledge, discover new ideas, and get inspired by other game designers and developers. You can also read reviews, critiques, and postmortems of games, and see how they are evaluated and analyzed by experts and players.

3 Watch videos and podcasts

A third way to update your game design and mechanics skills is to watch videos and podcasts about the topic. There are many videos and podcasts that showcase, explain, or discuss game design and mechanics, from tutorials and lectures to interviews and documentaries. Watching videos and podcasts can help you see how game design and mechanics are implemented, demonstrated, or communicated, and how they affect the gameplay experience. You can also watch videos and podcasts that feature game jams, competitions, or events, and see how game designers and developers create games under constraints and challenges.

4 Take courses and workshops

A fourth way to update your game design and mechanics skills is to take courses and workshops about the topic. There are many courses and workshops that teach you the basics, principles, and techniques of game design and mechanics, from online platforms and universities to industry associations and studios. Taking courses and workshops can help you learn new skills, tools, and methods, and get feedback and guidance from instructors and peers. You can also take courses and workshops that focus on specific genres, platforms, or aspects of game design and mechanics, and deepen your understanding and expertise.

5 Make games

A fifth way to update your game design and mechanics skills is to make games. Nothing beats the experience of making your own games, from concept to prototype to final product. Making games can help you apply your skills, test your ideas, and improve your craft. You can also make games that challenge yourself, experiment with new mechanics, or explore new genres. You can also make games with others, collaborate with teams, or join game jams, and learn from other game designers and developers.

6 Join communities

A sixth way to update your game design and mechanics skills is to join communities of game designers and developers. There are many communities, online and offline, that offer opportunities to network, share, and learn with other game enthusiasts. Joining communities can help you stay updated, get feedback, and find support. You can also join communities that specialize in certain genres, platforms, or topics of game design and mechanics, and exchange insights and tips. You can also join communities that organize events, such as meetups, webinars, or conferences, and participate in discussions and activities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?