How can you visually present game mechanics in a portfolio?

1 Choose your format

When deciding what format to use to present your game mechanics, you should consider the complexity and interactivity of your game mechanics, the accessibility and compatibility of your format, and the time and resources available to you. For instance, if your game mechanics are simple and linear, you may be able to explain them with a few screenshots and text; however, if your game mechanics are complex and dynamic, you may need to show them in action with a video or a prototype. Additionally, if you want your portfolio to reach a wide audience, you may want to use a format that is easy to access and compatible with different devices and browsers. Furthermore, if you have limited time and resources, you may want to use a format that is quick and cheap to produce and edit, such as a slideshow or document.

2 Define your goals

The second step is to define your portfolio goals. This will help you decide which game mechanics to include, how to organize them, and how to highlight their value. For instance, you may want to demonstrate your creativity and originality by including unique, surprising, or experimental game mechanics that you created. You can also showcase your skills and expertise by including well-designed, tested, and refined game mechanics that you implemented using certain tools, frameworks, or methodologies. Additionally, you may want to match the expectations and needs of your audience by including relevant, appropriate, and appealing game mechanics that you tailored for specific genres, platforms, or markets. Explain how you came up with the game mechanics, what inspired you, what challenges you faced, what feedback or metrics you used to evaluate them, and how you researched or analyzed them for the target users.

4 Organize your content

The fourth step is to organize your game mechanics in a logical and coherent way, taking into account the clarity and simplicity of your content, the flow and continuity of your content, and the focus and emphasis of your content. You should present your game mechanics in a clear and simple way, using visual aids, labels, captions, or annotations to highlight their features and functions. Additionally, you should create a smooth and consistent flow for your content by using transitions, headings, or summaries. Lastly, you should draw attention to your content by using contrast, color, or sound. It’s important to avoid presenting your game mechanics in a vague or complex way with jargon or acronyms; choppy or disjointed way with abrupt changes; or distracted or diluted way with clutter and noise.

5 Explain your process

Explaining your process behind your game mechanics is the fifth step. You should provide some context and insight into how you designed, developed, and refined your game mechanics. When doing so, consider the purpose and relevance of your process, making sure to explain it in a way that relates to your goals, audience, and format. Additionally, think about the depth and detail of your process; you want to show enough knowledge and skills without being too superficial or too detailed. Lastly, ensure you have a professional, confident, and respectful tone and style when describing your process - avoid being arrogant, defensive, or disrespectful.

6 Review and refine

The sixth and final step is to review and refine your portfolio. You should check for errors, inconsistencies, or gaps in your content, format, or process. Additionally, you should seek feedback and advice from other game designers, peers, mentors, or experts. Listen to their opinions and use them to improve your portfolio. Testing and evaluating the portfolio on different devices, browsers, or platforms is also important to identify any technical issues or compatibility problems. Lastly, you should update and maintain your portfolio regularly so that it remains fresh, relevant, and current.