What do you do if you're unsure which specialization to choose within game design?

Find the expertise you're both good at and can see yourself waking up to do for a living. When I first enrolled at UCSC for their CS: Game Design degree, I struggled with (and far from enjoyed) programming. Meanwhile, I excelled in all my storytelling courses spanning creative writing, theater, and film. I also explored other areas of game development, such as art and music/sound, even putting them into practice during our senior capstone game project. However, it became clear that my skills and passion lay in game writing and narrative design. Whether you're new to game development or have years under your belt, it's never too late to discover the role that brings you genuine enjoyment and fulfillment!

An effective way I study different disciplines of design is by listening to talks on the GDC vault about the subject. Whether the talk is about a specific monetization method and how to make it fun, or a talk by Jesse Schell on design as a whole, I listen to each one and learn about their own iteration and creative process. When you find yourself adding to the speaker's ideas sub-consciously, you've found something that really piques your interests.

Start by analyzing the games you enjoy the most. Preferences can give you hints about which specialization might suit you best. Additionally, keep an eye on emerging technologies like VR and AR. If they fascinate you, the field of experiential design might be your niche. To gain a broader perspective, seek mentorship from experienced professionals in different specializations. They can provide valuable insights into their daily work.

Analyze the daily work settings and team dynamics of various roles. Different studios may have different workflows - a level designer in a AAA studio may focus on fine-tuning levels, while one in an indie setting may have to handle various tasks like scripting and environmental art. Stay updated on industry trends by attending conferences and watching talks. Engage with online communities like Reddit's game development subreddits or game design Discord servers to learn from professionals' experiences.

Begin by taking stock of your skills, but go a step further by considering how your skills enhance the user experience of the game. To refine your assessment, seek feedback from peers or mentors who can offer objective insights into your skills and potential blind spots. Additionally, engage in game design challenges that require cross-disciplinary skills, as this can uncover hidden talents and expand your specialization options.

Controversially, I disagree with the premise that you should follow industry trends as a career path. Games is ultimately a career that's driven by passion, and there's few folks out there that only see it as a job. An artist should commit to the art form and art style that they love, and they should only change their art form or style if their love changes to another. All designers are artists, and should follow this principle holistically when carving a path.

It's important to analyze the adoption rates of these technologies in different regions. Some markets may already be well-developed, offering immediate opportunities, while others are still emerging, providing long-term growth potential. Keep a close watch on industry reports from reliable sources like Newzoo or SuperData to gain a better understanding of the financial landscape in different gaming segments. This information can help you identify where companies are investing and which skills are in high demand.

Seek mentors who can offer more than just advice; they can connect you to networks and opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible. Look for someone whose career aligns with your interests and who has diverse experience in different areas. Engage with mentors not only through formal programs, but also by participating in industry events or joining game design communities. They can help you identify your strengths, recommend specialized training, and introduce you to industry professionals who can provide internships, collaborations, or job prospects. This guidance is crucial, especially when you're starting out in the game design field.

Having a mentor provides comfort, validation, and reassurance for all of the situations that you'll encounter in your learning, searching, and working. A great mentor provides the same stability for your education and career as a close friend did in primary school. Never be complacent, and don't be afraid to seek out mentorship. There are countless people out there like myself who pour tens of hours a week into supporting others in and around the industry, and you'll get it all for free.

Game Jam, Game Jam, Game Jam! Get out there and really put yourself in these roles. Give each one multiple tries and the answer will most likely occur to you in one of those moments.

Settling on a specific discipline can be extremely challenging to do as a designer, but the best course of action is to explore, experiment, and exercise your skills in each area. Once you feel confident in a decision, commit yourself fully to it and only change when you feel confident and ready to fully commit to that change.