How I became a Game Developer with ZERO Coding & Design Experience + Tips

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2024
  • Hi! In hopes that this helps somebody someday - this is the story of how I became a Game Developer (at Riot Games then Amazon Games) starting from a completely different industry. I had zero coding and design experience and didn't study anything related to game design in college but it was always my dream to work in the games industry. I've made sure to includes lots of my learning and tips and time stamped each major topic below.
    🎓 TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS
    1:30 - My Origin Story: What I did before becoming a Game Developer
    3:28 - Games Industry Exploration: What does it actually mean to be a "Game Developer"?
    8:41 - The Skillset to Interest Framework: How I figured out the best way for me to break into the Games Industry
    13:55 - My Application and Interview Experience: How I prepped and landed my first Game Dev job
    📚 HELPFUL RESOURCES
    ⇢ Resume Tips Video
    • Resume tips that got m...
    ⇢ Video Game Job Profiles
    www.screenskills.com/job-prof...
    🎮 CHECK OUT SOME OF THE GAMES I'VE WORKED ON
    ⇢ Ruined King
    ruinedking.com/
    ⇢ Hextech Mayhem
    hextechmayhem.com/
    ⇢ Convrgence
    convrgencegame.com/
    ⇢ Song of Nunu
    songofnunu.com/
    🌺 ABOUT ME
    Hi there! My name is Morgan and I'm a game developer (previously Riot Games and currently @ Amazon Games) based in LA! Some of the games I've worked on include Ruined King, Hextech Mayhem, and Convrgence. Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy :)
    📷 SOCIAL MEDIA
    ⇢ instagram: @morganling
    morganling...
    ⇢ tiktok: @themorganling_
    www.tiktok.com/@themorganling...
    ⇢ twitter: @themorganling
    / themorganling
    ⇢ twitch: themorganling
    / themorganling
    🕸️ PERSONAL WEBSITE
    www.morgan-ling.com/
    🔔 SUBSCRIBE
    / @morganling game dev diaries game development day in the life of a game developer
  • เกม

ความคิดเห็น • 726

  • @morganling
    @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว +197

    Hi everyone! I realized I didn't actually describe my first role in the industry but it was essentially focused on monetization within games (that's why ethical monetization is my specialty now). So for sure, there's data analysis because we need to be comfortable with leveraging large amounts of data to make good decisions. It also encompasses monetization and systems design - though I wasn't formally trained in monetization design before joining (it's actually not a common designer specific skill so most of us learn this skill by joining the industry first). Monetization design encompasses things like battle passes, loot box designs, game ecoystem design (hard currency to soft currency, what resources are tradable and purchasable, etc.), designing events and seasons (what content should be available, how is it distributed, what does progression and rewards look like in an event, etc.) and ofc the pricing of it all. We also need to have business savvy because we need to lay out beforehand what success looks like and determine if the choices we make are good ones. We often look at things like player sentiment and satisfaction, purchase regret, MAU, revivals, etc to get a sense of this.
    My role today though focuses on a broader list of things, not just monetization but particularly engagement and retention as well! I made a video about what the responsibilities are so feel free to check that out :)

    • @jonlima9897
      @jonlima9897 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You're great actually!! =D

    • @RegiJatekokMagazin
      @RegiJatekokMagazin ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Im in programming / and other IT stuffs too, and I im really confused about ethics in video game selling / micro transactions / monetization, I dont think its gonna evolve to a fair point, too much factor to address in this question, too much social consequences.

    • @funkelmine
      @funkelmine ปีที่แล้ว +20

      so basically poisoning a game with microtransactions, seeing players as someone to take as much money from as legally possible

    • @robertfernandez3746
      @robertfernandez3746 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@funkelmine if not done ethically sure

    • @gehtdichnichtsan2418
      @gehtdichnichtsan2418 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      No Monetization is Ethical if a Minor can spend ludicrous amounts of money without any kind of restrictions, just as any Lootbox with obscure percentages.

  • @jake360flip
    @jake360flip ปีที่แล้ว +33

    AAA sound designer here. I died inside when Audio wasn't mentioned as part of the developers. :(

    • @PySnek
      @PySnek ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Audio is soooo important it's crazy. All that's left for me from World of Warcraft is the outstanding soundtracks!

    • @qownson4410
      @qownson4410 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Imagine playing games on mute in a room of complete silence.
      Most games cannot stand on their own merits without good sound design.

  • @Slinkai
    @Slinkai ปีที่แล้ว +200

    200 years of collective game design experience

  • @chihchang1139
    @chihchang1139 ปีที่แล้ว +326

    tldr: she's not a game developer. she's a sales/business analyst/program manager. this video didn't really help me, but others might find your mechanism useful if they are interested in considering job requirements to your skill set framework, which to me seems obvious, but nothing wrong with that.

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว +28

      If you read my first comment I do systems and monetization design, unless you don’t consider designers game devs? Def not program manager they do something completely different but my role does require analytics since it can inform what design and content choices to make :)

    • @chihchang1139
      @chihchang1139 ปีที่แล้ว +186

      @@morganling I do not consider monitization design as part of game development. But if you do, I think that's fine.

    • @henrythomas6356
      @henrythomas6356 ปีที่แล้ว +86

      @@morganling Game Designers are absolutely not Game Developers. There is a very clear difference, sure they are involved in the overall production of the game, but so is someone like a Technical Artist, and they are not Developers.
      Strange, I would think someone from within the industry would actually know what they're talking about.

    • @space_audits
      @space_audits ปีที่แล้ว +53

      @@morganling You're trying to use word magic to redefine "game developer" so you can include yourself in the category. It's insulting to actual developers. The janitor cleans the office when you guys leave and he makes it possible for you to return to a clean work environment. Is that janitor not also a game developer? If you keep lying to yourself, you'll be calling the janitor a developer in the next 3 months.

    • @fallenfeather5178
      @fallenfeather5178 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@space_audits You are being way too harsh & ultimately sound like you want her to feel somehow less for not being a game developer. At the end of the day she's walking proof that, with research and bit of clever thinking, you can be apart of your dream industry. Regardless if she's a game dev or does monetization and analytics, the game isn't complete without her doing her part and that is amazing. P.S - You should kiss the floor the janitor mops on as I doubt someone with a nasty personality like yourself has much in the way of hygiene skills to begin with.

  • @blinkachu5275
    @blinkachu5275 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    TL:DR;
    "I am not an actual game developer, I work in the marketing department and am mainly focused on analytics and monetization in games"
    In other words, whatever she says has no actual relevance to someone legitimately wanting to CREATE (develop) something, especially not actual game developers that have passion for creating an experience for other people to enjoy, be it through a beautiful story or fun mechanics. She's just part of the group of people in the gaming industry that actively ruins games, how to warp game elements so they appeal to people's addiction side so they spend more money. She's not in the game industry to make good games/good experiences for people to entertain, she doesn't have the passion one needs to actually be a game developer.
    But, impressionable teens will fall for this schlock, because she's a pretty face that has the terms "game development in the title, video and video description.
    Thank you, Morgan, for being part of the problem :) For being the part of the industry that ruins games with monetization (regardless of whether you call it ethical or not, it's never ethical to ask people to PAY for digital items they do NOT actually own, since they basically only pay for a piece of code that unlocks said monetized digital item).
    Sincerely hope you get a morality check one day.

  • @justjuniorjaw
    @justjuniorjaw ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Ah so the 200 years of experience that Riot told us included people with 0 years of experience.

  • @fabian7463
    @fabian7463 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    It took my nearly 4 years to land a job.
    It feels like companies like to hire women in the tech industry,very unfair.

  • @kratossass
    @kratossass ปีที่แล้ว +6

    you are not a game developer regardless of what you may think, i know you're probably only saying it for youtube but if i said i'm a software developer and i actually work in HR for a software development company that funnily enough does not mean i'm a software developer

  • @AZ-gs6hj
    @AZ-gs6hj ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Same. I became a "Senior Sales Engineer" and I barely know how to write a print statement in java. I just got lucky and met my mentor who let me work for his company. It's not about what you know, but rather who you know in this world.

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Who you know matters a lot for sure, makes breaking into something a lot easier

  • @americoperez810
    @americoperez810 ปีที่แล้ว +64

    TLDR: She became a game dev without any experience with design or programming because she got into the financial side of game dev.

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Sort of! My first projects going in were designing ways to distribute content (battle passes, bundling skins, and determining new virtual content). My specialty was monetization not quite finance. I just picked up the design aspect of it pretty quick on the job lol

    • @theastuteangler
      @theastuteangler ปีที่แล้ว +7

      with a degree in economics

    • @peterbelanger4094
      @peterbelanger4094 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      female

    • @edberaga6357
      @edberaga6357 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@morganling Thats not Game developer job... ._.

  • @HW-lg1qs
    @HW-lg1qs ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really love this video, finally there’s someone sharing their experience in game industry. Hopefully I can find someone who will share their experience of UI design in game industry

  • @aliceeeee976
    @aliceeeee976 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I graduated with Business degree and then I found that I didn't even know what I would like to do at that time I've been working as a sales in Japanese company for 3 years now. And I felt so empty, after work I will play games every single day to calm myself and run away from reality. Because I'm suffer with my current life, then I decided to took a intro IT course from google and I felt so happy like I'm challenging myself to learn new things and I signed up for a few courses about coding. Now I figured out that I do wanna be a game dev or game designer. Because I do love art and I get a commission sometimes. So this vid is so inspiring and cheering me up to continue my path in this industry. I'll keep learning and gain my experience as much as I can. Thank u so much for ur video❤

  • @Onoxsys
    @Onoxsys ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I went to school for game design and I still can't find an entry way in :')

  • @sakuragi9570
    @sakuragi9570 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    Hi Morgan! Just want to tell you that I really loved the "Skillset to Interest" Framework. It really did a good job. I'm not a game-related worker but this thing helps me up to retrospect my career skill set. Thanks for making this video!

  • @spacegoat_3d801
    @spacegoat_3d801 ปีที่แล้ว +90

    So basically, all I gotta do is land a role as a custodian at a game studio and I can be a “game dev”. Nice 👍🏻

    • @tivasthegamer9817
      @tivasthegamer9817 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You are missing the point. But anyone is entitled to listen and understand whatever is liked.

  • @skorbrand
    @skorbrand ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Ive been following your content on Tik Tok and youtube for a while now and really appreciate all the insight you give into the industry (it helps a lot for someone who wants to get into the industry). Ive been doing a couple courses on unreal engine 5 to try to break into the game market. I always wanted to be in that industry but my parents pushed me towards another path. I'm 25 now and spent a good amount of time trying to figure out what I wanted to do and I believe this industry is definitely it. Im actually trying to get a job at Riot as a game designer for Val once I have enough skills to even be considered. Im from Canada as well so I need to be good to get a visa. Im for sure going to use the Skillset to interest framework to make sure that game design is the best fit and to see if maybe there would be another good fit for me!

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I'm glad you found my video helpful! Wishing you the best of luck and I hope to see you in the industry someday :)

  • @user-tr8xd3uy3h
    @user-tr8xd3uy3h ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thank you so much for this information! I’ve been depriving myself from becoming a developer because I don’t have the necessary skill set. This really helped give me a road map. Good luck in your new career!

  • @MetalDeathMusic
    @MetalDeathMusic 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Very good video! I have a good friend of almost 20 years who's been working at Riot games for a while now. Thank you for the inspiration and knowledge!

  • @MinisterGold
    @MinisterGold ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for the breakdown. Found how you constructed your resume and themed your cover letter pretty interesting. I'll try to do something along those lines once I feel like I have enough exp to apply.

  • @JS-vf5gn
    @JS-vf5gn ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for creating this video! As a university graduate with a degree not in game design but in Literature and Creative Writing, this video put my mind at ease.
    Genuinely, I can't thank you enough. Subscribed. 😊

  • @LaitoChen
    @LaitoChen ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'm trying to understand what it is you do exactly ; associate revenue strategy manager position. So, book keeping?! You deal with spreadsheets. It doesn't sound like you're involved in the core game development of the game at all. Its kind of a misleading video

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว

      Revenue strategy focused on monetization and systems design, analytics, economics and traditional production management! It’s a riot specific thing that focuses heavily on monetization. I made a video about exactly what I do btw! :) I do play a key role in core game development since I’m in charge of spearheading and designing systems that benefit engagement retention and monetization. At riot those were the people that designed the store, build and designed battle passes and loot box systems for ex!

    • @PySnek
      @PySnek ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@morganling So you are working against a great experience. You are helping to make AAA games shit and us costumers year to year more angry and sad! You are NOT developing games, but making the greedy rich richer.

  • @nonin2857
    @nonin2857 ปีที่แล้ว

    i really appreciate the skillset - interest graph you made. def will use it for myself

  • @Weird_Quests
    @Weird_Quests ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great breakdown - I've been working in the industry on the narrative/writing side for a few years now working with indie developers and a few smaller studios, and it's always humbling and amazing to see so many different ways of breaking in :D

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you! That’s awesome to hear that you’re on the narrative side of things!

    • @Weird_Quests
      @Weird_Quests ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@morganling Absolutely love it! :D

    • @Weird_Quests
      @Weird_Quests ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@morganling I still have yet to work with a bigger studio, but I’m taking the advice of a few other narrative designers who just say to apply even if you don’t have the AAA experience they advertise for. :)

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah you often don’t need to check all the boxes they list in a job description! Wishing you the best of luck!

    • @Weird_Quests
      @Weird_Quests ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@morganling thanks! You too on your dev journey and also TH-cam! :)

  • @santozard
    @santozard ปีที่แล้ว +56

    Program/project manager is not game developer. It’s program/project manager.

    • @DankMemes-xq2xm
      @DankMemes-xq2xm ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It's literally part of the development process. "Game developer" isn't a thing, you're either a designer of some form, an engineer / programmer of some form, any type of artist (3D models, animation, technical art, concept art, etc), a sound designer, or on the production side. All of them are "game developers"

    • @santozard
      @santozard ปีที่แล้ว +13

      @@DankMemes-xq2xm then, how about HR, they contributing by recruiting and operational support. Also, how about IT, they support by provide proper equipment and softwares. Game developers means who directly working on game itself. Then marketing is marketing, operating is operating, customer service is customer service.

    • @DankMemes-xq2xm
      @DankMemes-xq2xm ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@santozard knowing how much to charge for a powerful microtransaction and how powerful that microtransaction is affects game balance

    • @santozard
      @santozard ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@DankMemes-xq2xm AFAIK, the character growth or economic system are all designed by the game designer. The marketing or operation side will help define some campaigns based on the system that is already designed.

    • @jonas8993
      @jonas8993 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yeay, I thought about it, after finishing the video, seems to me like she calls most of those positions "game dev" but, pretty sure to most people at least, a game dev builds a video game (whether through art, code, sound, design etc...) but the other jobs she listed are equally as important but, they don't actually build the game, they work around it, and they are part of the gaming industry, but still arent "game dev"

  • @SkySesshomaru
    @SkySesshomaru ปีที่แล้ว

    Yo, amazing.
    Bring more of your experience & daily routine into this.
    Truly amazed, thanks for the content.

  • @BlueSama1
    @BlueSama1 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    I'm a game developer and have never seen any video breaking down the components of choosing a job in the game industry as you did.
    Most people don't even think about it, and even with enough skill sets required, they just dive into the first position available. And after a couple of years, questions start to pop into their minds.
    The video felt so honest to me,Thank You 💙

  • @vikrantpradhan9923
    @vikrantpradhan9923 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Although I am not interested in Game Development, the content itself was very informative and presented very well. Looking forward to future uploads :)

  • @stbny4444
    @stbny4444 ปีที่แล้ว

    I thought this was gonna be another video of watching someone in front of their computer but there is actually a lot useful info here.. the kind I was looking for. Thanks!

  • @eeastman381
    @eeastman381 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is really well made. I am a recent CS Graduate myself and I really appreciate this video!

    • @morganling
      @morganling  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you! I’m super glad you enjoyed my vid! :)

  • @Oxmond
    @Oxmond 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +22

    Your journey into game development is genuinely inspiring, Morgan! ❤
    To anyone watching this video, remember that every path is different, and your unique journey is what makes you stand out. Keep pursuing your passions, and never let a lack of traditional experience stop you. Morgan's story is a testament to that

  • @GurbyTheGreat
    @GurbyTheGreat ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Don't call yourself a developer if you don't code. Words have meaning.

    • @Luluskuy
      @Luluskuy ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Working in 'game development company' doesn't mean you can be called game dev, true dat

    • @filbett9305
      @filbett9305 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      ​@@Luluskuy that's genius, I can get a job cleaning bathrooms for a week at blizzard and then just put ow2 and wow dev in my resume

  • @methanier3274
    @methanier3274 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I will say I feel like I got very lucky in how I got in the game industry. I met a guy through my school who was the QA director for the Indie company I currently work for. My degree is specifically for Game Programming, and after working with him on a project through the school, he was able to put in a good word for me for a QA position. After implementing an in office build machine that did some automation testing on one of their projects and writing a program from scratch to get it all to run properly (weird stuff with the way steam updates). It only took me about 6 months to actually get an engineering position there. Been with the company for just about 4.5 years now with one title release (Beyond Blue).

    • @Noqtis
      @Noqtis ปีที่แล้ว

      So you guys just ripped of ABZU ? And a whole company is living off a single rip-off? Wow...

  • @BigHeadStarShorts
    @BigHeadStarShorts 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    been following your account for 1-2 years now just wanted to leave a comment.
    good job :)

  • @magicshot9486
    @magicshot9486 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The title is definitely misleading, working in the game industry and being game developer definitely don't mean the same thing.

  • @The_Endless_Sponge
    @The_Endless_Sponge 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Rockstar Educator! Subscribed! Could you do a series breaking down multiple areas of gaming - with colleagues who may have had similar experiences breaking into the industry? Your break down for development applied to other areas would be tremendous in helping map out possible trajectories others could target when studying the gaming industry, and how they can break in. Thanks for your time.

  • @apoc519
    @apoc519 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    You work IN game development for A game developer unless you're making the whole game yourself. The algorithm sure likes that title though

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว

      Interesting take! I mean you aren't wrong, the company itself is definitely referred to as a game developer. Within the industry we do refer to our roles as game developer roles. Within AAA game space it's literally impossible for a single person to make the whole game themselves. So even though its a team developing a single title, those who actually build and design the game do outwardly (and inwardly to each other lol) consider themselves as a game developer. That's the only reason I frame it that way. Even indie games usually have a small team, its quite rare to have a single person do everything (they be badasses tho for sure). In the industry we just say "Game Devs" :)

  • @genexk
    @genexk ปีที่แล้ว +43

    It's a very informative video and it's genuinely interesting to hear your journey. On the other hand, the title is definitely a clickbait. The video has very little to do with how to become a developer. Rev analyst is not a developer, nor is the product manager role.

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s fair I would say your totally right that a rev analyst and traditional product manager are not developer roles! Within the industry the term “game developer” doesn’t refer to specifically programming related roles but is often used to describe designers too for example. Since a large part of my role is around systems and monetization design that’s why people within the industry consider what I do a game developer type role (whereas an analyst wouldn’t be I agree). Live ops product manager is also notably different than traditional product management because we need to have design skills usually.

    • @nandanvinjamury
      @nandanvinjamury ปีที่แล้ว +13

      @@morganling I feel like the title could be changed to more reflect that though. Saying there's "ZERO programming experience" is completely irrelevant to the roles you applied for, and the tips given were just tips for any job, not game dev specific. Programming roles need to prep for coding interviews, and artist roles need to have a portfolio along with art skills. Would have been nice to address that somewhere so that people don't get a false view/have their time wasted

    • @moonstrobe
      @moonstrobe ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@morganling Monetization design. Though you may not be a developer, you can always call yourself a "credit card hacker".

  • @Spaz12ism
    @Spaz12ism ปีที่แล้ว +60

    so basically, you aren't a game dev... you're a production manager.

  • @rickagarwala6056
    @rickagarwala6056 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good for you for making the switch! I'm actually in a similar situation as I'm looking at changing careers.

  • @Ccc3_
    @Ccc3_ ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was extremely helpful and informative! Thank you :)

  • @lab9096
    @lab9096 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Thank you! I am currently a QA in the game industry and this was very helpful. I like the idea of being creative on your cover letter. I will definitely take some lessons from your story. This was a really great video and I hope it gets even more views!

    • @amansingh.h716
      @amansingh.h716 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      how to become qa in game industry,, Currently I am SDE

  • @Retr0_
    @Retr0_ ปีที่แล้ว

    You have really grown since your last videos! Congrats!!! You inspire me a lot 😁

  • @downdiggi
    @downdiggi 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Morgan, thanks for sharing! Very helpful advice. And happy holidays!

  • @CivilChev
    @CivilChev ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As someone who loves theorycrafting and figuring out the math for different builds and testing them out, is there a place for me in game development and if so what job would I need to apply for to, eventually, be able to do something like this?
    I've been playing video games for all of my life so finding a way to get into the industry just makes sense, plus I love learning about how different mechanics and systems in the game works and interact with each other.

  • @aldinomad
    @aldinomad ปีที่แล้ว

    thank you so much for this, is been a kind mistery for me till this video.

  • @itsdrjas
    @itsdrjas 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Woohoo this was so helpful for me to understand what you’re doing!!! Also nice pop-up designs

    • @morganling
      @morganling  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hehe yay!! And thank you!! ♥️

  • @ficklebar
    @ficklebar ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Insightful video! What I’ll say as a former AAA gameplay developer is that technical skills are king in programming roles. So many people are unable to do it that most would employers be willing to train other skills just have someone with enough brain power. And of course soft skills are important. But those are really just icing on the cake!
    When I applied out of college, I was basically the only applicant to a big project who passed the technical interview with flying colors. I had a great portfolio, and like to think I’m pretty personable to boot. But the technical competency was the real deal sealer.

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      100%!! if you don't have the technical skill, there is basically no way someone is getting a technical role. In those roles, unless its a senior level/management role, good soft skills are definitely just icing on the cake. Most times good soft skills alone won't get you anything tbh, even with a live-ops PM role like I'm currently in which is not a technical role, you need systems and monetization design skills, I know SQL, basic research like A/B testing, conjoints analysis, maxdiffs, regression analysis, basic psychology etc. You need to have the core skills needed for the role but sometimes you can get those skills outside the games industry too.

  • @danielkelsosmith
    @danielkelsosmith 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Over the last week I have been considering moving into video games. I have not spoken about this to anyone, yet this video was recommended to me. I am not subscribed, nor have I searched anything on this topic. This is either the craziest coincidence, or the most obvious sign to start what I want.

    • @morganling
      @morganling  2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ITS A SIGN YO

    • @kadiryumlu
      @kadiryumlu ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Or they are listening our thoughts 😀

    • @Belzao
      @Belzao ปีที่แล้ว +1

      its just google algorithm

    • @Robin-hi4vj
      @Robin-hi4vj 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm thinking the same, but I don't know what to do, I learned English now what? 😂

  • @SyndroOmCani
    @SyndroOmCani ปีที่แล้ว

    That was actually really really helpful. Thank you!

  • @Skeffles
    @Skeffles ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! I work in software and do games as a hobby so it's interesting to see how games as an industry works and how it's similar to software.

  • @JoshIbbotson
    @JoshIbbotson ปีที่แล้ว

    This is amazing Morgan, well done!

  • @lawrence9713
    @lawrence9713 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    For this kind of work you don't need any coding or design experience.
    Good to know and informative that there are also other parts needed, but it's not really dev work

  • @armanddev
    @armanddev ปีที่แล้ว +63

    Loved this video! There are so many videos that just say "do this, this and you'll eventually get into the industry", but you managed to break your journey down into a series of manageable steps. Looking forward to seeing more content from you!

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I’m glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful!! 😀

  • @Natilee
    @Natilee ปีที่แล้ว

    I truly appreciate this video!

  • @conasca
    @conasca ปีที่แล้ว

    Outstanding video! Thank you for making it.

  • @jotomato
    @jotomato ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Tbh this video is going to be irrelevant to indie developers whose goals are truly build games and start their own studios.

    • @darilaho
      @darilaho ปีที่แล้ว

      but once the indie developers gets big they will need this typed of persons to help them in exposure and communication.

  • @ham472
    @ham472 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for this video. I have a finance degree and have been gaming since I was a kid. I would love to get into the gaming industry.

  • @HowardLinca
    @HowardLinca ปีที่แล้ว

    I am also a Taiwanese but based in Toronto.
    Thanks for sharing Morgan! Love your content and your experience is super inspiring! My dream is also to work in the games industry!

    • @dzhk143
      @dzhk143 ปีที่แล้ว

      U doesn't look like Taiwanese

  • @wdoan_
    @wdoan_ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +114

    This video was really inspiring and insightful to watch! Thank you for sharing your story and also the tip on “Skillset to Interest Framework”. I never thought of that idea, especially since I am someone who doesn’t necessarily know what roles I would be a best fit for, but also that matches my current skillset. Still in the process of exploration. Anyways, thank you for the video! :)

    • @morganling
      @morganling  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I’m happy that you found this helpful!! Hopefully you get a chance to figure out what you want to pursue!

    • @SoulHasEgo
      @SoulHasEgo ปีที่แล้ว

      William!

  • @LumiStarASMR
    @LumiStarASMR 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great job Morgan! Love seeing your growth! 🎊

    • @morganling
      @morganling  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Aww thank you!! ♥️♥️

  • @chloeshih
    @chloeshih 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    LETS GO MORGANNNN!!! Loved seeing the super cute edits and graphics that go with your game dev story 🥰🥰

    • @morganling
      @morganling  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Aww thank you 🥰 girl editing takes so long lmao

    • @chloeshih
      @chloeshih 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@morganling I knowww but this was beautifully done. you always have a great eye for quality!

  • @luissaybe
    @luissaybe ปีที่แล้ว +8

    revenue strategist = game dev ?
    🤔🤔

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Rev Strat is pretty unique to a Riot but that’s the team designing monetization systems so like events, season passes (what content is included, what tasks does a player need to complete, how many points accrue for each task, how is content distributed and when). Rev strat designed the loot box system and crafting system with shards as well. :)

    • @SpudCommando
      @SpudCommando ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@morganling no offense, but gacha/lootboxes in general is the reason why this industry is progressively getting worse in game design because a lot of the elements have to be sacrificed around the monetization systems which truly hamper the actual creative/developers vision. at the end of the day it's all about money I know but there are ways to have money and good game without resorting to petty strats like gambling with real money, encouraging FOMO, and other gross tactics.

  • @omero2582
    @omero2582 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    its good you are explaining the different types of jobs/roles in Video Game companies, but the job you got is not a game developer. You're basically saying any job in a video game company = game developer

  • @soumitrosharkar9683
    @soumitrosharkar9683 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Absolutely love the video. Answered a lot of questions I had. Could you please explain what is the role of a video game director and where should they be included in the 5 categories you mentioned?

    • @DankMemes-xq2xm
      @DankMemes-xq2xm ปีที่แล้ว

      From what I understand, a video game director would probably be like the person in charge of a particular wing of development. You could be the gameplay director and oversee the gameplay designers, or an art director that oversees the entire art direction, or a technical director who figures out how the engine should work and stuff like that.

  • @perezident14
    @perezident14 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Thank you for making this! I’ve watched a lot of videos of people breaking into web development, but it’s really cool to hear about breaking into game dev.

  • @dbporter
    @dbporter ปีที่แล้ว +5

    does a product manager code?

  • @SuperlativeCG
    @SuperlativeCG ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Binge watching a TV show for 8 hours is more socially acceptable then playing a video game for 2 hours.

  • @forevergaming1688
    @forevergaming1688 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I find your story to be very interesting. I also work for Amazon, but I am not in the gaming industry (L4 as process expert). In the past several years, I have been inclined to game development, and I have already started to learn VBA in order to gain a better understanding of coding and to use this skill set in my current position to help the projects. I will follow to ensure that I hear more about Amazon Gaming :D .

    • @alex.yatsenko
      @alex.yatsenko ปีที่แล้ว

      Why VBA? If you want to became a game dev learn unity + c#. It's the fastest way.

    • @andrewschleiss6269
      @andrewschleiss6269 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah VBA is ok but people arent looking for VBA developers. its really only for excel
      I suggest learning SQL as a start
      Then if you get good at that start Python (this leads to more a data science positions)
      The above doesnt directly help with game dev
      If you really want to be a developer in game dev then you need to learn C# / C++. unfortunately VBA doesnt help here

  • @leechurn7758
    @leechurn7758 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for sharing this information. I didn't realize it's possible to break into game dev. industry even though w/o game dev. background.

  • @EnriqueTDL
    @EnriqueTDL ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great job with the video Morgan. More people helping folks get in and understand how to navigate things is always welcome!

  • @adroitws1367
    @adroitws1367 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Yeah, I cook for the dev thats mean I'm game developer too, awesome!

  • @KoriAqua
    @KoriAqua 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thinking about going for a role similar to a gameplay engineer. Currently studying programming while working an IT helpdesk job. This video was educational, especially in regards to the skillset vs interest graph. Thank you!

    • @morganling
      @morganling  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I’m glad you found this helpful! Wishing you the best of luck in your studies and hope to see you in the industry someday!

    • @Tetrathegod
      @Tetrathegod ปีที่แล้ว

      You just have to be a woman .. guys get in like 30000 harder ..

  • @volgg
    @volgg 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I'm a concept designer with experience in the game industry, but lately i've been thinking of maybe learning to code for games. I always found coding or programming fascinating but scary at the same time because of all the lines of codes is overwhelming. But with AI generated images being a thorn in the art industry, it's been really depressing so I thought I might as well take the plunge into programming as a back up career in case I get replaced in the studio by an AI.....

    • @user-hp9el8sg5s
      @user-hp9el8sg5s 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Im a 2nd yr graphic design student aspiring to become a game illustrator or a concept artist and i completely agree how overwhelming and scary programming is😭 i've been taking this subject since 1st yr and still can't grasp some of its basic concepts

  • @katsudon2970
    @katsudon2970 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wait you are a Rutgers Alummni? I am currently a Rutgers Undergrads; Your Journey and Your Story is so inspiring. My savior especially when my goal is to land an internship in Riot too, and planned to move to CA as well. Thank you for the instructions and guidance!
    Cheers!

  • @sakibislam7927
    @sakibislam7927 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey! This was super helpful for me, I plan on going into Game Dev eventually haha

  • @rakiongutsamini
    @rakiongutsamini ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This really got me inspired as I also wanted to become a game developer and one day join one of the biggest companies but it's kind of challenging to reach out on people when your country doesn't have much attention of the game industry. But giving up ain't the option here. Just gonna do my best and work it out! Thanks for video!

  • @0xhiro
    @0xhiro ปีที่แล้ว

    This was insightful ❤️

  • @CreativeSteve69
    @CreativeSteve69 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    i'm so glad your channel came upon my front page today. This was extremely helpful to me on how to get a job in the industry. I'm a self-learning gamedev for the most part slowly building my very first game of a puzzle/adventure game. These tips were extremely helpful Morgan I appreciated them a lot. Thanks looking forward to upcoming content.

  • @ayushsidam289
    @ayushsidam289 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for making the video. 😀👍

  • @ShadowNinjaDestiny
    @ShadowNinjaDestiny ปีที่แล้ว +31

    Only halfway into the video. The way of breaking down the job roles within the industry has been immensely helpful and information friendly to new gamers, designers or hopefuls wanting to join the game industry.

  • @rparks2786
    @rparks2786 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I appreciate this video because I went to school or game design, but I am located in a state where there is zero jobs really related to the industry and now 9 years later being a software engineer, it seems hard to find a role in engineering in the game industry when you dont have the experience truly related to the industry. I have a friend who is a QA tester and he has helped break this type of stuff down for me as well, but hearing it from a different perspective helps too.

  • @jeanMvang
    @jeanMvang ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I really appreciate your video. I love video games my whole life and was discouraged after a high school game development course because I didn't know coding. As an adult now I am looking to re-ignite my passion and dive back into this career path. Please release more content like this I need all the tips and help I can get, thank you again.

  • @viperjay1
    @viperjay1 ปีที่แล้ว

    Morgan, here is a question for you. If a game took 7 years to build. Would you bail on it If you know right away or mid-project ? or would you just try your best to finish it knowing you may leave the project before it gets completed? Also, how do you keep motivated for all that time until completion?

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว

      If I'm looking to specifically join a game team that's early on in development (vs say a live ops game that's live), 'd generally be looking to stay on until completion. I'm fortunate enough to be at a stage in my career where I have options on where to work within gaming and I'd only join a team if I really believed and was excited in the game itself. So I wouldn't be looking to bail out early unless for some reason the culture of the team was terrible for me. Especially if the game is meant to be a multiplayer live ops type of game, a lot of the fun I get to do actually happens after the game is launched.

  • @stevethepirate
    @stevethepirate 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    let me know if you need any acoustic drum recordings in any of your games :)

  • @nowhesdead2259
    @nowhesdead2259 ปีที่แล้ว

    Im so gladd finaly woman inspires see in this endustry. Actually there are too many but in youtube, we can't see. Thanks and congrat 8 March🙌❤️🌹

  • @rcafilmproductions1640
    @rcafilmproductions1640 ปีที่แล้ว

    Holy cow! I'm a filmmaker who has spend the last year and a half learning Unreal Engine for virtual production and I've had this nagging feeling of wanting to make a game. I'm working on a proof of concept for a live action show/film based on a friend's hit comic book and all I keep thinking is that the bones to an awesome video game are already here based on what I've built out so far. For weeks now this has been in my head and then your video pops up on my homepage!! Question - If we were to go this route and develop these assets into a game, what do you suggest is the next step? Do I complete it 100% and self publish, or do we get a working level and story bible and pitch to a game studio. Also, do game studios take pitches like a film studio would, or is all of their development done in house? Looking forward to seeing more from your channel!!

  • @thomaslao9832
    @thomaslao9832 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Morgan, so I want to break into the games industry as a game designer(less programming and more project management) but I find it hard to talk about why I want to work at a company like Riot because I dont play Valorant, I dont play League of Legends anymore and i dont watch their tournaments. I dont tune in to stuff regarding "playing" video games because right now I am busy learning how to program and make video games from scratch. Do you have any advice on how to build that genuine feeling of wanting to be at a company like Riot? I know the first steps is research the company but this has been a plague on me for every tech company ive interviewed with(minus failing the coding interviews). Thank you.

  • @relaxsleeprepeat_
    @relaxsleeprepeat_ ปีที่แล้ว

    There is an amazing game developer called Kelly Nero and she tells the story of how attention to detail and problem solving are key skillsets for game developer , great video @Morgan

  • @keepitshort4208
    @keepitshort4208 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm 28 and going through learning graphics design, that's for being sustainable enough to get past this phase to move to game development as I wanted to do something different wanting to make something that I enjoy and can be proud of but still need to learn coding I have decided to learn python or GDSCRIPT (still confused) more thinking towards a future having a more flexible language but I'm gonna be using Godot I want to make pixel games, I tried many things from engineering to business studies to media sciences nothing fit to me to be honest so I went with graphic design for now, I Know it's a long road and I'm far behind just want to try without regret for not even trying so
    Step by step as I go

  • @DayDreamer4011
    @DayDreamer4011 ปีที่แล้ว

    Lovely video! 😊

  • @davidkisaragi8134
    @davidkisaragi8134 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The cover letter idea is actually really smart!! Loving the longer content, will you be uploading here more?

    • @morganling
      @morganling  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you!! Since the type of role I do doesn’t really require a portfolio of work like some other works sometimes using a cover letter can help. And yes I really enjoy making longer form vid content so I’ll be uploading here probably every other week

  • @geet_m
    @geet_m ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Great stuff Morgan! Would definitely be interested in a video about your approach to prepping for game dev interviews since you had not worked in the field before ☺ Excited for your future content!

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks Geet!! ♥️

  • @YossefArmel
    @YossefArmel ปีที่แล้ว

    This video is like the movie Parasite. The half of the video I was waiting to get tips to become a game developer. It was going great and then it turned into a totally different video. It was good tough.

  • @estrellaalvarez1842
    @estrellaalvarez1842 ปีที่แล้ว

    ty for this vid my dream job is to be a gameplay engineer at riot on the valorant team and I'll be applying to their internship for next summer :^)

  • @jacineyatrakos3149
    @jacineyatrakos3149 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    It's kinda depressing i went to university, got a degree in game design and still cant find anything (granted my course wasnt that great but ive still gone out of my way to learn additional things)

    • @dhrubajyoti3
      @dhrubajyoti3 ปีที่แล้ว

      u need to know someone higher up in the company and give them bj simple

    • @justahuman4862
      @justahuman4862 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Don't give up. Sometimes it can take 7 years.

    • @jacineyatrakos3149
      @jacineyatrakos3149 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@justahuman4862 kinda depressing ngl 😂 currently working in VR simulations and E learning for mining industries but still looking for actual game Dev work

  • @tn7778
    @tn7778 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is super helpful!! I have an interview for an entry level software/game tester coming up for a reputable GPU company. Any advice or tips? this is an opportunity to finally get my foot in the door. I am a career switcher so this is so nerve-racking!!

  • @Landon_Hughes
    @Landon_Hughes ปีที่แล้ว

    SUCH a high quality video! You got another sub from me 😄

  • @Vlad00
    @Vlad00 ปีที่แล้ว

    Morgan, do you feel like you would have still been able to break into the gaming industry if you didn't relocate to Cali? I too live in NJ and also went to Rutgers. (graduated in 2020)

  • @juliandenisesia5142
    @juliandenisesia5142 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just graduated from college, major in game development. I'm currently applying in to some IT companies. Actually my dream job is to work in Riot Games (I hope someday haha). Anw, Thank you for this vid

  • @frankom2862
    @frankom2862 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Your explanation is great about the different positions. The only thing I can't agree on is how shallow is your perception on how to get a job in the industry, is diminishing and offensive for those that have worked hard to get in the industry while you had a lucky shot.

    • @morganling
      @morganling  ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm sorry you feel that way and I think that's a really fair call out. It was never my intention to disregard or diminish the huge effort many folks take to get into the industry. My goal was simply share my story so that it encourages and illustrates that there is more than one way to break into the industry. I realized after talking to so many people that there was a lack of knowledge about how to even think about breaking in, much less doing the actual breaking in itself. I wanted to provide a structured approach to figuring out maybe a more optimal way of breaking in based on their interests, skills, and willingness to learn new skills. That there are options that don't require having to l learn completely new skills and having many years of work experience basically go to waste. It was definitely not to say this is the best and only way to break in and I'm sorry for not being clear on that point.
      You're definitely right - I got a lucky shot when they picked up my resume! I totally acknowledge that! I could have been more clear about that aspect too. That's why I wanted to provide tips about the importance of crafting a beautiful application. But I don't want to disregard my own 3 years of relevant experience and the fact that I beat out numerous under candidates going through the actual interview process (Riot is known to be tough tbh lol and it was haha). Thanks for bring to my attention that part of my story may seem offensive to those who worked hard to get into the industry! I don't want it to be like that moving forward.

    • @frankom2862
      @frankom2862 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@morganling Thank you for your reply, and sorry if I sounded rude in my comment, you have 3 years in the industry and I respect that, because I know how much each of those years worth.
      I hope you keep giving good information about what is to be in the industry, like when you explained about the different positions in a development team.