10. Passion for Games
It may seem obvious, but true nonetheless. A game designer must have a deep love and passion for games. This zeal can permeate into all aspects of a designer’s work.
9. Breadth and depth of knowledge
The best designers know a little about a lot, says Walton. Don’t limit your interests and knowledge to just games.
8. Problem-solving and analytical skills
Great designers figure out the best ways to approach a problem. The big trap, Walton says, is over-analyzing and being over-complex.
7. Flexibility
Design can be exciting, but also frustrating, due to the frequency of changes and the constraints involved in the process. But be flexible. “Constraints can be innovation tools.”
6. Keep it super-simple
“It is easier to make a complex design than a simple design, because a simple design is elegant,” Walton finds. Some designers try to throw more and more into design, but that isn’t the solution. “Always think about ‘how can I make this simpler?’”
5. Player empathy
Great designers see the game from the player's viewpoint. “There’s nothing more humbling than seeing people play your game without your assistance,” Walton says. But what if a designer is not empathetic? “You really should care, because you want their money,” he adds. And don’t have your friends give you feedback on a game—you want the opinion of people who don’t care about hurting your feelings.
4. Continuous learning
“If you choose design, you’re signing up for continuous learning, because everything changes. And what’s insane is that it changes faster than our development cycle.” Along the same lines as number nine, designers have to continually read and learn new things.
3. Teamwork
Be a team player. Most games are built by teams. “We regularly do not hire people if we don’t think they can work with our team, no matter how brilliant they are.”
2. A positive mental attitude
More than just a mental health slogan, it’s also a very practical trait. “You can’t do something great with a very negative team,” Walton believes.
1. Clear communication
“Design is communication,” Walton says. Know how to communicate effectively.
Sande Chen contributed to this report.