2022 was a pretty good year. It was my first year as a game developer and I learned a ton (which you can read about here). But we’re nearing the end of the year. And that means it’s time to plan for the future. Here, I’ll share my game design goals for the upcoming year and what I’m working towards. I encourage you to think about your own development plan, too!
Overall Game Design Goal for 2023
If there is one single game design goal I have for 2023, it is to become a professional game designer and developer. I’ve spent the last year learning the basics and it’s been the most fun I’ve had in a long time. Now, I want to transition and make that my career.
That’s a pretty lofty goal. And realistically, I don’t think I can make that transition in a single year. My focus, instead, is on setting all the basics in place that will help get me to that goal.
Read 12 Books on Game Design and Development
There is a ton to learn about game development. I’ve really only scratched the surface in my own learning. This year, I really want to focus on learning as much as I can about making games more fun. Way more thought goes into the design of video games than I ever really considered. And it’s time for me to really focus on that aspect.
Each month next year, I’ll be focusing on a different book. Some of these include Level Up! and The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design (both Christmas gifts!). I’ve identified several other books that should also be on the right track. (Naturally, I’ll post much of what I learn here on the blog.)
If you know any really good books on game design, be sure to let me know in the comments below!
Build 10 Small Games
With a focus on making games more fun, that will also mean I need to put what I learn into practice. Especially early on in 2023, I’m going to make 10 fairly small games and focus on making them fun and replayable.
Be sure to check back regularly, play them, and give me your feedback!
Release My First Fully Featured Game
Long term, I really want to focus on making platformers and metroidvanias. I love playing those genres and could easily see myself as a developer for them as well. It’s time for me to take the first step towards that and release my first fully featured game.
I won’t give out a ton of details on this one just yet. But believe me, it’s in the works.
Help Others Learn Game Development With 100 Blog Posts
Part of what I want to do as a game developer includes writing and teaching about game development. With that, I really want to focus on building and growing this blog much more. Beginning game developers need a place they can find answers. And I hope one day I can become a place they can do that.
Each month, I’m going to focus on a different aspect of game development. One month might be on programming. Another on artwork.
Write a Book on Getting Started in Game Development
There aren’t a ton of beginner friendly resources on getting started in game development. Most of them assume you already have a background in something (usually programming). I want to help people that have absolutely no background in game development get started. And to that end, I want to turn part of what I publish here on the blog into a neatly organized book.
I’ve spent the last year going through the beginner phase myself. I know where I personally struggled and where I see others struggling as well. And I feel like I’m actually in a good position to help others with the beginning steps.
Conclusion
While planning out my game design goals for 2023, I can see it’s going to be a really good (though really busy) year for me. I’m going to start transitioning from my current career into professional game development. And of course, I’ll be documenting everything I learn and do here on the blog. I hope you’ll follow along.
I’m interested in hearing what your game design goals are for 2023. Leave a comment below and let us know what projects you have in store. (Leave a link if you have one!)
