Different Aspects of Game Design Addressed in Game Design 101

The 'Game Design 101' event was organized by Üsküdar University's Faculty of Communication, Visual Communication Design Department. At the event, different roles in the game development process, the basic principles of game design, and the stages of bringing a game idea to life were discussed.  

At the event held in South Campus Block A, Lead Game Designer Mel Yurttaş shared her experiences regarding the different stages of game design with the students.

"We find solutions to all kinds of problems"

Mel Yurttaş stated that game design is not just about generating ideas, and expressed that designers find solutions to problems encountered during the game development process. Explaining the role of designers, Yurttaş said; "As game designers, we actually find solutions to all kinds of problems. Sometimes we are seen only as idea generators, but there are many tasks that need to be solved in the background. Of course, we also generate good ideas."

"I need to transform the vision into a playable game"

Yurttaş stated that game designers play an important role in transforming the vision set by the creative director into a playable structure during the game development process; "My job is to translate the ideas put forth by the creative director into game language. I need to understand what kind of game they want to make. Afterwards, I need to transform this vision into a meaningful, playable game."

Yurttaş, who also provided information about Game Design Documents (GDD), noted that these documents ensure the preservation of information and its sharing among teams during the development process.

"Game development requires teamwork"

Yurttaş stated that, in addition to game designers, individuals from various fields of expertise such as art directors, concept artists, animators, sound engineers, and programmers work together during the game development process, and highlighted the importance of visual integrity. Yurttaş said, "All art within the game needs to have its own harmony and coherence. Game development requires teamwork. Our ability to adapt to this is very important."

"Sound is very important in horror games"

Yurttaş stated that sound design holds an important place in the player experience, and expressed that sound is effective in guiding the player, especially in horror games. Yurttaş explained that door sounds can change based on the player's position and the direction they are looking, adding, "When a player wears headphones, they can hear the sound differently from the right or left. This is very important, especially in horror games."

Yurttaş, who shared examples from games such as Resident Evil 2, Hades, Elden Ring, and Little Nightmares during the seminar, emphasized that game design requires the collaboration of different disciplines.

At the event, which continued with questions from students being answered, a certificate presentation also took place.