BioWare Designer Speaks

The Dragon’s Breath Forge has an exploratory interview with BioWare’s David Gaider, the lead designer on BG2: Throne of Bhaal. In it, they ask the question that always leaves me with a lump in my heart and then with it racing (as this is what I truly believe I’m going to do eventually…):

1. What qualifications and knowledge to get into the general gaming industry specifically designing and programming? ie. classes, schools
Submitted by Gokwai

Hmm. As far as design goes, there’s no schooling that’s specifically required. I’ve heard that there’s an Academy of Game Design out there, but I haven’t met any working designers personally that come from there. As far as design goes, it’s best to have the following to show:

– short examples of your writing, especially dialogue
– a game or module that you have designed to completion
– programming and/or scripting experience/schooling