One question I have been asked in numerous ways by numerous people over the last two days.

"Does <insert games-adjacent-experience here> count when applying for a design role?"

The short answer is sort of. The longer answer is more complicated. (Thread)

I started as a roleplay dungeon master in World of Warcraft. I hosted events, guided players through some simple encounters, and told a story using the limited tools available to roleplayers at that time. (Aside: Boy do I wish past-me had access to Dicemaster!)

Was this game design? Yes! But it wasn't the sort of thing that directly translates to being good at making things in a complex editor for a huge, established franchise like WoW. It was a START, a hint that maybe I COULD like the role I'm in and excel at it.

While some may not feel this way, I feel like the team took a gamble on me when they gave me a temporary assignment as a quest designer. I had to learn both how to put things in the actual game and some of the constants of game design on the job. I could have failed!

Part of what made this easy for them was twofold- one, I was already employed at Blizzard as a game master. My knowledge of the lore was well established, as was my familiarity with at least some parts of the ecosystem. I had a boss who could vouch for my work ethic and aptitude.

For those of you applying from outside with similar experience, there are more factors at play. You have to work to establish that you are a culture fit. That you have what it takes to actually make games, without having made something on the scale of a WoW quest. It's a gamble.

Further, you are competing with individuals who have created demo reels and have taken the time to practice using industry-standard tools. You are competing with people that have game design degrees. That doesn't mean you will never get hired, ever! But the competition is STIFF!

So for everyone asking me if they can get a job in game design with dungeon master, creative writing, or other game design adjacent experience, the answer is yes. You can. But to be a STRONG applicant, you need to do more. You need to make something, anything.

Artists hone their craft for years, often, before they get a paying gig. Doctors go to school for years to become qualified to get paid to do what they do. Game design is a skill and a craft that warrants practice and honing. Not everyone can do it. It is difficult, but fun.

My advice is, and always will be, to make something. It's important both from a 'show you can do the thing' standpoint, but also from a deeply personal one. Many, many people love playing games. Few actually like the process of MAKING them.

Answer that question for yourself, if no one else.

This TED talk brought to you by a quest designer that started out the way many people did, and wants you all to succeed. <3