Is "Game Designer" what I'm looking for?
925744
This is funny timing. I found the perfect school for you. Electronic Gaming Monthly says it's one of the top "five game degree programs in the world".\n\nIt's called Full Sail. They offer degrees in computer animation, digital arts and design, entertainment business, film, music recording, AND game development. Their grads have gone on to make Madden NFL 2007 and Nascar 06. \n\nwww.fullsail.com \n\nI found out about them through a grass roots word of mouth campaign called Bzz Agent.
784861
DarkBASIC - The Ultimate 3D Games Creator?\nhttp://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/\n\nhttp://www.matedit.com/novice1.htm\nhttp://www.robsite.de/tutorials.php?tut=darkbasic\nhttp://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/DarkBASIC_Programming\n\n\nhttp://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/?f=tutorials
867708
There are a few out there.\nPlan3D is a pretty good package (works on a monthly subscription)\nThere is also microspot 2d and 3d interior.\nOr Artifice design workshop lite.\nFailing that and if you have enough money i could write a program for you :)
623975
A friend of mine just got a job at a zoo, walking around helping people and answering questions. It's great because she loves animals and loves talking to people.\n\nThink about what you like to do. Not EVERYONE can be hired to test new video games, but thinking about it may lead you on the path to something fun that actually pays.\n\nBest of success.
985312
If you get a position with a successful gaming company you have the potential of making large sums of money. There are a lot of programs out there that focus on game design, so the market may become flooded, but I am not sure that it will.\n\nOh, and ignore the guy above, my boyfriend is a programmer, and he isn't a geek by any means. Programming and IT aren't the geek fields that they used to be.\n\nWhen picking a school, check what companies they have affiliations with (places they can assist you in getting a job), and do expect the degree to be fairly expensive (the best schools with the best affiliations tend to be pricey).
731285
I'm not 100% sure, but it'd probably help, especially to learn C++ (or perhaps another form of C, I'm not sure... I forget what that new Microsoft games development program is called, but I remember it uses some form of C)..... while JAVA would probably help with mobile / webgames.\n\nI'd say even if you want to be a Games Designer, rather than a Games Programmer, learning as much as you can about the coding used to make them will help you understand what is and isn't possible + help make you look like you know what you're talking about (not to mention might come in handy one day if somebody's on a sickday or whatever, and a game needs finishing ready for launch).
1120308
I think that starting here is a good initiative. Now if your friends has some summer homework to do, maybe you can do it for them. Sell some of your old play station games on e-bay or in game-stop stores. If you really have a talent for something find a store that sell things related to your talent and offer yourself for a summer job. Last if you have a WOW account that worth something try selling it on the proper forums.
999972
Game Maker by  Mark Overmars can be used to make EXE programs. it was made for game making, but it can do much more.\n\nhttp://www.gamemaker.nl/\n\nIf you don't want the program to have a screen ad then download version 5.0\n\nit is free or you can get the full 20$ version. You need no programming skills.
411693
A fun program to work with \nhttp://www.gamemaker.nl/
1132450
yeah what service, web design, graphics, html, php, what?  I would probably be interested in services some day for web graphic and logo design.  Only if you have a portfolio and an account at guru.com
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GM TOP 100\nwww.gmtop100.tk\nits a list of game maker sites with examples and everything
969421
Below is a link to a free program from microsoft. Well beta version anyways for computer game development.
146218
I also use Microsoft Publisher.  It is an awesome program and has already made design templates that you can use or alter to fit your needs.  Good luck!
348229
This might help.\n\nhttp://www.gamedev.net/community/Forums/topic.asp?topic_id=325297&whichpage=1&
740709
Try to learn either gaming design or the programming behind it.  Try to look at some computer/video game companies websites most of them are looking for people since there is such a demand.  I suggest that if you want to get into gaming know a little bit of history of the company and what they do.  And keep trying and expressing interest.  My boyfriend is trying to get in the same business and hes trying to do the same strategy.  Good Luck and hope it helps
1092057
Online Gaming Design? You should ask your prof about that in your institution.....\nYou know i came from a Computer Specialist School....
666737
You know, we had asked the same exact question for my brother-in-law before.  But there are a few things you have to think about... "Game Design" has got more than one area.  You dont have just one person doing a whole game.  Here are some major parts:\n\n1. Game plot design - the playability of the game - I am not sure where you would go for this.\n\n2. Computer graphics - You would choose a good Art School and probably major in 3D computer graphics/animation.  Probably go to somewhere near/in Los Angeles or maybe even Florida.\n\n3. Computer Programming - You would choose a good engineering school with a Computer Science degree.  Plenty of options here, but you've gotta love programming/coding (like I do!).\n\nAnd then try to get internships at places like EA or other gaming companies.  I think there's HUGE competition in gaming, so it would be best to get your foot in the door as early as you can... or at least have a GREAT portfolio (if you are #2 above) or write some cool games (if you are #3) or write some cool novels (if you are #1).