Hello World
My name is Waylon Fong and I am an aspiring game designer. It's possible that I may have been destined to pursue a career in the game industry since childhood. When I wasn’t playing my NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) for hours on end, I used to make up imaginary games to play with my siblings and cousins. I started college as a Computer Science major with the intention of using that to get my foot in the door of the game industry, but ultimately I decided that programming wasn't for me. I eventually found my way to USC's Interactive Media Division (IMD represent!). I learned a liberal arts approach to making games and graduated with a B.A. in Interactive Entertainment. I am now a product development intern at THQ, working on the game I've always wanted to make, UFC 2009 Undisputed. Technically, I'm supposed to work under the senior designer. But in actuality, I do whatever needs to be done that no one important wants to do.
Like so many avid gamers that want to be designers, I used to think game design would come naturally to me. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that there is a HUGE difference between having opinions or ideas about games and actually designing them. Making a good game takes a rare abundance of creativity, critical thinking, and open-mindedness to create a solid design, as well as the clarity and confidence to communicate that design to others. I still have a lot to learn, but I also spend most of my time learning. I don't expect to be the next Shigeru Miyamoto or Will Wright. However, I do believe that as long as I dedicate myself, I will someday make games that others can enjoy and maybe even learn from. I realize there is a distinct possibility that I'll end up finding out I'm just not cut out to be a professional game designer. But I'm willing to take that risk, because I believe that anything you’re passionate about is worth the effort.
Since I just started working in the game industry, I’ve decided to write a blog to keep track of my challenges, my failures and (hopefully) my successes as I follow my dream of someday making great games. I don’t really expect anyone to read this blog. I just find that it helps for me to be able to reach into the inner recesses of my mind and pull my thoughts out from time to time. Who knows, perhaps I can offer some insight to other aspiring game designers as well. I'm not sure what this blog is going to be like just yet, but you can probably expect some career updates, design theories, game critiques, and an occasional rant. I hope you enjoy the ride, because I know I will!
P.S. Not surprisingly, I'd like this blog to be interactive, so feel free to post comments and I will try to respond.