Exploring Video Game Design

What makes video game design so special? This question is at the forefront of Julian Maldonado’s work. As a senior computer science major with a background in design, Julian uses mechanics to create dynamic video games. The most important feature of his work? Creating user-centered experiences. How do players interact with the world? How does the game feel? What do users see and hear? In Episode 10 of To Be Designed, hosts Sam Stevens and Nico Petry-Mitchel chat about Julian’s work, and make their own connections between video game development and user-centered design. They discuss the behind-the-scenes experience of video game designers, how games are made, why they are so unique, and the tension between game aesthetics and mechanics. ___ This episode was produced by Sriman Narayanan. Engineering by Ryan Kalgreen. Co-hosted by Sam Stevens and Nico Petry-Mitchel. Writing and research by Sam Stevens and Nico Petry-Mitchel. Editing by Ryan Kalgreen. Marketing by Asha Yearwood and Joe Arena. Music by Drew McComas. Special thanks to Mark Schumacher, Casey Russell, Bret Neveu, and Julian Maldonado. To Be Designed is sponsored by the Segal Design Institute at Northwestern University.