Dear fans of Skyrim,
I know this may not be the right place to post this but I am dying of curiosity from my question and hope someone could help me out. I am a Freshman at ASU in Graphic Design and ever since I first played Morrowind I fell in love with Bethesda's games and style. Since then I knew I wanted to be a game designer and once Oblivion came out it only further strengthen my love for Bethesda games. Every time I walked through the gates of Oblivion and witnessed the crimson stained other-world, I knew I wanted to be an environmental designer. I have hopes to one day create the vivid scenes in video games that I was once immersed in, to share with people around the world the incredible detail and passion they put into their games. Of course, I have Skyrim pre-ordered and am more than excited to get my hands on it and dive in the next chapter of The Elder Scrolls.
I recently watched an interview with Todd Howard on how he majored in Finance and look where he is now.

So my question is: Can I make it from where I am today at ASU to work at Bethesda (my dream job)?

Since this is a board all on Skyrim, I don't mean to deviate too much here. So fans of Skryim, what new feature/change are you most looking forward to? (I keep up to date on all Skyrim news) Odd as it may be, I love the idea of rare but stronger arrows. A sneaky thief/ranger has always appealed to me.

Thank you for your time to all of those that have read my thread.

As Todd Howard said, you graduate and then practice. Show them that you're really interested and that you love what you do. If you create something, even menu screens like Todd Howard did and show them to Bethesda, that's already something.

1. Conceive
2. Believe
3. Achieve
4. Profit

Anything is possible, so go for it!

I look forward to seeing what mods you create for Skyrim.

Probably not, they aren't going to hire designers ever again. Joking, of course you will have the chance. Just make sure you know your stuff.

Probably need experience in the area...

Look at the job posting and fill in the gaps.

As long as you're motivated to keep moving forward, I think you can do it. I think if you're not afraid of change, and really work hard to move in the direction you would like to be, you will eventually be placed where you want. Im still in college though and that may seem idealistic, but you wont get any where if you dont try or dont keep moving forward once you land a stepping stone job.

There was a guy that created an overhaul mod for Oblivion named OOO. He got hired by some company after that. You really should look into modding too

Just write to them, show them your ideas etc etc and don't give up. Sooner or later they have to answer you!

Not sure how the creative industry works, but if I were in your shoes, I'd do the following.
- Start building a portfolio related to Bethesda themes. Re-imagine past environments, or flesh out TES regions that haven't been tackled yet. Also spend some times looking at their other games, since their environmental artists likely aren't dedicated to single games.
- Start networking like crazy. Get to know people that know people and who'd introduce you to people.

That company was Obsidian, who hired him to work on Fallout New Vegas.

Thank you guys for all your responses so far.
Are there any links that would lead me in the right direction of how to mod games?

I know my major isn't the exact direction of where I want to be but it is the closest I could get with the scholarships I got to my local university. I understand I will have to teach myself many things but I am completely fine with that.
Thank you again, I am certain this is the career I would like to have and all this info is very helpful. I am very ambitious and will do whatever it takes to make it.

Learn to model. Mod games. Build up a portfolio. Profit!

If you want to be an environmental designer I don't think you need to learn how to mod.

You should practice producing concept art for environments. This means studying architectural drawing and landscape drawing. Spend time sketching buildings and landscapes around your town. Make sure you master perspective. Don't just stick to fantasy, do stuff for GTA or other genres as well.

Also you should learn how to use a 3D modeling program to build environments. You can go to evening class for this.

Level design might be an area of synergy. I guess they create levels in CAD or something, I dunno. Probably start on paper though.

Experience is always good. Build up a portfolio or something to show for all your hard work.

Whatever you think your dream job is, it probably isn't.

This comes from someone who is currently on uni which teaches game design and all things related to game industry.


Modding is good way to start. Also if you are more into concept art. Then all you need to do is to start practicing and
making contacts to game industry. Practice 3D modelling and texturing. Attend any conventions which are related to game design
and start meeting people and start networking. Learn basics how to act as part of design team, Methods such as
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrum_%28development%29 are popular among game studios.

These days large studios like Bethesda Game Studios will likely hire people who has at least 2 or 3 year experience on the industry.



QFT