How I became a Game Developer with ZERO Coding & Design Experience + Tips

Hi everyone! I realized I didn't actually describe my first role in the industry but it was essentially focused on monetization within games (that's why ethical monetization is my specialty now). So for sure, there's data analysis because we need to be comfortable with leveraging large amounts of data to make good decisions. It also encompasses monetization and systems design - though I wasn't formally trained in monetization design before joining (it's actually not a common designer specific skill so most of us learn this skill by joining the industry first). Monetization design encompasses things like battle passes, loot box designs, game ecoystem design (hard currency to soft currency, what resources are tradable and purchasable, etc.), designing events and seasons (what content should be available, how is it distributed, what does progression and rewards look like in an event, etc.) and ofc the pricing of it all. We also need to have business savvy because we need to lay out beforehand what success looks like and determine if the choices we make are good ones. We often look at things like player sentiment and satisfaction, purchase regret, MAU, revivals, etc to get a sense of this.

My role today though focuses on a broader list of things, not just monetization but particularly engagement and retention as well! I made a video about what the responsibilities are so feel free to check that out :)

Be a minority. That’s it. I know of this cause I am too and I am taking the full ride till corporations go bankrupt for being racist

One word. P

guys can someone give me the time stamp where she says what the fcuk does she do?

Thanks love <3

Now i see, theres 5 guys at RIOT with 40 years of experience, then the other 150 people with 0 years.

Smh.

That’s cool, but you Forgot the sound design! And music creation…

Always happy for someone gaining a win, but I do think it is slightly fucked up that people live breathe games and can’t get such position. I hope the people out there hopefully take this as a reminder that you should never give up on your dreams no matter what there’s a roll out there literally waiting for you. Just continue to put yourself out there.

diversity hire

I like how you calling Mars a "candy company" when its huge multi billion $ fmcg giant. Working there is actually a big + from hr perspective

I'm a concept designer with experience in the game industry, but lately i've been thinking of maybe learning to code for games. I always found coding or programming fascinating but scary at the same time because of all the lines of codes is overwhelming. But with AI generated images being a thorn in the art industry, it's been really depressing so I thought I might as well take the plunge into programming as a back up career in case I get replaced in the studio by an AI.....

this is the most vague explanation of somehow being called a "game dev" without writing any code ? Thats like calling myself a Real estate Developer while doing project management or facility management

No wonder amazon games can't make a good game

Awesome video!!! Also the kind of Video Games I want to make are Managment games :) and I would like to be my own boss so I can better plan about what I want in my own games :) mainly PC, as I grew up with PC and Video Games :)

Be a woman and become a diversity hire.

Idk but from the start of the video I got the vibe that she worked on New World… that just kinda speaks for itself doesn’t it? 😂

Female ESG DEI hire.

So your not a game developer in the same way that 90% of the public thinks when they hear game developer. I can see how your using that title to your advantage with this video. You essentially got a job at riot games in the analytics field that you had previous experience in.

There are people that try for decades to get into game development (coding and design) and never have success. While your story is interesting it does feel like click bait and a slap in the face to everyone that is actually trying to get in.

Currently in Amazon OTS looking on how to get into AGS TY!!

2 dolla luv long time

Great boards

Are there any companies to recommend that wouldnt force or do woke stuff?

This is off topic but your skin is so good.

Rockstar Educator! Subscribed! Could you do a series breaking down multiple areas of gaming - with colleagues who may have had similar experiences breaking into the industry? Your break down for development applied to other areas would be tremendous in helping map out possible trajectories others could target when studying the gaming industry, and how they can break in. Thanks for your time.

Hello Morgan, you seem very excited to be a game developer this must been hard so others may have over stressed you out but then again this industry must only be for people that do what they love most and I think you're it why do I mention this? This is because everyone needs someone that can set inspiration onto public things especially in this field if this is not your biggest passion it's like your changing lanes to lost people my advice when you think of this is remember that the world doesn't revolve around a single person when you look into your heart to make a living of your own choose what makes you most happy and trust me everyone has a unique place of their own so be happy. This is a God given purpose. So, God bless you. Congratulations on your graduation lady. Smile because you need to.

I have so little respect for women in this field; unless you're a good artist.

For every single woman in this industry, there are atleast 20 guys that do it better.

You're an attractive woman wanting to pursue game development, you can basically visit Riot headquarters and say "Hi, when do I start?"

I find it disgustingly unfair. I need 10 years of good portfolio material to stand a chance, it's just stupid.

Ofc every company wants an attractive woman doing social media and free commercial for their company.

I bet 1000 dollars that you also do TikTok, you radiate TikTok material.

Jesus fuck I hate this world.

Your journey into game development is genuinely inspiring, Morgan! ❤
To anyone watching this video, remember that every path is different, and your unique journey is what makes you stand out. Keep pursuing your passions, and never let a lack of traditional experience stop you. Morgan's story is a testament to that

-_-

Diversity hire

I am having the new game for madam

Very good video! I have a good friend of almost 20 years who's been working at Riot games for a while now. Thank you for the inspiration and knowledge!

been following your account for 1-2 years now just wanted to leave a comment.
good job :)

not a dev...

Hey Morgan!
My name is Dustin and I’m looking at getting into game development and I have no experience. I’m not very artistic and don’t want to do production. So engineer sounds like it would be where I would go. Can you recommend some degrees for this? Or good quality schools for this? Any help is greatly appreciated thank you!

That was actually really really helpful. Thank you!

You're so gorgeous

Thanks for the breakdown. Found how you constructed your resume and themed your cover letter pretty interesting. I'll try to do something along those lines once I feel like I have enough exp to apply.

The industry is “small” because all these companies want their employees to do the work of 2 employees at the price of one, because they are easily replaceable—everyone wants in. That’s why you keep hearing stories of some of these big companies underpaying their employees. Then everyone wonders why most games are shit nowadays, some of these companies pulling in 10s of millions from a single title launch, but somehow they’ve convinced people that there is no way they can make their team bigger to ease workloads and improve the quality overall. It’s just not possible, meanwhile they hand over 6-figure bonuses to execs.

just because you work at a game company that does not make you a gamedev unless you actually work on the game. (ie. programming, art, audio). is the cleaning lady sweeping the floors at google also a "women in tech?"

Thank you so much for this information! I’ve been depriving myself from becoming a developer because I don’t have the necessary skill set. This really helped give me a road map. Good luck in your new career!

This is the most vapid Me Story I've ever heard
Havent even finished it yet but know you've never deserved anything you've ever gotten. You're a diverse hire who thinks shes accomplished. You're not.
🖕

cool video. id also like to point out that 99% of the viewers are league players who clicked on this video to confirm their beliefs that Riot games hires coders with 0 experience XD

I guess that's why lol has so many bugs can't even be fixed in 10 years. Oh well
多撚謝晒

this is what happens when chinese owned entertainment companies like riot stop hiring based on qualifications and instead opt to fill diversity quotas. Here we see a woman who was hired at riot games with no coding or previous development experience, but because shes an asian woman, she gets hired.

You suck riot

Fraud - click bait title - came here a few weeks ago and a lot more comments calling you out. I see you removed them. We see through you - you don't deserve success if you're going to lie. Go ahead and take down my comment, I'll wait.

ain't no way riot hiring random people

Nerf JG