Akito
Nov 19, 2012
Undergraduate / 'hardcore gamer' - Statement of Purpose for Game Design @USC [3]
I have little idea what a statement of purpose should be like, and the deadline is approaching!
I would appreciate anyone who can give me some suggestion...
Since there is a portfolio submitted, I didn't write much about the work experience.
I've been a hardcore gamer, read and translated a lot about big figures like Kojima, Miyamoto, Cliff-B in university and desired to become someone like them. So when I was given the chance to work as a game designer after my graduation from the EE department at Fudan University, I had no hesitation to start my game career. Now, in order to get better prepared for an indie career, I am applying for the prestigious Interactive Media graduate program at the cinematic art school of USC.
By far I've completed two published projects at Virtuos Studio as level designer: Generator Rex: Agent of Providence, an action adventure game by Activision and Epic Mickey 2: the Power of Two, Disney's latest fantasy hit. Virtuos was responsible for the 2D transition levels in EM2 and I volunteered to take over a unique long level telling Mad Doctor's revenge plan. I also designed other two levels inspired by Disney classics. In addition to projects, I finished two researches. One is active flow experience in games inspired by Jenova Chen's MFA thesis and the other is the use of Lateral Thinking to organize effective brainstorming sessions. My work experience taught me more than skills and teamwork. I began to know the intensity of working inside game industry, but also my strong passion to make games.
Outside projects, because I believe game designers be the most educated population, I take my spare time learning seriously. I frequently surf websites like Gamasutra to read design analysis, interviews and translate articles I think interesting into Chinese to share with local players. Besides, I am an extensive reader and regular TED viewer.
One specific TED talk brought me a lot of inspiration. Since I served as a volunteer at Shanghai EXPO 2010, an exhibition themed "better city, better life", I always think about whether there is a way to affect life through video games. Are Video Games Art given by thatgamecompany's Kellee Santiago set the direction for me. In her speech, Kellee talked about how designers used their design and self expression to evoke players' thought, emotion and aesthetic feeling. I came to realize that a designer could go beyond the role as merely an entertainment craftsman. As a game designer, I have the power to influence how players see, behave, feel and think, because game is already an art form, an interactive one. I wish to dig my potential of using this power and practice it in my graduate study and future career.
My motivation explains the choice for the IMD program. IMD focuses on the artistry of game design and keeps nurturing new concepts to redefine gaming. Its projects build new experience on emotion, sensation, body participation, etc. On the other hand, the faculty lineup at USC is very attractive. I appreciate Peter Brinson's Cat&Coup for his groundbreaking documentary narrative style; Tracy Fullerton is the writer of the book Game Design Workshop which I have learned and will learn a lot from; Richard Lemarchand is the lead designer of my favorite game in this generation. It would be fantastic to study surrounded by masters.
I think my ability, vision and motivation qualifies me as a graduate candidate and IMD is the program that fits me best. I am ready for the challenges awaiting in front of me and looking forward to the chance to study at IMD@USC.
I have little idea what a statement of purpose should be like, and the deadline is approaching!
I would appreciate anyone who can give me some suggestion...
Since there is a portfolio submitted, I didn't write much about the work experience.
I've been a hardcore gamer, read and translated a lot about big figures like Kojima, Miyamoto, Cliff-B in university and desired to become someone like them. So when I was given the chance to work as a game designer after my graduation from the EE department at Fudan University, I had no hesitation to start my game career. Now, in order to get better prepared for an indie career, I am applying for the prestigious Interactive Media graduate program at the cinematic art school of USC.
By far I've completed two published projects at Virtuos Studio as level designer: Generator Rex: Agent of Providence, an action adventure game by Activision and Epic Mickey 2: the Power of Two, Disney's latest fantasy hit. Virtuos was responsible for the 2D transition levels in EM2 and I volunteered to take over a unique long level telling Mad Doctor's revenge plan. I also designed other two levels inspired by Disney classics. In addition to projects, I finished two researches. One is active flow experience in games inspired by Jenova Chen's MFA thesis and the other is the use of Lateral Thinking to organize effective brainstorming sessions. My work experience taught me more than skills and teamwork. I began to know the intensity of working inside game industry, but also my strong passion to make games.
Outside projects, because I believe game designers be the most educated population, I take my spare time learning seriously. I frequently surf websites like Gamasutra to read design analysis, interviews and translate articles I think interesting into Chinese to share with local players. Besides, I am an extensive reader and regular TED viewer.
One specific TED talk brought me a lot of inspiration. Since I served as a volunteer at Shanghai EXPO 2010, an exhibition themed "better city, better life", I always think about whether there is a way to affect life through video games. Are Video Games Art given by thatgamecompany's Kellee Santiago set the direction for me. In her speech, Kellee talked about how designers used their design and self expression to evoke players' thought, emotion and aesthetic feeling. I came to realize that a designer could go beyond the role as merely an entertainment craftsman. As a game designer, I have the power to influence how players see, behave, feel and think, because game is already an art form, an interactive one. I wish to dig my potential of using this power and practice it in my graduate study and future career.
My motivation explains the choice for the IMD program. IMD focuses on the artistry of game design and keeps nurturing new concepts to redefine gaming. Its projects build new experience on emotion, sensation, body participation, etc. On the other hand, the faculty lineup at USC is very attractive. I appreciate Peter Brinson's Cat&Coup for his groundbreaking documentary narrative style; Tracy Fullerton is the writer of the book Game Design Workshop which I have learned and will learn a lot from; Richard Lemarchand is the lead designer of my favorite game in this generation. It would be fantastic to study surrounded by masters.
I think my ability, vision and motivation qualifies me as a graduate candidate and IMD is the program that fits me best. I am ready for the challenges awaiting in front of me and looking forward to the chance to study at IMD@USC.