At Altitude Games, we believe in fostering the next generation of game developers by inspiring creativity and curiosity. Last Jan 30, 2025, we had a wonderful opportunity to do just that when Sid Cardenas, our Product Manager, was invited to be a resource speaker at Beacon International School Makati’s Grade 3 Design and Processes class.
Sharing the Design Process with Future Creators
Sid prepared a presentation based on guide questions provided by the students, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to create video games. The goal was to help the students understand not only the creative process but also the challenges and inspirations that come with game design.
What Inspires Our Game Design?
When asked about inspiration, Sid shared a powerful insight — the primary motivation when designing games is to create core memories for players. Just like how a favorite childhood game can leave a lasting impression, Altitude Games aims to develop experiences that players will remember for years to come.
What is the Creative Process Like?
The students were also curious about the creative process behind designing a game. Sid emphasized that it’s completely normal to have many ideas, but one important skill in game design is learning how to filter ideas based on feasibility. Designing within limitations allows creators to focus on what’s practical and impactful, ultimately leading to a better gaming experience.
What Are the Challenges in Game Design?
A key learning shared during the talk was about the challenges of communicating ideas. Sid explained that coming up with an idea is one thing, but presenting it in a way that others can clearly understand is just as important. Effective communication — through documentation, mock-ups, or storytelling — is a core skill that game designers continuously work on.
Advice for Aspiring Game Designers
Understanding the students’ enthusiasm for game design, Sid also shared practical tips for getting started. He introduced game engines such as Unity, Godot, and Super Mario Maker, allowing students to start experimenting with creating their own games. By exploring these tools, students can get a head start in game development, even at a young age.
One interesting question that came up was:
“What’s the easiest thing you do as a game designer?”
Sid answered:
“Coming up with ideas.”
But he also emphasized that the harder part is filtering those ideas and choosing which one is worth pursuing. It’s a delicate balance of creativity, practicality, and user experience — something that every game designer constantly works on.
Reflecting on the ExperienceBeing invited to speak at the event was more than just a chance to share industry knowledge — it was also an opportunity for Sid to reflect on his own journey in game development.
For Sid, standing in front of curious and creative young minds and speaking about game design was both fun and fulfilling. It also gave him a rare moment to pause and reflect on his career, realizing how impactful game development can be — not just for players but also for inspiring future game designers.
By sharing our insights and journey, we hope to have planted a seed of curiosity and creativity in these young students — and who knows, maybe one day we’ll see them creating the next big hit in the gaming industry!
