Any industry folks here? What do yo think?

I never finished...or really even started much of my computer science degree when I went to college because circumstances forced me to leave school but now I am finally in a position that I can return. So I am planning out the next year or so and getting everything set up and saw that one of the university's I am applying to offers a degree in game design. Cool cool cool , BUT I have heard from different people that these degrees don't really hold much water when looking for a job in the industry. Granted, most of the criticism is because of schools like FullSail, Devry, Itt Tech, and the like. This is definitely not one of those types of schools. Any thoughts?

Would it be a waste to major in game design? It should be known that my original motivation for computer science was to get into the videogame industry.

 

Don't do it. Get a proper degree in writing and for kicks maybe take some of the courses on the side.

 

Ok, I appreciate the reply but can you elaborate?

 

Game design/programming programs might as well be vocational schools (in most cases); they teach you the basic skills for an entry level position, but not much more. You're much better off with a real CS or art degree (depending on your tastes).

 

Go for a pure Computer Science degree. Specialized degrees like games design are a big mistake that you will regret later on.

 

I asked a friend of mine who works for one of he major studios and he said that he does have a chuckle when he reads people with video game degrees as they tend not to know much, for a programmer you need a decent computer degree and some applied maths and physics to back it up. For Game Designers, you'd be surprised how many of them do have qualifications in theatre or film, one of their game designers spends his week nights and weekends running amateur theatre groups. As subbie says a degree in writing does help a great deal.

Getting into the industry is a fun thing, but my friend recommends applying for any jobs, even thankless tasks like game testers, as you'd be surprised on how many people are promoted or are offered jobs internally...

 

Maybe I came across as a youngster living out his dream of making the next Mario Bros. I guess in a way that is true but I do realize the hardships and realities that come with the territory. I am actually a professional chef by trade and the work situations aren't too dissimilar i.e. long work weeks, little creative freedom, little pay etc. It has only been within the last few years that I am making any money. Gaming is a passion of mine and if I don't try (or at the very least finish college) I will not be satisfied.. Anyway, my question was whether or not a game design degree is worth much and the consensus is "No!" so I will continue as planned and pursue a computer science degree and take it from there. Everyone's input has been greatly appreciated btw.

 

Pro Chef? Damn, so jealous! Cooking has always been my dream, so you are where I want to be but I as well would love a job as a level designer for Valve.
I know it sounds pathetic, but the Mod I am making for HL2 EP2 completely by myself could work as an all around virtual resume, for many aspects if I push it to become a modeller too, that's all I haven't delved into fully yet.

Plus I might beg them to let me play some HL1 beta content if by some magical chance I was hired and there for a couple months. ;-)

 

And had their souls crushed out as they work another day playing Barbie and her amazing ponies and John Madden Football Tactics Manager 03 summer edition....:lol:

 

Hehe, Testers are such a thankless job. When a game has bugs we blame shotty testers yet no programmer/producer/artist likes seeing bug reports from testers. =(

Also I would say Assemblers first post is going overboard. It's not like that at all studios and if sucks that bad where you work, find another studio (just be willing to move around).

Me personally I know my first post was short but I just wanted to get to the point. As said, Game Designers tend to be much more then just some dude with a cheap degree. I've worked with people who were former magazine writers, people who have a film background to others with full on writing degrees. I do know one designer who worked up from being a tester but the stuff he gets stuck with is far from glamorous.

 

I'll sleep better tonight knowing that bug was fixed.

I think people get the wrong idea about professional/commercial game creation, in part from people that market education for the field as if it's a game. Haven't you seen some dumb commercials of 2 douche bags "making a game" while sitting in a recliner holding a controller? It's pretty bad.

 

Well, I sit on the sofa when I make my games...

 

Expensive as fuck for a mere 21 months of classes (at least the last time I bothered to look up their information...in 2005).

 

What is interesting is that so many major colleges and university's are offering "Game Design" majors. I think it was pretty recently that NYU announced they would be offering a game design program. AFAIK the game design program has only been offered at the university I am applying to for a little over a year. I was wondering why so many schools were jumping on this bandwagon to offer what many of you here feel is a useless degree but then I remembered that you can still get a philisophy degree.:lol: j/k

 

Basically, in this part of the world (Central Europe), there's just a few real dev studios (Bohemia Interactive for example) and who they're looking for is somebody with experience, since there are literally no schools with computer-game-related education.

So, grab UDK and start learning... prepare a presentation... there doesn't even have to be gameplay, "just" make a very nice looking level and prepare a fly-through with your name, skills and stuff composed into the level itself and try keep trying your luck.

Personally, I started in the game industry as a tester. It wasn't SO bad. Luckilly, I was betatesting and FPS (for six months, though), but it was quite fun. I felt I was doing an important job for the company and if I would work hard, then my work could be appreciated by journalists and players. I went through playing the game 8 hours a day, six months in a row... then came another one and another one and then I was promoted.

So it's not a bad way to start, but it depends on the company you work for.