Would a Game dev degree be worth it?
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I am currently studying a computer science degree in my first year, I am considering switching to a game development degree as the modules are more technical and exciting. The problem is that I am not sure if it will help my employment aspects when I finish the degree. I have heard that businesses such as Microsoft tend to recognise degree titles such as "Computer Science" as a more serious degree than a newly founded "Computing & Games Development". Also, I would like to be able to diversify my prospects of employment, such as being able to become a general purpose programmer or a game programmer. Having a games degree may help more with the latter option but would it be applicable concerning the former job title? Thanks ;)
If you want diversity... Get your C.S. degree, nobody will doubt what that is, and join a modding community on the side. Game degree or not, I think you will need some type of demo when you interview, and a modding background can help you decide if you enjoy it. You will likely have to specialize in action scripting, graphics modeling, level design, etc. If you want to work on a game engine, you'll probably also need a huge dose of math, so maybe minor in that too. I've seen some modding communities make great games. There are full blown retail games that are nothing more than mods built on a previous game engine.
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Christian Graus wrote:
Simply that if you write a game, and it's life is 3 months, and there's unlikely to be further development on that game, you're less likely to find a long term full time job writing games.
Not at the big companies like EA. You make one game and you move on to the next.
Wasn't there a huge kerfuffle a couple of years ago that EA were running a sweatshop type environment. I got the impression then that these big players are just using code monkeys and a formula. Still I agree with CG in that it does seems to be an over specialisation. I know we would not consider such a specialist but then I firmly embedded in corporate development.
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH
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I am currently studying a computer science degree in my first year, I am considering switching to a game development degree as the modules are more technical and exciting. The problem is that I am not sure if it will help my employment aspects when I finish the degree. I have heard that businesses such as Microsoft tend to recognise degree titles such as "Computer Science" as a more serious degree than a newly founded "Computing & Games Development". Also, I would like to be able to diversify my prospects of employment, such as being able to become a general purpose programmer or a game programmer. Having a games degree may help more with the latter option but would it be applicable concerning the former job title? Thanks ;)
I'd stick with Computer Science; I graduated a 'game developer' study, and I am still feeling the 'pain'. In this case it's just the title that hurts. I am not writing games in anyway, nor do I work at a game development company. Currently I am working on web applications (mostly asp.net), but when I first applied for the job, there was some excessive frowning when I said I had actual development experience in that area. Once you make the decision to make the bold move and work as a game developer, I strongly recommend taking some math classes, and really focus your coding to be more and more technical. Also, some experience with creating 3d animations with tools such as 3ds max and maya (does this still exist?) will really help I imagine. Because, let's be honest. Flash games are going down the tube in a few years. Hope this helps!
"My personality is not represented by my hometown."
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I suspect most games are actually half written from the start, with the purchasing of AI and 3D rendering engines at the onset.
Christian Graus Driven to the arms of OSX by Vista. Read my blog to find out how I've worked around bugs in Microsoft tools and frameworks.
Think that's true these days, that's a lot of what puts me off.
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I suspect most games are actually half written from the start, with the purchasing of AI and 3D rendering engines at the onset.
Christian Graus Driven to the arms of OSX by Vista. Read my blog to find out how I've worked around bugs in Microsoft tools and frameworks.
True, a lot of "game development" these days is graphics work and scripting the game engine that you buy, but if you to do the low level stuff, go and work for the game engine company, not the game publishing company.
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I am currently studying a computer science degree in my first year, I am considering switching to a game development degree as the modules are more technical and exciting. The problem is that I am not sure if it will help my employment aspects when I finish the degree. I have heard that businesses such as Microsoft tend to recognise degree titles such as "Computer Science" as a more serious degree than a newly founded "Computing & Games Development". Also, I would like to be able to diversify my prospects of employment, such as being able to become a general purpose programmer or a game programmer. Having a games degree may help more with the latter option but would it be applicable concerning the former job title? Thanks ;)
I didn't take one as they weren't around then, but I think the games development ones actually contain some programming as opposed to endless assignments discussing the philosophical ramifications of the office paperclip, drawing flowcharts of someone using a cash machine, learning basic administration of linux, advanced faffing in lotus notes etc that computer science degrees are full of.
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I am currently studying a computer science degree in my first year, I am considering switching to a game development degree as the modules are more technical and exciting. The problem is that I am not sure if it will help my employment aspects when I finish the degree. I have heard that businesses such as Microsoft tend to recognise degree titles such as "Computer Science" as a more serious degree than a newly founded "Computing & Games Development". Also, I would like to be able to diversify my prospects of employment, such as being able to become a general purpose programmer or a game programmer. Having a games degree may help more with the latter option but would it be applicable concerning the former job title? Thanks ;)
Games dev is a tough industry to get into. They will care more about seeing some portfolio examples of your games than whether you have a games dev degree or not, so it won't count for much for you. On the other hand, regular business will look down on a games dev degree as irrelevant. Sure, they won't all do that, but I suspect you will find your self having to justify your choice of degree on some occasions. I can't give advice as only you know your situation, but I can tell you that degrees are becoming less and less valued in the development industry. Your degree will only really have significant impact on getting your first job. Experience and sample work is what will clinch a job for you. Whichever degree you choose, spend some time outside of the course to build something that you can show to future employees as an example of your ability. If you are interested in games dev, write a game. Doing something outside of your course like this will never count against you even if it isn't relevant to the jobs you are applying for because it shows you are capable of getting things done, and it stands as an example of your ability.
Simon
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I am currently studying a computer science degree in my first year, I am considering switching to a game development degree as the modules are more technical and exciting. The problem is that I am not sure if it will help my employment aspects when I finish the degree. I have heard that businesses such as Microsoft tend to recognise degree titles such as "Computer Science" as a more serious degree than a newly founded "Computing & Games Development". Also, I would like to be able to diversify my prospects of employment, such as being able to become a general purpose programmer or a game programmer. Having a games degree may help more with the latter option but would it be applicable concerning the former job title? Thanks ;)
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I am currently studying a computer science degree in my first year, I am considering switching to a game development degree as the modules are more technical and exciting. The problem is that I am not sure if it will help my employment aspects when I finish the degree. I have heard that businesses such as Microsoft tend to recognise degree titles such as "Computer Science" as a more serious degree than a newly founded "Computing & Games Development". Also, I would like to be able to diversify my prospects of employment, such as being able to become a general purpose programmer or a game programmer. Having a games degree may help more with the latter option but would it be applicable concerning the former job title? Thanks ;)
The answer to your question really depends on what level you are on.
Henry Minute Do not read medical books! You could die of a misprint. - Mark Twain Girl: (staring) "Why do you need an icy cucumber?" “I want to report a fraud. The government is lying to us all.”
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I am currently studying a computer science degree in my first year, I am considering switching to a game development degree as the modules are more technical and exciting. The problem is that I am not sure if it will help my employment aspects when I finish the degree. I have heard that businesses such as Microsoft tend to recognise degree titles such as "Computer Science" as a more serious degree than a newly founded "Computing & Games Development". Also, I would like to be able to diversify my prospects of employment, such as being able to become a general purpose programmer or a game programmer. Having a games degree may help more with the latter option but would it be applicable concerning the former job title? Thanks ;)
As I once told some school leavers in a career talk, game developers are born not made. To be successfull a combination of right and left brain ability is essential. A degree cannot teach that. If you have the imagination to conceptualize good storyboards and the technical ability to pull it off, then do the degree and you can probably soon name your price. If not, then like me, stick to conventional IT; or conventional graphic design depending on your strenghts.
Ger
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I am currently studying a computer science degree in my first year, I am considering switching to a game development degree as the modules are more technical and exciting. The problem is that I am not sure if it will help my employment aspects when I finish the degree. I have heard that businesses such as Microsoft tend to recognise degree titles such as "Computer Science" as a more serious degree than a newly founded "Computing & Games Development". Also, I would like to be able to diversify my prospects of employment, such as being able to become a general purpose programmer or a game programmer. Having a games degree may help more with the latter option but would it be applicable concerning the former job title? Thanks ;)
I do see some firms in the financial industry recruit game developers, I think they should be looking into game theorists though. Is it true that game developers have some of the worst hours and compensation? Or was that just a previous boss telling me so I wouldn't pursue it?
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aspdotnetdev wrote:
I actually haven't heard of a generic AI engine used for various games.
Take the Quake Engine for example, look at the wiki page and you will see its GPL and there are a list of games that use it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quake_engine[^]
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Isn't the Quake engine a 3D engine?
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I do see some firms in the financial industry recruit game developers, I think they should be looking into game theorists though. Is it true that game developers have some of the worst hours and compensation? Or was that just a previous boss telling me so I wouldn't pursue it?
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Wasn't there a huge kerfuffle a couple of years ago that EA were running a sweatshop type environment. I got the impression then that these big players are just using code monkeys and a formula. Still I agree with CG in that it does seems to be an over specialisation. I know we would not consider such a specialist but then I firmly embedded in corporate development.
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH
Mycroft Holmes wrote:
Wasn't there a huge kerfuffle a couple of years ago that EA were running a sweatshop type environment.
Yep.