• Game-Design in college
    225 replies, posted
Actually, Looking at the list of game development companies in Ireland I see that many, if not most, Are mobile platform developers. Although I'm not exactly picky on what I get to work on, I always wanted to make things that are more.....3D cinematic types.
Just learn how to change the textures in a video game and bam, you have a job working on the next Call of Duty.
keep in mind most of the things you learn (programming, 3d modeling) can be used in a job outside the game world you may not get a job in game design but it wont be [i]that[/i] hard to get a decent job at all
frankly, it would be a waste of time and money. Theres tons of people who went into business who are being turned away right now, game degrees will be far less rewarding. The only thing in the game-industry that is in decent demand at the moment is flash programmers. I have 2 friends who are actually working as those for game companies.
[QUOTE=Lamar;29006139]frankly, it would be a waste of time and money. Theres tons of people who went into business who are being turned away right now, game degrees will be far less rewarding. The only thing in the game-industry that is in decent demand at the moment is flash programmers. I have 2 friends who are actually working as those for game companies.[/QUOTE] Are we talking about game design in general? Or are we just talking about game design here in Ireland? Because I don't really have any great urge to leave and travel to the US to make games. I'd much rather stay here and try to help the Irish game development gather more ground. also bearing in mind that I wont be done for 4-5 years, maybe longer If I decide to do another course afterwards. The only other option I even mused with is joining the military, and joining here Is actually quite difficult(the training is hard, but there is little to no need of soldiers except to replace retires)
[QUOTE=Galoi;29006196]Are we talking about game design in general? Or are we just talking about game design here in Ireland? Because I don't really have any great urge to leave and travel to the US to make games. I'd much rather stay here and try to help the Irish game development gather more ground.[/QUOTE] I'm from the US, so yeah I'm talking from a US standpoint. I'm assuming the situation is similar in Ireland and in general? Either way I would highly recommend you really check out how the industry over where you're at is doing, considering how competitive the field is. goodluck But I will tell you point blank that design jobs are indeed the hardest to land. Theres very few entry level openings (if any), you can look for yourself, and see just how scarce they are.
[QUOTE=Lamar;29006392]I'm from the US, so yeah I'm talking from a US standpoint. I'm assuming the situation is similar in Ireland and in general? Either way I would highly recommend you really check out how the industry over where you're at is doing, considering how competitive the field is. goodluck But I will tell you point blank that design jobs are indeed the hardest to land. Theres very few entry level openings (if any), you can look for yourself, and see just how scarce they are.[/QUOTE] Indeed, I had noticed that. There have been a lot of gaming company's starting up, most are only around 2 years old. Its no-where near as established as the US equivalent.
[QUOTE=Galoi;29006441]Indeed, I had noticed that. There have been a lot of gaming company's starting up, most are only around 2 years old. Its no-where near as established as the US equivalent.[/QUOTE] Yeah that is true, a lot of companies making mobile games and what not. Happened for two reasons, the demand for them with all the smartphones and shit, but also from the collapse from a lot of larger and traditional companies.
You could go into something more general like Graphic Design and then you could apply to game dev companies because I've seen a ton that say on the site they are looking for a web designer so you would still be working for a game company And if you don't get into those, you have a versatile degree to fall back on
Valve is always hiring in all positions!
I'm studying Informational Systems right now. I'm in the USA be we study everything from database management to two classes in programming, a mobile application development course, some security courses, and a shit load of other subjects. I'm mostly interested in the programming aspect though. [editline]5th April 2011[/editline] [QUOTE=Nifae;29006898]Valve is always hiring in all positions![/QUOTE] If you have 3+ years of experience and meet the requirements :C
I want to do something related to video games or programming, problem is I didn't take Algebra I in 8th grade, is that gonna hurt my chances?
[QUOTE=Jax Strife;29006937] If you have 3+ years of experience and meet the requirements :C[/QUOTE] I remember reading that that was mostly to keep "idea guys" away. Their mostly looking for people who show dedication in both listening(and responding) to user input, and (almost definitely) programming skills(They used the example of a independent flash developer iirc), you can get into valve. Though the above would probably make it a definite. [editline]6th April 2011[/editline] [QUOTE=DJ999;29007100]I want to do something related to video games or programming, problem is I didn't take Algebra I in 8th grade, is that gonna hurt my chances?[/QUOTE] How old are you. Programming isn't THAT hard once you get the hang of it, it's mostly understanding the syntax and the logic, then just problem solving after that. Though most of my knowledge is Web Development so \:v:/
I've wanted to "direct" video games for a while. I'm not sure if there's a word for it, but I'd want to write the story and aid with art direction, so I guess the adviser of the whole operation. Video games are already seen as a legitimate art form by many people, but many recent games like all the others, predictable and pioneering nothing. I think that if art direction, certain gameplay elements (i.e. sandbox, exploration, dynamic gameworld, ect.) mixed with a long, linear story a la Mass Effect (with the grittiness and relatability of the GTA series) may not only be totally fucking awesome but gain a large sum of money. I've wanted to do this all my life, and I was wondering exactly what OP was wondering. HOW DO I MAKE THIS HAPPEN
OP- I'd advise against going for a specific game design program. As everybody else has said, focus on the aspect that you enjoy more and find a more wide-reaching major for it. I'm doing Computer Science because I'd like to do game programming but I realize that the industry is pretty unstable as of late and game programming may not be exactly what I want to do. It's important you know what you're getting into if you really want to work in game design, because going to college for something so specific to a single field can easily bite you in the ass further down the road if you realize you don't like what you're doing or if you can't find work for your specific field. [QUOTE=DJ999;29007100]I want to do something related to video games or programming, problem is I didn't take Algebra I in 8th grade, is that gonna hurt my chances?[/QUOTE] I never got into advanced math courses, and nobody signed up for AP Comp Sci the one year I had a chance to take it so I've never been ahead in that aspect. I've beaten myself over missing chances like that, but then I got accepted to every single college I applied to and got honor roll from half of them no less. Advanced classes don't matter in the long run, if need be you'll just catch up in college.
Try to focus on something more broad and would still be applicable to the 'Game Designer'. Computer Engineering, or Science go pretty well and it would have a lot of other jobs in case you do not make 'Game Designer'. It's also probably competitive, you're going up against other students who have possibly mind-blowing portfolios of images and concept designs summed up from their asses.
I've also been thinking about going to DigiPen and taking a game design course. Hopefully after I can land a job at Valve :unsmith:
I feel like getting a game design degree is not that good of an idea, it's a pretty limited degree. So if you can't find a job in the specific field, you're out of luck. I think getting like a Computer Science/Engineering degree is a lot better choice, since it gives you a lot more options. Even if someone wants to be an environmental artist, I think taking a traditional architecture and design class would be better. But this is just my opinion
Game-design is not an outlet for storytelling and creativity. It's a bussiness, and with all bussinesses, if your product doesn't sell, you have a possibility of being laid off.
[QUOTE=milkandcooki;29009411]Game-design is not an outlet for storytelling and creativity. It's a bussiness, and with all bussinesses, if your product doesn't sell, you have a possibility of being laid off.[/QUOTE] What sells? New things. New and original things that can appeal to large audiences. Just look at GTA, great story, and great gameplay for those who don't give a shit about the story. I bought it for both.
Like others have said you need to find a specific part of game design and focus on that. A "game design" degree is completely fucking worthless. If you like programming, do computer science. If you like animation, find a (QUALITY) animation school/program. If you like 2d art, graphic design or some other communications major. If you like story telling, maybe an english degree? I dunno I don't know much about that. All those various programs (with the exception of the english degree) have many other job opportunities outside of just the field of games. Be smart and choose the major that will make you appealing to both game companies and other employers.
Study engineering and do game design on your free time.
[QUOTE=Nahyan;29010554]Study engineering and do game design on your free time.[/QUOTE] Study metaphysics Once you hit the big one, you can be anyone. Even god.
Clarkson University's program is amazing, its math program is not so much. It was originally made to weed out engineers but that doesn't help us non-engineers. Its still a great program though! I'm fighting every chance I get to stay here because I'm learning a lot and I'm already involved in several OS projects gaming wise. [editline]6th April 2011[/editline] [QUOTE=Socram;29010489]Like others have said you need to find a specific part of game design and focus on that. A "game design" degree is completely fucking worthless. If you like programming, do computer science. If you like animation, find a (QUALITY) animation school/program. If you like 2d art, graphic design or some other communications major. If you like story telling, maybe an english degree? I dunno I don't know much about that. All those various programs (with the exception of the english degree) have many other job opportunities outside of just the field of games. Be smart and choose the major that will make you appealing to both game companies and other employers.[/QUOTE] Actually its not anymore, since most game design programs that focus on a wide set of tools actually help students be able to communicate between programmers and artists. To say is fucking worthless is an old way at looking at the major. All in all, most devs complain about the lack of communication and understanding between programmers and artists, meaning those who have knowledge in both field can create a bridge.
I'm in a similar boat OP. I'm taking computer science next year in university so that if my dreams of the game industry fall though, I still have a degree that I can use to get a pretty good job.
College is great, this will put you around like-minded people, but not having an amazing fun concept will be the end of you, and fast. This is the entertainment industry, just remember that. You'll either end up probably going general programming for a job, making indie games while having a leech job to stay alive, or if you're really lucky working for a game company or owning one if you win the game idea lottery. Seriously, game development is like rockstardom, you make it or you don't. You create stuff from your basement, and make it big, or you continue to play (or be played) and indie-thriving places. Best of luck! (Just my two cents.)
DigiPen?
I'd check out [url=http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3302351]this[/url] SA thread for a lot of info on working in the games industry
Universally known fact: Game design degrees are utterly useless Learn 3ds max and/or Maya and learn to make 3D models and textures at a professional level, build up a portfolio, send portfolio to employers, get money get paid. Worked for me.
[QUOTE=Penis Colada;29012981]Universally known fact: Game design degrees are utterly useless Learn 3ds max and/or Maya and learn to make 3D models and textures at a professional level, build up a portfolio, send portfolio to employers, get money get paid. Worked for me.[/QUOTE] How many offers to do 3D model porn have you had?
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