Go to college and get a degree in Economics or Engineering. That is where the money is at. If you can withstand the toture that is Biomedical Engineering you'll make big bucks from that.
But on topic, get a computer science degree. Or if you are really smart go for a combined Computer Science and Engineering degree. I know a lot of colleges do that and it doesn't take that much more work (believe me it is still a ton of work). The gaming industry is not something that special. Making your own games sounds grand, but the amount of time, money and piss poor job security while in it doesn't really make it worth it.
------------------- If ever there was a time to rise if ever there was a time to join hands with our brothers that time is now. At this exact junction in history we have within our grasp the means to loosen our tormentors hold and win freedom for our kin. Opportunities are there to be taken.
One of the things I find with people wanted to become a game designer is that they mistakingly think that they will be the ones coming up with the ideas for the games. Thats usually not the case. What you really need as a game designer is an idea of structuring and how to build system. You will not be the one putting your ideas forward. Thats why the computer science or a bachelor in IT is the best way to go.
If you want to design your own games, there is one way. Build your own company with the billion $ you inherited from uncle joe...
One of the things I find with people wanted to become a game designer is that they mistakingly think that they will be the ones coming up with the ideas for the games. Thats usually not the case. What you really need as a game designer is an idea of structuring and how to build system. You will not be the one putting your ideas forward. Thats why the computer science or a bachelor in IT is the best way to go. If you want to design your own games, there is one way. Build your own company with the billion $ you inherited from uncle joe...
The people who are worthy at becoming game designers/programmers/whatever are litterally skilled enough to start up their own company without that billion $.
I find it amazing that by 2020 first world countries will be competing to get immigrants.
The Original poster does need to clarify what he is specifically looking to do. Because, like most fields of works, there are different degrees needed for different jobs. Everyone is saying ocmputer science, but a computer science degree won't do much if you are a 3D modeler.
Choose your class and talent tree:
Producer / Lead Developer:Business, English, Economics - You need good leadership, organization to do this role. Usually the people qualified for this role could easily start their own business. You will most likely have to work up the chain of a copany to reach this point by doing level designs, game testing, or an art posistion for a long period of times. You need friends to reach this position also.
Artistic / UI Design / 3D Modeler / 2D Illustration / Animation: Multimedia, Graphic Design, 2D 3D Animation - being extremely skilled in art is the key. You will have to specialize to get really god. Then after you get good you must make an insanely awesome demo reel of your work to compete agaisnt the 1000s of other artist out there. Academy of Art and Art Institute will actually do a good job at teaching you these things, and only these things.
Game Designer:English, Modding, Computer Science - You will be either working with game engine mods to create levels with specific goals and brainstorming game levels. (Like the Unreal Engine) OR You will be writing tech documents to explain in disgustingly high detail on every aspect of a game under development. You can also obtain jobs as a tech writer in other fields if your english skills are great, such as writing instructional documents on how to use the newest iPod mini. If you are a great creative writer you "might" get hired to make stories or lore for games.
The Computer science will help in scripting for game engines like Unreal where you will most likely change the very aspect of the engine to fit your game.
Coder / Tech artist / Rigger:Computer Science - The hardest fields. you can easily get high paying jobs by coding a game from the ground up. the coders make the game engines which the game designers use. Even riggers do alot of scripting and coding to make unique plugins for programs like Adobe Photoshaop and Maya. Example: Cryptic AR. Check it out. It is a plugin for 3DSMax that allows you to use the Champions Online rig for free. Its a great tool to practice your animation skills.
The easiest jobs to get are Technical Artists, and Riggers since its a freaking hard job to be good at. It requires a ton of skills that most will have trouble possessing. To be a Game Designer you probably would want to look into a Writing Major since thats what you will be doing. You will also probably benefit from an Associates in Computer Science since you need Coding knowledge, then joining a modding group to get your feet wet in the software. If you want to be lead designer... you need money or alot of commitence. No one will hire you to make a game unless you were the lead designer of one before. Also when you are starting out as a lead designer, don't make an mmo. They are astronomically harder to make. Make an innovative FPS or adventure game.
The Original poster does need to clarify what he is specifically looking to do. Because, like most fields of works, there are different degrees needed for different jobs. Everyone is saying ocmputer science, but a computer science degree won't do much if you are a 3D modeler. Choose your class and talent tree: Producer / Lead Developer:Business, English, Economics - You need good leadership, organization to do this role. Usually the people qualified for this role could easily start their own business. You will most likely have to work up the chain of a copany to reach this point by doing level designs, game testing, or an art posistion for a long period of times. You need friends to reach this position also. Artistic / UI Design / 3D Modeler / 2D Illustration / Animation: Multimedia, Graphic Design, 2D 3D Animation - being extremely skilled in art is the key. You will have to specialize to get really god. Then after you get good you must make an insanely awesome demo reel of your work to compete agaisnt the 1000s of other artist out there. Academy of Art and Art Institute will actually do a good job at teaching you these things, and only these things. Game Designer:English, Modding, Computer Science - You will be either working with game engine mods to create levels with specific goals and brainstorming game levels. (Like the Unreal Engine) OR You will be writing tech documents to explain in disgustingly high detail on every aspect of a game under development. You can also obtain jobs as a tech writer in other fields if your english skills are great, such as writing instructional documents on how to use the newest iPod mini. If you are a great creative writer you "might" get hired to make stories or lore for games. The Computer science will help in scripting for game engines like Unreal where you will most likely change the very aspect of the engine to fit your game. Coder / Tech artist / Rigger:Computer Science - The hardest fields. you can easily get high paying jobs by coding a game from the ground up. the coders make the game engines which the game designers use. Even riggers do alot of scripting and coding to make unique plugins for programs like Adobe Photoshaop and Maya. Example: Cryptic AR. Check it out. It is a plugin for 3DSMax that allows you to use the Champions Online rig for free. Its a great tool to practice your animation skills.
Hey man, I liked your post. You know at all what Artistic / UI Design / 3D Modeler / 2D Illustration / Animation: Multimedia, Graphic Design, 2D 3D Animation - make? Another thing, since you seem like you know a lot, not sure if you copy and pasted, however is Level Design fun and interesting?
Thanks ahead of time.
-------------------- You led a great life. Rest in Peace. Laura "Taera" Genender 2008
Graphic design, everything you see right here on the internet is created through graphic design, and web design including the little smilies.
Multimedia, are jacks of all trades. You know a little of everything.
UI design, the person that makes buttons, life bars, interface for a game or websight, theres more to interface just placing buttons. You have to know how to make the human's eye flow across a screen to see certain things and how to make other things not as noticable. There is a logical progression when setting up menues. A good example of bad interface was Age of Conan. A good interface is in Warhammer: Online.
I've never truly seen level design in a studio, but from what I've seen it can be fun. but if you have a game like WoW, or Bard's Tale, or worst yet, Kid Chameleon, it could be hell due to the hundreds of levels, quest, missions you would have to quickly brain storm and pump out. When you design a level, you have to
-make icons that are used throught the design proccess so that coders and layout artist know what is exactly in each level.
-If it's quest based, it needs a story of some sort, plus you have to make sure it matches the lore of the game.
-make an objective for the map
-layout a map
-lastly placement of rewards and powers
It might be fun to you. It is not the funnest thing to me, but it was enjoyable when you think of that one damn good level.
Hey man, I liked your post. You know at all what Artistic / UI Design / 3D Modeler / 2D Illustration / Animation: Multimedia, Graphic Design, 2D 3D Animation - make? Another thing, since you seem like you know a lot, not sure if you copy and pasted, however is Level Design fun and interesting? I'll answer a few unlikely ones. 3D modeler, you should know this. 2D Illustrator, are cartoons and concept art. Graphic design, everything you see right here on the internet is created through graphic design, and web design including the little smilies. Multimedia, are jacks of all trades. You know a little of everything. UI design, the person that makes buttons, life bars, interface for a game or websight, theres more to interface just placing buttons. You have to know how to make the human's eye flow across a screen to see certain things and how to make other things not as noticable. There is a logical progression when setting up menues. A good example of bad interface was Age of Conan. A good interface is in Warhammer: Online.
I've never truly seen level design in a studio, but from what I've seen it can be fun. but if you have a game like WoW, or Bard's Tale, or worst yet, Kid Chameleon, it could be hell due to the hundreds of levels, quest, missions you would have to quickly brain storm and pump out. When you design a level, you have to -make icons that are used throught the design proccess so that coders and layout artist know what is exactly in each level. -If it's quest based, it needs a story of some sort, plus you have to make sure it matches the lore of the game. -make an objective for the map -layout a map -lastly placement of rewards and powers
It might be fun to you. It is not the funnest thing to me, but it was enjoyable when you think of that one damn good level.
hah, i think you thought i meant like what do they do for occupation, i meant salary. However do not worry, i just looked it up myself and got a average. You say it was not the funnest thing to you, what do you think is the most enjoyable occupation to have in the game industry?
-------------------- You led a great life. Rest in Peace. Laura "Taera" Genender 2008
I honestly don't know. Just like these MMO games, it depends on each person what they think is good and bad. In the end, everyone wants to be a game designer. I'm guess that is the most fun. Any of these jobs can be fun if you work for a company that treats you like you are worth something. small companies seem to be the most fun to work for.
My uncle went to Devry and he makes six figures now...
Experience + Dedication > freshly graduated 26 year old with a fancy college degree he payed almost half a million dollars for...
Edit: He doesn't work in the gaming industry but it just means that if you work hard you can do it.
Edit2: Though if you have the chance, I recommend that you attend a proper 4-year university because if you ever decide that the gaming industry is not for you...well your fucked. On the other hand, at a 4-year university you can just switch majors.
The only reason my uncle didn't attend a 4-year university was because he didn't have the opportunity as he had just immigrated to America during the 80's and knew ZERO english. Had he been given an opportunity to attend a proper university, I'm sure he would have gone there, even with the hefty price tag.
Did I mention that the computer programming/engineering field is EXTREMELY stressful? (He lost almost all his hair and hes only in his 30's, although he went through a lot during his life.)
Originally posted by rawRzorz Originally posted by Copeland DeVry, ITT - MUAHAHAHA I almost feel sorry for anyone who gets suckered into those schools. I work with a guy that graduated from DeVry. His sense of entitlement far exceeds the weight his toilet paper degree carries. Seriously go to a real university. Study Computer Science and Graphic Design. It's pretty obvious what you need to focus on if you want to code and create mmo's. You might also want to seek an internship at a company that makes mmo's. Take that into consideration when deciding on which school to go to. The internship will be just as valuable to your future as your degree. I see free labor and lots of studying in your future :P
Quick off topic question. You name yourself Copeland after the band?
Nope. Just thought it was a cool name for a wizard.
any game design school that's worth it's salt is equivalent to a four year college. my friend goes to UAT in Tempe AZ, and i went for 2 semesters (considering going back when i have some money). that college can get you a Bachelors in 2-3 years if you do a trimester, which means you go to school all year round with a 2 week break between semesters. if you drag it out and do 2 semesters a year (like at most 4 year schools), it's on par as far as credit hours with a "real" university. the classes taught at UAT are at least equivalent to those taught at 4 year schools; you aren't limited to design-centric ones, you can do stuff from the Game Programming school, which is industry standard application of programming languages, programming theory, data analysis etc- my friend who goes there is dual majoring in Game Design and Game Programming, which is probably the smartest thing to do.
UAT has an internship program as a 500 level course, which will get you a foot in the door of a studio. i don't know what you guys are using to measure "success" as far as a job in the industry, but if you have any creative ideas of your own at all, you probably don't want to be a codemonkey on a team of hundreds for the next EA/Blizzard zerg AAA project. a smaller studio, to me, seems better because the connections you make there will be primarily creative, and that's worth more than just making cash quickly.
the only reason degrees from game schools aren't worth as much is because of the fucked up standards of accreditation, which have been inflated by the ability of more people to go to college, along with the newness of game design as a legitimate field of study, and 'artform' (for that, you mostly have to blame heavily biased and arbitrary definitions of art, bolstered by a skewed system of federal subsidization of established art- it's funny, you'd rarely see anyone saying that a degree from an established traditional art school is a "waste", but 3D design or games are shit on constantly). for those of you saying go indie, i can't really argue too much, but not everyone has the experience to do that, and they can get it at a college. one thing i can argue with though is the indie community's desire to so thoroughly miscegenate games with other entertainment (and that's the word i prefer using for things like literature, movies, theatre, whatever- since "art" is so arbitrary), such that they depreciate the elements that make them games and give credence to the cesspool of the art establishment that raises hell every time someone asks for games to get the same recognition as their naysayers' once-outcast crafts. that's just personal griping though.
btw, my personal recommendation is University of Advancing Technology- it's pretty highly rated. it's not in CT, but if you're willing to travel you won't be sorry. small school, but a good community, and highly qualified people who've all had experience in the industry
Comments
Go to college and get a degree in Economics or Engineering. That is where the money is at. If you can withstand the toture that is Biomedical Engineering you'll make big bucks from that.
But on topic, get a computer science degree. Or if you are really smart go for a combined Computer Science and Engineering degree. I know a lot of colleges do that and it doesn't take that much more work (believe me it is still a ton of work). The gaming industry is not something that special. Making your own games sounds grand, but the amount of time, money and piss poor job security while in it doesn't really make it worth it.
-------------------
If ever there was a time to rise if ever there was a time to join hands with our brothers that time is now. At this exact junction in history we have within our grasp the means to loosen our tormentors hold and win freedom for our kin. Opportunities are there to be taken.
Brothers, we must rise.
-Malaetu Shakor
One of the things I find with people wanted to become a game designer is that they mistakingly think that they will be the ones coming up with the ideas for the games. Thats usually not the case. What you really need as a game designer is an idea of structuring and how to build system. You will not be the one putting your ideas forward. Thats why the computer science or a bachelor in IT is the best way to go.
If you want to design your own games, there is one way. Build your own company with the billion $ you inherited from uncle joe...
The people who are worthy at becoming game designers/programmers/whatever are litterally skilled enough to start up their own company without that billion $.
I find it amazing that by 2020 first world countries will be competing to get immigrants.
---------------------------------------------
Updated first post, check it for more info.
--------------------
You led a great life.
Rest in Peace.
Laura "Taera" Genender 2008
Mount and Blade. Great Game
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/mountandblade/index.html?tag=result;title;0
The Original poster does need to clarify what he is specifically looking to do. Because, like most fields of works, there are different degrees needed for different jobs. Everyone is saying ocmputer science, but a computer science degree won't do much if you are a 3D modeler.
Choose your class and talent tree:
Producer / Lead Developer: Business, English, Economics - You need good leadership, organization to do this role. Usually the people qualified for this role could easily start their own business. You will most likely have to work up the chain of a copany to reach this point by doing level designs, game testing, or an art posistion for a long period of times. You need friends to reach this position also.
Artistic / UI Design / 3D Modeler / 2D Illustration / Animation: Multimedia, Graphic Design, 2D 3D Animation - being extremely skilled in art is the key. You will have to specialize to get really god. Then after you get good you must make an insanely awesome demo reel of your work to compete agaisnt the 1000s of other artist out there. Academy of Art and Art Institute will actually do a good job at teaching you these things, and only these things.
Game Designer: English, Modding, Computer Science - You will be either working with game engine mods to create levels with specific goals and brainstorming game levels. (Like the Unreal Engine) OR You will be writing tech documents to explain in disgustingly high detail on every aspect of a game under development. You can also obtain jobs as a tech writer in other fields if your english skills are great, such as writing instructional documents on how to use the newest iPod mini. If you are a great creative writer you "might" get hired to make stories or lore for games.
The Computer science will help in scripting for game engines like Unreal where you will most likely change the very aspect of the engine to fit your game.
Coder / Tech artist / Rigger: Computer Science - The hardest fields. you can easily get high paying jobs by coding a game from the ground up. the coders make the game engines which the game designers use. Even riggers do alot of scripting and coding to make unique plugins for programs like Adobe Photoshaop and Maya. Example: Cryptic AR. Check it out. It is a plugin for 3DSMax that allows you to use the Champions Online rig for free. Its a great tool to practice your animation skills.
The easiest jobs to get are Technical Artists, and Riggers since its a freaking hard job to be good at. It requires a ton of skills that most will have trouble possessing. To be a Game Designer you probably would want to look into a Writing Major since thats what you will be doing. You will also probably benefit from an Associates in Computer Science since you need Coding knowledge, then joining a modding group to get your feet wet in the software. If you want to be lead designer... you need money or alot of commitence. No one will hire you to make a game unless you were the lead designer of one before. Also when you are starting out as a lead designer, don't make an mmo. They are astronomically harder to make. Make an innovative FPS or adventure game.
Hey man, I liked your post. You know at all what Artistic / UI Design / 3D Modeler / 2D Illustration / Animation: Multimedia, Graphic Design, 2D 3D Animation - make? Another thing, since you seem like you know a lot, not sure if you copy and pasted, however is Level Design fun and interesting?
Thanks ahead of time.
--------------------
You led a great life.
Rest in Peace.
Laura "Taera" Genender 2008
Mount and Blade. Great Game
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/mountandblade/index.html?tag=result;title;0
I'll answer a few unlikely ones.
3D modeler, you should know this.
2D Illustrator, are cartoons and concept art.
Graphic design, everything you see right here on the internet is created through graphic design, and web design including the little smilies.
Multimedia, are jacks of all trades. You know a little of everything.
UI design, the person that makes buttons, life bars, interface for a game or websight, theres more to interface just placing buttons. You have to know how to make the human's eye flow across a screen to see certain things and how to make other things not as noticable. There is a logical progression when setting up menues. A good example of bad interface was Age of Conan. A good interface is in Warhammer: Online.
I've never truly seen level design in a studio, but from what I've seen it can be fun. but if you have a game like WoW, or Bard's Tale, or worst yet, Kid Chameleon, it could be hell due to the hundreds of levels, quest, missions you would have to quickly brain storm and pump out. When you design a level, you have to
-make icons that are used throught the design proccess so that coders and layout artist know what is exactly in each level.
-If it's quest based, it needs a story of some sort, plus you have to make sure it matches the lore of the game.
-make an objective for the map
-layout a map
-lastly placement of rewards and powers
It might be fun to you. It is not the funnest thing to me, but it was enjoyable when you think of that one damn good level.
hah, i think you thought i meant like what do they do for occupation, i meant salary. However do not worry, i just looked it up myself and got a average. You say it was not the funnest thing to you, what do you think is the most enjoyable occupation to have in the game industry?
--------------------
You led a great life.
Rest in Peace.
Laura "Taera" Genender 2008
Mount and Blade. Great Game
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/mountandblade/index.html?tag=result;title;0
I honestly don't know. Just like these MMO games, it depends on each person what they think is good and bad. In the end, everyone wants to be a game designer. I'm guess that is the most fun. Any of these jobs can be fun if you work for a company that treats you like you are worth something. small companies seem to be the most fun to work for.
My uncle went to Devry and he makes six figures now...
Experience + Dedication > freshly graduated 26 year old with a fancy college degree he payed almost half a million dollars for...
Edit: He doesn't work in the gaming industry but it just means that if you work hard you can do it.
Edit2: Though if you have the chance, I recommend that you attend a proper 4-year university because if you ever decide that the gaming industry is not for you...well your fucked. On the other hand, at a 4-year university you can just switch majors.
The only reason my uncle didn't attend a 4-year university was because he didn't have the opportunity as he had just immigrated to America during the 80's and knew ZERO english. Had he been given an opportunity to attend a proper university, I'm sure he would have gone there, even with the hefty price tag.
Did I mention that the computer programming/engineering field is EXTREMELY stressful? (He lost almost all his hair and hes only in his 30's, although he went through a lot during his life.)
Quick off topic question. You name yourself Copeland after the band?
Nope. Just thought it was a cool name for a wizard.
Make a difference!
any game design school that's worth it's salt is equivalent to a four year college. my friend goes to UAT in Tempe AZ, and i went for 2 semesters (considering going back when i have some money). that college can get you a Bachelors in 2-3 years if you do a trimester, which means you go to school all year round with a 2 week break between semesters. if you drag it out and do 2 semesters a year (like at most 4 year schools), it's on par as far as credit hours with a "real" university. the classes taught at UAT are at least equivalent to those taught at 4 year schools; you aren't limited to design-centric ones, you can do stuff from the Game Programming school, which is industry standard application of programming languages, programming theory, data analysis etc- my friend who goes there is dual majoring in Game Design and Game Programming, which is probably the smartest thing to do.
UAT has an internship program as a 500 level course, which will get you a foot in the door of a studio. i don't know what you guys are using to measure "success" as far as a job in the industry, but if you have any creative ideas of your own at all, you probably don't want to be a codemonkey on a team of hundreds for the next EA/Blizzard zerg AAA project. a smaller studio, to me, seems better because the connections you make there will be primarily creative, and that's worth more than just making cash quickly.
the only reason degrees from game schools aren't worth as much is because of the fucked up standards of accreditation, which have been inflated by the ability of more people to go to college, along with the newness of game design as a legitimate field of study, and 'artform' (for that, you mostly have to blame heavily biased and arbitrary definitions of art, bolstered by a skewed system of federal subsidization of established art- it's funny, you'd rarely see anyone saying that a degree from an established traditional art school is a "waste", but 3D design or games are shit on constantly). for those of you saying go indie, i can't really argue too much, but not everyone has the experience to do that, and they can get it at a college. one thing i can argue with though is the indie community's desire to so thoroughly miscegenate games with other entertainment (and that's the word i prefer using for things like literature, movies, theatre, whatever- since "art" is so arbitrary), such that they depreciate the elements that make them games and give credence to the cesspool of the art establishment that raises hell every time someone asks for games to get the same recognition as their naysayers' once-outcast crafts. that's just personal griping though.
btw, my personal recommendation is University of Advancing Technology- it's pretty highly rated. it's not in CT, but if you're willing to travel you won't be sorry. small school, but a good community, and highly qualified people who've all had experience in the industry