There are some exceptions. For example if you want to work in AI, its HIGHLY reccomended you go computer science and do a masters degree in the field.
Other than that, videogames don't get too academic and from everything i've read passion and persistance is pretty much all thats required.
Learning to program is probably a plus no matter what you want to do.
If you want to learn to program, do a degree program, computer science teaches very VERY little coding and more the math and science to do much more complicated things.
If you really want to become an "amazing" coder; the best coders I've ever met got their diploma from a college (2 year program) worked a bit as coders, then went and got a computer science degree with a very string background in coding.
As long as your willing to actually learn the material in a computer science degreee, the optimizations of algorithims, numerical analysis...
These are what allow you to do things that other coders wouldn't know where to start. Once higher level mathmatics gets involved you can step up and stand out.
after 6 or so years, I had to change it a little...
I would just like to come up with a game or work on other peoples ideas. I want to be a manager though. In head of everything. just like making stuff. and i live in the US..Texas baby
Okay, look kid. You really do sound like some naieve guy who just wants to create a game. Above all that you want to be the boss.
You want to be the manager, "just like making stuff" Can I ask of your age mate?
Just to say. Game development is extremley competative. You have to pick something you want to do which applies to game development, for example, texture artist, 3D modeller, Programmer, Writer, Composer and concept artist.
Sorry to say it but you sound like a twelve year old kid who wants to make a game...just straight off. It's so very common.
Game design is extremley complex, frustrating, time consuming and requires a huge amount of team work and dedication.
If you want to work as a modeller. Use programs such as 3DSMAX or Maya. Which are the top programs in the 3D moddeling pipeline as of now. They are both very, very, full featured programs with huge amounts to offer.
If you want to be a programmer you have to have years of experience. Must know shit loads about computers and maths. C++ is good but you may want to start on something less difficult such as Visual Basic.
Writing obviously requires a great imagination and english skills.
Composers, you have to be great at music and such. Programs like Audacity are good.
Concept artits draw the stuff that the modellers then make in 3D. Photoshop is the 3Dsmax of drawing basically. It wins.
Game design usually works best in-house. If not you can have problems with motivation and contact.
All of the different jobs in game development come together to make a game. They have to all work together.
I'm actually a 3D artist who has worked with around 4 indie game teams. Think about what I've said to you. Then look back at what I qouted.
The usual standards for 3D modeling are Maya and 3D StudioMax
being able to use both is a huge plus when finding jobs
Exactly, Yaisha. 3dsmax and Maya are the standards for modelling. They cost a pretty penny but are well worth it if your serious about it. You can use free stuff like Blender or Mlkshape but are very,very limited.
I would just like to come up with a game or work on other peoples ideas. I want to be a manager though. In head of everything. just like making stuff. and i live in the US..Texas baby
Okay, look kid. You really do sound like some naieve guy who just wants to create a game. Above all that you want to be the boss.
[...] Sorry to say it but you sound like a twelve year old kid who wants to make a game...just straight off. It's so very common. [...]
Good luck mate.
Exactly! These threads pop up here and elsewhere on the web, all the time. Almost always, there are a few pages of good advice, which then turns out to be a complete waste of time, because the OP, is 'just some kid, who likes games'.
akjohn, I think it's safe to say that almost everyone on MMORPG.com would love to to be "a manager" in the gaming industry and "come up with a game" and "make stuff". And then there are people who have worked or are working in the industry already - some of whom have replied to you. They know it's a tough and competitive business and includes a number of different skills.
Advice to everyone interested in a career: google. There are so many pointers out there. Really, asking "Hey, I like games, what should I study", is not going to help you much, as it just shows how little you understand of the business in general. Honestly, I'm surprised how patient and helpful (albeit in vain) everyone has been, so far.
If and only if, you have done some research and put your own skills and ambitions into perspective, should you ask for advice in forums such as these. Your questions and the corresponding answers would be of much higher quality and jerks like me wouldn't write half a page, because they're tired and cranky and sick of pointless threads like this (... while still quite enjoying bitching about it)
Hm. Ya'll need to be a little less mean about it. He wants to get into game development, alot of people want to get into something and get to the top as soon as possible.
The fact of the matter is you have to be willing to put in the work and build your career from the ground up. You will have to take business and management courses, as well as computer science and game development. You will have to go from being a developer, or something the like for a company and build your resume and work your way into heading your own team and project. Just like any other job. I hope you achieve what you wish, It will be a tough road but apply yourself correctly and be patient, you'll get there one day.
If your looking to make big bucks then dont go into game design. The pay is not great at all and the chances of your just going to a big company like Blizz and what not is slim ofc if u do make it then maybe the pay is better. But the good thing about attempting to become a game designer is that most likely you will take some computer courses. This will keep the door open if game design isint when you expected. Having good knowledge in computers can open the door to many other careers and some of them can make the big bucks. My freinds a computer programer and hes raking it 150K a year.
Sound - Any sound engineering degree such as a Recording Artist degree. You could also go to an acting school (specifically one that teaches voice acting) and become a Voice Actor for videogames.
Graphics - Computer Animation degrees mostly. You should be using Maya and 3D Studios Max.
Programming - Lots of degree options here. Having knowledge of networks and programming them is going to be a big help on MMO projects. Game Design degree programs focus on Game Programming (NOT DESIGN, don't be fooled by the title) and are good options here (though I'd recommend having some programming experience before taking one as they glaze over some fundamental stuff). You'll want to take a course that goes over lots of Math and Physics (particularly Matrices, Vectors, and Trig). General computer science degrees are probably your best bet here, and you can learn a speciality through self study using books and the internet .
Design - Degrees in things like history, mythology, psychology, etc. can all be helpful here. Most design jobs are in very high demand and it's probably the most difficult career path in the industry to get a job in. Don't be fooled by Game Design degrees as the current programs that offer them are focused primarily on programming than design. Working on a successful mod of an existing title will do more to get you a job in this field than a degree probably will.
There is also the publishing and marketing side of the business. I'd imagine having degrees in things like Business or Marketing will be really helpful here.
I would just like to come up with a game or work on other peoples ideas. I want to be a manager though. In head of everything. just like making stuff. and i live in the US..Texas baby
Okay, look kid. You really do sound like some naieve guy who just wants to create a game. Above all that you want to be the boss.
[...] Sorry to say it but you sound like a twelve year old kid who wants to make a game...just straight off. It's so very common. [...]
Good luck mate.
Exactly! These threads pop up here and elsewhere on the web, all the time. Almost always, there are a few pages of good advice, which then turns out to be a complete waste of time, because the OP, is 'just some kid, who likes games'.
akjohn, I think it's safe to say that almost everyone on MMORPG.com would love to to be "a manager" in the gaming industry and "come up with a game" and "make stuff". And then there are people who have worked or are working in the industry already - some of whom have replied to you. They know it's a tough and competitive business and includes a number of different skills.
Advice to everyone interested in a career: google. There are so many pointers out there. Really, asking "Hey, I like games, what should I study", is not going to help you much, as it just shows how little you understand of the business in general. Honestly, I'm surprised how patient and helpful (albeit in vain) everyone has been, so far.
If and only if, you have done some research and put your own skills and ambitions into perspective, should you ask for advice in forums such as these. Your questions and the corresponding answers would be of much higher quality and jerks like me wouldn't write half a page, because they're tired and cranky and sick of pointless threads like this (... while still quite enjoying bitching about it)
Hmmm, somebody didnt get many hugs growing up
after 6 or so years, I had to change it a little...
If your looking to make big bucks then dont go into game design. The pay is not great at all and the chances of your just going to a big company like Blizz and what not is slim ofc if u do make it then maybe the pay is better. But the good thing about attempting to become a game designer is that most likely you will take some computer courses. This will keep the door open if game design isint when you expected. Having good knowledge in computers can open the door to many other careers and some of them can make the big bucks. My freinds a computer programer and hes raking it 150K a year.
This is a good warning. Expect to make as little as half as much as another computer programmer working on something such as databases/system networks/simulation. Your job is also probably going to be a lot more stressful (and a programmer can already be a stressful job) and you'll likely have to work far more hours. Look up terms like "crunch time" for an example. This is why I wouldn't recommend going for strictly a Game Design degree for programming over a degree like Computer Sciences. I'm not sure where his friend works that makes 150K a year (that seems really excessive), but a Programmer's starting salary is around 40k a year (with benefits) and a Lead Programmer seems to make about 65-80k on average a year.
Here is what my Computer Science degree looks like at the University of Central Oklahoma. This is an Abet Accredited degree also, hence why there is a lot of math and physics along with it.
There are other electives but I can not find them on here. Other classes like Technical Writing and Communication that goes along but do not belong directly to Computer Science. There are also 12 hours of credit of 3000 and 4000 level courses of CMSC electives that you have to take along with it.
MMOs Played: I can no longer list them all in the 500 character limit.
No, I got (and get) plenty of hugs. I'm just trying to point out that there is no point in asking (and trying to give advice) for the golden way into game development, if there is no indication of the individual's skills and ambitions. This is why there are career advisors, to sit down and talk to, aptitude tests, etc. I'm speaking as someone who has two full degrees. For a long time, I considered the first one a waste of time and cursed myself for not doing more research before enrolling. All I thought about was the glamorous (at least in my youthful mind) industry at the end, without looking at the reality and what my real strengths (and especially weaknesses) were. Luckily, it turns out that I'm able to use what I learned in both courses in my current line of work.
I urge everyone who is about to start college, to do some real and honest soul searching and not be blinded by what they think is such a great job/career/industry. What's great for one guy, might be hell for another. Loving games on the one side and enjoying and succeding at working in the game industry on the other, are two completely different things.
I suggest 'What color is your parachute' as a starter book to figure out what you REALLY want to do with your life.
Getting into a gaming company, especially an MMO company, really isn't about which degree you have. But one thing to remember is programmers are easy to come by, solid artists/animators that can get stuff done are harder to come by. The easiest thing to come by is a designer.
What you need to do is find companies that are around you, while in school apply for internships there so they get to know you. Once you're out of college apply to every job they have whether it's Customer Service, Quality Assurace, Coffee Maker, it doesn't matter apply to them all because you are most likely not going to get picked up and into the position you want right away. You will most likely fill one of the lower positions and then move your way up.
Also don't be afraid to apply for temp jobs, often times game companies have hiring pushes for certain parts of a product. This means you can get in as a temp, and although it won't give you job security it will give you experience you can use to get the next job.
Alright thank all of you for answering all my questions. I will see what i can do when i plan my classes this next semester. But frankly, some of yall need to chill man. Orionite and biodude, whatever there names are; all i did was either ask questions or answer peoples questions towards me on this topic. I guess you think there is a wrong way to write a question. Sorry it didnt float your boat. All your little comments on about being a little kid and all that stuff? Come on man, really? No one asked you to criticized me. All i did was ask a question. You call me a little kid, but yall sound like the little kid bitching and complaining about it. I realize that some of you may be passionate about your job or about some of the topics people ask but try to be more positive. And to answer your question biodude im 20. Probably alot younger than u..
I'm sorry, you took Bio's and my comments this way. It's not as if we didn't try to give you some well-meant advice. I don't know you, you are right. But that was kinda my point. I'm not into all this 'stay positive' crap if it means ignoring the uncomfortable.
I don't think you will be a manager in the gaming industry any time soon (for reasons mentioned), but if you prove me wrong, I'll gladly eat my words and pre-order your first game. Good luck to you!
To reinforce what others have said, if you want to be an artist, study art, if you want to be a manager, study business, and if you want to work on the code, study comp sci. No matter what tho, take some psych and some game design classes, these will be crucial in all aspects. If your university does not offer game design classes, work with a professor to create your own 5-10 credit self-study course on the topic. Even something hands on like drafting the design of the product you want to make, coming up with gameplay ideas, bouncing and refining them off others, and developing a board game approximation will go so far if you want to be a game designer, or even know enough about the topic to be better at specfic aspects of game development, and provide something that will set you apart come J.O.B. time
The days of the "all-in-one" uber genius developer are long gone, it takes a good team and a significant investment to make a sucessful commercial software product. If this is just for a hoppy, thats something different, I would play around with something like an RPG creator and hammer down ideas and getting the community involved to provide feedback.
Now in my professional opinion as a software developer, I would rather work almost anywhere than a game development studio. Too much pressure and long hours for too little pay developing a product that will be criticized, torn apart, and nit-picked to death. But for me coding is a job, not a lifestyle, so I doubt I am competitive enough to survive an evironment like that.
"Hey, I'll tell you what. You can get a good look at a butcher's azz by sticking your head up there. But, wouldn't you rather to take his word for it?" - Tommy Boy
Getting into a gaming company, especially an MMO company, really isn't about which degree you have. But one thing to remember is programmers are easy to come by, solid artists/animators that can get stuff done are harder to come by. The easiest thing to come by is a designer.
What you need to do is find companies that are around you, while in school apply for internships there so they get to know you. Once you're out of college apply to every job they have whether it's Customer Service, Quality Assurace, Coffee Maker, it doesn't matter apply to them all because you are most likely not going to get picked up and into the position you want right away. You will most likely fill one of the lower positions and then move your way up.
Also don't be afraid to apply for temp jobs, often times game companies have hiring pushes for certain parts of a product. This means you can get in as a temp, and although it won't give you job security it will give you experience you can use to get the next job.
You can find articles like this all over the place on the net. Some even say Computer Science enrollment has been down ~70% sense 2000 while the number of jobs have been increasing.
MMOs Played: I can no longer list them all in the 500 character limit.
Getting into a gaming company, especially an MMO company, really isn't about which degree you have. But one thing to remember is programmers are easy to come by, solid artists/animators that can get stuff done are harder to come by. The easiest thing to come by is a designer.
What you need to do is find companies that are around you, while in school apply for internships there so they get to know you. Once you're out of college apply to every job they have whether it's Customer Service, Quality Assurace, Coffee Maker, it doesn't matter apply to them all because you are most likely not going to get picked up and into the position you want right away. You will most likely fill one of the lower positions and then move your way up.
Also don't be afraid to apply for temp jobs, often times game companies have hiring pushes for certain parts of a product. This means you can get in as a temp, and although it won't give you job security it will give you experience you can use to get the next job.
You can find articles like this all over the place on the net. Some even say Computer Science enrollment has been down ~70% sense 2000 while the number of jobs have been increasing.
Well, it's not entirely false. Many programmers want to get into the game industry over something like the IT industry and thus the demand for them within the game industry is not as high as a regular IT position. However I do think that programmers are still in high demand within the game industry (for instance http://www.gamasutra.com lists more jobs for programmers/engineers than artists right now).
However having a speciality is helpful (you'll still need to learn all the general and game programming skills necessary for the job too). They'll probably ask you what specific field of programming you want to work with or like working with best on your interview. What you say may effect the outcome of the interview. It also may effect which entry level position they place you in.
Comments
Biowares two heads are medical doctors.
I met a lead designer who had a chemistry major.
There are some exceptions. For example if you want to work in AI, its HIGHLY reccomended you go computer science and do a masters degree in the field.
Other than that, videogames don't get too academic and from everything i've read passion and persistance is pretty much all thats required.
Learning to program is probably a plus no matter what you want to do.
If you want to learn to program, do a degree program, computer science teaches very VERY little coding and more the math and science to do much more complicated things.
If you really want to become an "amazing" coder; the best coders I've ever met got their diploma from a college (2 year program) worked a bit as coders, then went and got a computer science degree with a very string background in coding.
As long as your willing to actually learn the material in a computer science degreee, the optimizations of algorithims, numerical analysis...
These are what allow you to do things that other coders wouldn't know where to start. Once higher level mathmatics gets involved you can step up and stand out.
after 6 or so years, I had to change it a little...
Okay, look kid. You really do sound like some naieve guy who just wants to create a game. Above all that you want to be the boss.
You want to be the manager, "just like making stuff" Can I ask of your age mate?
Just to say. Game development is extremley competative. You have to pick something you want to do which applies to game development, for example, texture artist, 3D modeller, Programmer, Writer, Composer and concept artist.
Sorry to say it but you sound like a twelve year old kid who wants to make a game...just straight off. It's so very common.
Game design is extremley complex, frustrating, time consuming and requires a huge amount of team work and dedication.
If you want to work as a modeller. Use programs such as 3DSMAX or Maya. Which are the top programs in the 3D moddeling pipeline as of now. They are both very, very, full featured programs with huge amounts to offer.
If you want to be a programmer you have to have years of experience. Must know shit loads about computers and maths. C++ is good but you may want to start on something less difficult such as Visual Basic.
Writing obviously requires a great imagination and english skills.
Composers, you have to be great at music and such. Programs like Audacity are good.
Concept artits draw the stuff that the modellers then make in 3D. Photoshop is the 3Dsmax of drawing basically. It wins.
Game design usually works best in-house. If not you can have problems with motivation and contact.
All of the different jobs in game development come together to make a game. They have to all work together.
I'm actually a 3D artist who has worked with around 4 indie game teams. Think about what I've said to you. Then look back at what I qouted.
Good luck mate.
The usual standards for 3D modeling are Maya and 3D StudioMax
being able to use both is a huge plus when finding jobs since it is the developers choice which one they use
The usual standards for 3D modeling are Maya and 3D StudioMax
being able to use both is a huge plus when finding jobs
Exactly, Yaisha. 3dsmax and Maya are the standards for modelling. They cost a pretty penny but are well worth it if your serious about it. You can use free stuff like Blender or Mlkshape but are very,very limited.
Okay, look kid. You really do sound like some naieve guy who just wants to create a game. Above all that you want to be the boss.
[...]Sorry to say it but you sound like a twelve year old kid who wants to make a game...just straight off. It's so very common.
[...]
Good luck mate.
Exactly! These threads pop up here and elsewhere on the web, all the time. Almost always, there are a few pages of good advice, which then turns out to be a complete waste of time, because the OP, is 'just some kid, who likes games'.
akjohn, I think it's safe to say that almost everyone on MMORPG.com would love to to be "a manager" in the gaming industry and "come up with a game" and "make stuff". And then there are people who have worked or are working in the industry already - some of whom have replied to you. They know it's a tough and competitive business and includes a number of different skills.
Advice to everyone interested in a career: google. There are so many pointers out there. Really, asking "Hey, I like games, what should I study", is not going to help you much, as it just shows how little you understand of the business in general. Honestly, I'm surprised how patient and helpful (albeit in vain) everyone has been, so far.
If and only if, you have done some research and put your own skills and ambitions into perspective, should you ask for advice in forums such as these. Your questions and the corresponding answers would be of much higher quality and jerks like me wouldn't write half a page, because they're tired and cranky and sick of pointless threads like this (... while still quite enjoying bitching about it)
Darn, I thought this was a guide for what courses to take that left you with more free time to play a MMO.
Hm. Ya'll need to be a little less mean about it. He wants to get into game development, alot of people want to get into something and get to the top as soon as possible.
The fact of the matter is you have to be willing to put in the work and build your career from the ground up. You will have to take business and management courses, as well as computer science and game development. You will have to go from being a developer, or something the like for a company and build your resume and work your way into heading your own team and project. Just like any other job. I hope you achieve what you wish, It will be a tough road but apply yourself correctly and be patient, you'll get there one day.
If your looking to make big bucks then dont go into game design. The pay is not great at all and the chances of your just going to a big company like Blizz and what not is slim ofc if u do make it then maybe the pay is better. But the good thing about attempting to become a game designer is that most likely you will take some computer courses. This will keep the door open if game design isint when you expected. Having good knowledge in computers can open the door to many other careers and some of them can make the big bucks. My freinds a computer programer and hes raking it 150K a year.
Depending on which field you want to get into:
Sound - Any sound engineering degree such as a Recording Artist degree. You could also go to an acting school (specifically one that teaches voice acting) and become a Voice Actor for videogames.
Graphics - Computer Animation degrees mostly. You should be using Maya and 3D Studios Max.
Programming - Lots of degree options here. Having knowledge of networks and programming them is going to be a big help on MMO projects. Game Design degree programs focus on Game Programming (NOT DESIGN, don't be fooled by the title) and are good options here (though I'd recommend having some programming experience before taking one as they glaze over some fundamental stuff). You'll want to take a course that goes over lots of Math and Physics (particularly Matrices, Vectors, and Trig). General computer science degrees are probably your best bet here, and you can learn a speciality through self study using books and the internet .
Design - Degrees in things like history, mythology, psychology, etc. can all be helpful here. Most design jobs are in very high demand and it's probably the most difficult career path in the industry to get a job in. Don't be fooled by Game Design degrees as the current programs that offer them are focused primarily on programming than design. Working on a successful mod of an existing title will do more to get you a job in this field than a degree probably will.
There is also the publishing and marketing side of the business. I'd imagine having degrees in things like Business or Marketing will be really helpful here.
Okay, look kid. You really do sound like some naieve guy who just wants to create a game. Above all that you want to be the boss.
[...]Sorry to say it but you sound like a twelve year old kid who wants to make a game...just straight off. It's so very common.
[...]
Good luck mate.
Exactly! These threads pop up here and elsewhere on the web, all the time. Almost always, there are a few pages of good advice, which then turns out to be a complete waste of time, because the OP, is 'just some kid, who likes games'.
akjohn, I think it's safe to say that almost everyone on MMORPG.com would love to to be "a manager" in the gaming industry and "come up with a game" and "make stuff". And then there are people who have worked or are working in the industry already - some of whom have replied to you. They know it's a tough and competitive business and includes a number of different skills.
Advice to everyone interested in a career: google. There are so many pointers out there. Really, asking "Hey, I like games, what should I study", is not going to help you much, as it just shows how little you understand of the business in general. Honestly, I'm surprised how patient and helpful (albeit in vain) everyone has been, so far.
If and only if, you have done some research and put your own skills and ambitions into perspective, should you ask for advice in forums such as these. Your questions and the corresponding answers would be of much higher quality and jerks like me wouldn't write half a page, because they're tired and cranky and sick of pointless threads like this (... while still quite enjoying bitching about it)
Hmmm, somebody didnt get many hugs growing up
after 6 or so years, I had to change it a little...
This is a good warning. Expect to make as little as half as much as another computer programmer working on something such as databases/system networks/simulation. Your job is also probably going to be a lot more stressful (and a programmer can already be a stressful job) and you'll likely have to work far more hours. Look up terms like "crunch time" for an example. This is why I wouldn't recommend going for strictly a Game Design degree for programming over a degree like Computer Sciences. I'm not sure where his friend works that makes 150K a year (that seems really excessive), but a Programmer's starting salary is around 40k a year (with benefits) and a Lead Programmer seems to make about 65-80k on average a year.
I wonder what the job market is like in the game industry. I know its tough everywhere, but I wonder if vid games/online games have held out well
Torrential: DAOC (Pendragon)
Awned: World of Warcraft (Lothar)
Torren: Warhammer Online (Praag)
Given all the studios being shut down / sold off / consolidated, I'd say it was doing pretty bad.
http://cs.uco.edu/Home4/index.jsp
Here is what my Computer Science degree looks like at the University of Central Oklahoma. This is an Abet Accredited degree also, hence why there is a lot of math and physics along with it.
First 2 years of University Basics
Computer Science -
CMSC 1613 Programming I
CMSC 2123 Discrete Structures
CMSC 2613 Programming II
CMSC 2833 Computer Organization I
CMSC 3103 Object Oriented Programming
CMSC 3613 Data Structures
CMSC 3833 Computer Organization II
CMSC 4003 Appl of Database Management Systems
CMSC 4023 Programming Languages
CMSC 4153 Operating Systems
CMSC 4173 Translator Design ***Extremely difficult***
CMSC 4273 Theory of Computing ***Difficult***
CMSC 4513 Software Design & Development
Mathematics -
MATH 2313 Calculus I
MATH 2323 Calculus II
MATH 2333 Calculus III
MATH 3143 Linear Algebra
Physics -
PHY 2014 Physics and Lab I
PHY 2114 Physics and Lab II
Statistics -
STAT 3103 Stat Methods I
Electives-
CMSC 4133 Concepts of Artificial Intelligence
CMSC 4383 File Structures
CMSC 4910 Practicum in Robotics
CMSC 3413 Advanced Visual Programming
CMSC 4063 Networks
CMSC 4373 Web Server Programming
CMSC 4910 Computer Security
There are other electives but I can not find them on here. Other classes like Technical Writing and Communication that goes along but do not belong directly to Computer Science. There are also 12 hours of credit of 3000 and 4000 level courses of CMSC electives that you have to take along with it.
MMOs Played: I can no longer list them all in the 500 character limit.
a good rule of thumb is if the college you're looking at advertises on late night tv then avoid it. That means places like devry, itt tech, full sail.
These places DO NOT look good to employers.
Hmmm, somebody didnt get many hugs growing up
No, I got (and get) plenty of hugs. I'm just trying to point out that there is no point in asking (and trying to give advice) for the golden way into game development, if there is no indication of the individual's skills and ambitions. This is why there are career advisors, to sit down and talk to, aptitude tests, etc. I'm speaking as someone who has two full degrees. For a long time, I considered the first one a waste of time and cursed myself for not doing more research before enrolling. All I thought about was the glamorous (at least in my youthful mind) industry at the end, without looking at the reality and what my real strengths (and especially weaknesses) were. Luckily, it turns out that I'm able to use what I learned in both courses in my current line of work.
I urge everyone who is about to start college, to do some real and honest soul searching and not be blinded by what they think is such a great job/career/industry. What's great for one guy, might be hell for another. Loving games on the one side and enjoying and succeding at working in the game industry on the other, are two completely different things.
I suggest 'What color is your parachute' as a starter book to figure out what you REALLY want to do with your life.
Getting into a gaming company, especially an MMO company, really isn't about which degree you have. But one thing to remember is programmers are easy to come by, solid artists/animators that can get stuff done are harder to come by. The easiest thing to come by is a designer.
What you need to do is find companies that are around you, while in school apply for internships there so they get to know you. Once you're out of college apply to every job they have whether it's Customer Service, Quality Assurace, Coffee Maker, it doesn't matter apply to them all because you are most likely not going to get picked up and into the position you want right away. You will most likely fill one of the lower positions and then move your way up.
Also don't be afraid to apply for temp jobs, often times game companies have hiring pushes for certain parts of a product. This means you can get in as a temp, and although it won't give you job security it will give you experience you can use to get the next job.
Alright thank all of you for answering all my questions. I will see what i can do when i plan my classes this next semester. But frankly, some of yall need to chill man. Orionite and biodude, whatever there names are; all i did was either ask questions or answer peoples questions towards me on this topic. I guess you think there is a wrong way to write a question. Sorry it didnt float your boat. All your little comments on about being a little kid and all that stuff? Come on man, really? No one asked you to criticized me. All i did was ask a question. You call me a little kid, but yall sound like the little kid bitching and complaining about it. I realize that some of you may be passionate about your job or about some of the topics people ask but try to be more positive. And to answer your question biodude im 20. Probably alot younger than u..
Andrew Kody Johnston
I'm sorry, you took Bio's and my comments this way. It's not as if we didn't try to give you some well-meant advice. I don't know you, you are right. But that was kinda my point. I'm not into all this 'stay positive' crap if it means ignoring the uncomfortable.
I don't think you will be a manager in the gaming industry any time soon (for reasons mentioned), but if you prove me wrong, I'll gladly eat my words and pre-order your first game. Good luck to you!
To reinforce what others have said, if you want to be an artist, study art, if you want to be a manager, study business, and if you want to work on the code, study comp sci. No matter what tho, take some psych and some game design classes, these will be crucial in all aspects. If your university does not offer game design classes, work with a professor to create your own 5-10 credit self-study course on the topic. Even something hands on like drafting the design of the product you want to make, coming up with gameplay ideas, bouncing and refining them off others, and developing a board game approximation will go so far if you want to be a game designer, or even know enough about the topic to be better at specfic aspects of game development, and provide something that will set you apart come J.O.B. time
The days of the "all-in-one" uber genius developer are long gone, it takes a good team and a significant investment to make a sucessful commercial software product. If this is just for a hoppy, thats something different, I would play around with something like an RPG creator and hammer down ideas and getting the community involved to provide feedback.
Now in my professional opinion as a software developer, I would rather work almost anywhere than a game development studio. Too much pressure and long hours for too little pay developing a product that will be criticized, torn apart, and nit-picked to death. But for me coding is a job, not a lifestyle, so I doubt I am competitive enough to survive an evironment like that.
compsci
[(T+G=W)=Gr*Nf]-S=FoF
T=Time G=Gear W=Win Gr=Grind Nf=NoFun S=Skill FoF=FullofFail
"Hey, I'll tell you what. You can get a good look at a butcher's azz by sticking your head up there. But, wouldn't you rather to take his word for it?" - Tommy Boy
This is false.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9066659
You can find articles like this all over the place on the net. Some even say Computer Science enrollment has been down ~70% sense 2000 while the number of jobs have been increasing.
MMOs Played: I can no longer list them all in the 500 character limit.
This is false.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9066659
You can find articles like this all over the place on the net. Some even say Computer Science enrollment has been down ~70% sense 2000 while the number of jobs have been increasing.
Well, it's not entirely false. Many programmers want to get into the game industry over something like the IT industry and thus the demand for them within the game industry is not as high as a regular IT position. However I do think that programmers are still in high demand within the game industry (for instance http://www.gamasutra.com lists more jobs for programmers/engineers than artists right now).
However having a speciality is helpful (you'll still need to learn all the general and game programming skills necessary for the job too). They'll probably ask you what specific field of programming you want to work with or like working with best on your interview. What you say may effect the outcome of the interview. It also may effect which entry level position they place you in.