4 replies to this topic

[Sabre]

I didn't know if I should say this, but after sleeping on it, and knowing that you guys are not the type to freak out at anyone who disagrees, I thought I would say my bit concerning all the talk of programing and game design degrees in ask the team.

I won't bore you with my life history, but it will suffice to say I didn't, and can't, get any game design related qualifications. Instead of giving up, I taught myself with books. (btw, if anyone knows some good books I'm always after recommendations) Using my limited skills and lack of tallent, I have made a few crappy games, mostly prototypes of larger ideas.

I have met various people taking various degrees and courses, believing that their course is the golden ticket to a job in the game industry. Maybe they were learning under a named guy, or are studying in the same place the portal people came from. After a few weeks/months after getting the qualification, they settle into normal jobs like retail and call centres.

I never got a job at a games company so I can't say what you should do. I'm sure you learn some great stuff getting those degrees, but from what I have seen, no matter what thing makes your course special, there is going to be hundreds, if not thousands of people a year all over the country walking around with the same or similar qualifications.

[AndY]

You're absolutely right.

A degree alone doesn't guarantee anything at all, and experience is usually more valuable (i.e. having completed samples of work as part of your portfolio and/or experience working on a mod - ways for you to stand out from the rest). But, in many (if not most) cases, a degree is still required for a position in the industry, unless you're willing to start as a playtester and slowly work your way up.

You should definitely keep doing what you're doing. Even if you don't have any game development-related degrees in your area, all unis offer courses that you'll find useful. For example, many companies ask for scripting experience for game/level designers, so a few programming classes would definitely help!

I think what's most important is that you pick a degree you find interesting, or you'll be hating life for 3-4 (or more) years!

[WAXT]

I agree completely. I'm under no illusions that the degree I'm working towards is, as you put it Sabre, a golden ticket. As Andy said, experience is everything. From what I've heard, just a couple of years experience in industry can easily trump even the most distinguished of graduates.

And yes, books are an excellent resource for learning. The trick is finding the time to read them.

[AndY]

WAXT, on 21 July 2012 - 09:23 AM, said:

And yes, books are an excellent resource for learning. The trick is finding the time to read them.

Or the patience.

I find that practical work helps me learn much faster.

[WAXT]

AndY, on 22 July 2012 - 10:43 AM, said:

I find that practical work helps me learn much faster.

Absolutely.