Video Game schools

[Cusefan]

Any thoughts on this, like Full Sail University?

Since I am Unemployed and still got GI Bill benefits, I was thinking about going to school for games. Dont really know what I would be interested in, so I am pretty much just probing the idea right now...

[Hooe]

Re: Video Game schools

Speaking as a computer science major at UVa interested in video game design, I've been advised in the past that it's far better to go to a traditional university and get a computer science degree, as you won't get the math and physics background necessary for a modern games development job at one of these game design schools.

In addition, a traditional CS degree would also open more and a wider variety of doors than a game design degree, which to my knowledge isn't very widely accepted, even by video game design companies.

[snepp]

Re: Video Game schools

Speaking as a computer science major at UVa interested in video game design, I've been advised in the past that it's far better to go to a traditional university and get a computer science degree, as you won't get the math and physics background necessary for a modern games development job at one of these game design schools.

In addition, a traditional CS degree would also open more and a wider variety of doors than a game design degree, which to my knowledge isn't very widely accepted, even by video game design companies.

This is pretty sound advice.

[Cusefan]

Re: Video Game schools

Speaking as a computer science major at UVa interested in video game design, I've been advised in the past that it's far better to go to a traditional university and get a computer science degree, as you won't get the math and physics background necessary for a modern games development job at one of these game design schools.

In addition, a traditional CS degree would also open more and a wider variety of doors than a game design degree, which to my knowledge isn't very widely accepted, even by video game design companies.

That is a pretty good point, I would definatly like to know what Full Sails Placement rating is at.

[p_rushing]

Re: Video Game schools

I would go with the advice given and then minor in game design if they have something similar.

[Altimus]

Re: Video Game schools

I would skip on the gaming schools and get a IT degree from a solid school. Main requirements are to be solid in C++ and JAVA. Know those really.

The other thing is making sure these schools are credited. The bottom line is they might not and even though you have a degree, it might not be looked at by employers as that.

I got my Bachelors from DeVry and am finishing a Masters right now in IT as well. I would like to get into gaming one day as well but it will take time. Especially right now.

[Herky]

Re: Video Game schools

I go to Scott Community College and they are in the process of adding some game development courses. I just completed Programming In ALICE which is somewhat like what The Sims uses.

I'm willing to bet more and more community colleges (and universities) will be offering these type of classes.

[fistofrage]

Re: Video Game schools

That is a pretty good point, I would definatly like to know what Full Sails Placement rating is at.

Whatever number they give you, it won't be accurate. It will be like 98% of our graduates find full time employment. Sure, 10% of them might be working in fast food or retail but they are employed full time.

My take on video game design and alot of education for that matter is that any place you go is going to at least give you the basics of what you need, but its going to be your inner drive that determines what you get out of it. Some places will be better than others but they will all have at least some value to get the ball rolling and teach the basics and build a foundation.

I would recommend going the 4 year route at a traditional University because you will get a broader education and down the road if you don't like video game design, you can relatively quickly pick up a different major at that University as all of your basics will be met.

[totalownership]

Re: Video Game schools

I have a B.S. in comp sci and I can tell you now that the field is crumbling. If I were you I'd probably be looking at another profession. I'm just being real with you man. That being said this "game school" sounds like something that the G.I. Bill wont even cover in any case. I know so many years ago my G.I. Bill plus the Army College Fund was very particular about where I was going. Well maybe not THAT particular but if there was a "game school" at the time I went I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have covered it. Unless if they could somehow contort it as a trade school which I'm sure the G.I. Bill covered.

After all that, lol, I would say if you really want to get into gaming I think what people told you earlier makes sense. Go the traditional route first and you can fill in the blanks yourself. Get real heavy in the math though cause you gonna need it.

EDIT: what fistofrage said is VERY true. What they teach you is one thing but what you do on your own is a completely different thing. I can tell you now the job I got with Sun Microsystems so many years ago would have never happened for me if I just went with what the college taught me. I worked at the school in addition to doing alot of stuff on my own and I'll tell you this, as far as real world practical knowledge the classes gave me 20 percent, working at the school 30 percent and self-taught knowlege 50 percent.

[Hooe]

Re: Video Game schools

I have a B.S. in comp sci and I can tell you now that the field is crumbling. If I were you I'd probably be looking at another profession. I'm just being real with you man.

Just curious as to what makes you say this? I was always under the impression that this is a growing field, and that's one of the many reasons I personally chose the CS major.

[totalownership]

Re: Video Game schools

Just curious as to what makes you say this? I was always under the impression that this is a growing field, and that's one of the many reasons I personally chose the CS major.

Alot of the work has been sent to India and China. Programming jobs are all but dead and been outsourced. They're trying to make anything hands on as necessary as possible. They can't turn a screwdriver from New Delhi but they damn sure can do all the diagnostics , trouble shooting and all up to the point where you need to turn a screwdriver. Only problem is most everyone I know in the field says the support is lousy. But I guess you get what you pay for.

[Herky]

Re: Video Game schools

Where I live programmers are in high demand. .NET developers and IT positions are consistantly being offered.

I know big corporations like IBM and Dell are either overseas or going there, but the mid range companies are still keeping jobs here.

[TheLetterZ]

Re: Video Game schools

What they teach you is one thing but what you do on your own is a completely different thing. I can tell you now the job I got with Sun Microsystems so many years ago would have never happened for me if I just went with what the college taught me. I worked at the school in addition to doing alot of stuff on my own and I'll tell you this, as far as real world practical knowledge the classes gave me 20 percent, working at the school 30 percent and self-taught knowlege 50 percent.

Based on my own experience, I think this post contains some of the best advice I have read on this forum.

I would encourage any computer science students and prospective students to pursue development work outside of school, both professionally and independently. If you take advantage of those opportunities, you will graduate with a significant advantage over your colleagues.

However, I disagree with your assertion that the field is crumbling. Some programming jobs are being outsourced, but there will always be a demand for developers with a strong education and communication skills, especially those with a geographical advantage.