College Career

[LinearGoose]

I was wondering what classes to take and what fields are in the video game industry. This is what I want to do when I grow up.I got 2 years and then im off to college.So I was just wondering if anyone is planning on doing this or just can send me some advice on which classes I should take or what college I should go to for this.I have looked around but I need someone who maybe does this and can tell me somethings about this type of work.Thanks.

[Miscue]

Well... if you want to make software - Computer Science is a good route. I understand the appeal of "making video games," but you might want to look at what is really involved. If you have the skillset for working on some component of a video game... you can also do other things that can also be rewarding work, so don't limit yourself.

There's also many other roles in video game development that do not involve coding...

I dunno if Gibby is still around... but he's a game designer for Activision and can better answer this.

[Pacifist_Farmer]

You might want to look into the software industry as it pretains to video games a little more before committing yourself to a school. Make sure your aware of how much work you are going to be expected to put in, and that the job market is likely going to be flooded by the time your out of school. Not trying to discourage you, but it is much better to go into things knowing what to expect.

You might want to look up EA, and some of the reports on how they treat workers.

[Fred]

Programming.

Modellers and kiddies skilled at animation are a dime a dozen. Learn how to write the game code.

I've looked into it... as good as I am at 3d modelling, rigging and animation, I might be able to land a design job, but nothing that I could do for the long run... i'm sticking with designing buildings.

[geekwarrior]

hope you like math.....

[slade]

youd better have more of an interest in this than "i like video games and need a career" or youre getting slapped.

that being said, WPI has what seems to be a great major specifically for video game design (well, its a bit broader, it also includes graphical computer design for other purposes). however, at the open house i went to the chemical engineering thing instead, while my friends went to video game design. i cant tell you much about it, but it does look nice. they also sent me a postcard in the mail about it.

https://www.WPI.edu

[WaffleBaron]

Look and ask around here: http://www.gamedev.net/

There are many different types of game designers and you won't be able to decide what path you want to take until you have a bit of experience in some of the areas. Basically you have embedded stuff and full software design. If you want to do more of the embedded stuff, find a school with a good emphasis on firmware engineering, that way you get to learn assembly language (OH JOY! ).

Otherwise, you will have to find a school with lots of Computer Science specialization areas: ie. Stanford, Berkley, MIT, RHIT. Pretty much any University has a graphics class or set of classes where you'll learn Open GL and possibly some DirectX depending on the professor.

The main thing to realize is that reference books are your friend and pointers are the devil. A degree from a 4 year university will be worth more in the end if you decide on a different career path, I wanted to design game initially but then decided I liked the administration activites more than programming, but thats a bit off topic.

And Math sux... especially analysis

[LinearGoose]

Well I dont have a problem with math.I like it and yeah I understand it will take some hard work because there is a big difference in making a video game and playing them.I alread mod games and stuff but I dont really code them mysel, so im am playing on buyinga book that can teach me C and C++.Thanks for all the help.

[Eagle]

Computer science, art, programming, and some schools are now offering courses specific to gaming.

[Miscue]

Well I dont have a problem with math.I like it and yeah I understand it will take some hard work because there is a big difference in making a video game and playing them.I alread mod games and stuff but I dont really code them mysel, so im am playing on buyinga book that can teach me C and C++.Thanks for all the help.

Keep in mind that software development isn't the same thing as "programming." Competency in a programming language is the bare minimum and not the key to being a good developer. It's kinda like being a writer - it doesn't matter how good your grammar is or how large of a vocabulary you have if you can't come up with something interesting to write about, or something new to say.

A computer language is just the method used to express a method or solution - the ability to come up with these solutions is far more important. Learn how to program well, but realize that there is a lot more to it than that.

[gimp]

Keep in mind that software development isn't the same thing as "programming." Competency in a programming language is the bare minimum and not the key to being a good developer. It's kinda like being a writer - it doesn't matter how good your grammar is or how large of a vocabulary you have if you can't come up with something interesting to write about, or something new to say.

A computer language is just the method used to express a method or solution - the ability to come up with these solutions is far more important. Learn how to program well, but realize that there is a lot more to it than that.

This man speaks the truth. Computer 'science' is different than computer 'programming'. It's unfortunate that in the computer science major, they have to waste time teaching you how to program. You really should know how to program before you start, so you can get more out of it.

[Dye Angel Guy]

CGIM and CIS

[LinearGoose]

Just like to thank everyone who helped me out with this.Now I know alittle more about this industry.Thank you very much.

[MantisMag]

lol whatever you do burn those freaking commercials that are on tv from your mind. god i hate those.