I am very creative, good in visual art, good in writing,... don't know what to take in college.
Is it even a good Idea to pursue these kind of thing?
I'm thinking of being a Concept Artist, a Writer, and possibly Designer
One of the people I look up to is Micheal Kirkbride
It depends on what you want to do in the game making process.
It depends on what you want to do in the game making process.
Concept art, Writing, and World art
Concept art, Writing, and World art
Concept art, Writing, and World art
Well, two of those can be an art Major, but the writing part would need a completely different degree path.
I would recommend that you focus on one aspect of the game making process. There are professionals who specializes in one of the areas and attempt to master it. Concept art and world art are more closely aligned than writing. One area they all require is the ability to communicate and use social skills because you will be working in a team. Conflict resolution also is a needed skill.
Hmm I might be in the minority here but I honestly, through my own professional experiences and through those of my friends, don't think that your major will matter all that much.
Don't get me wrong, I think it does matter for certain careers. For instance if you want to be a computer programmer, you'd best take computer science - unless programming is a hobby of yours and you're already much better than your peers AND can prove it on your resume and job interview.
Obviously if you want to be a medical doctor, you should major in medicine (or whatever the prerequisite for medical school is).
If you want to be a professional writer, I'd say something like English or creative writing would be an obvious choice if only because you'll find the subject matter more interesting, and it would be something you'll excel at and enjoy in college. But I don't think it'll help you in terms of actually landing a writing job. I've known so many people with those majors (and art as well) that kind of walk around in a daze after college, honestly not knowing what to do because they hadn't exactly gained any skills.
Landing a professional writing gig is pretty tough, depending on where exactly you are. I'd say it's got a lot more to do with connections than anything else.
Landing a professional writing gig is pretty tough, depending on where exactly you are. I'd say it's got a lot more to do with connections than anything else.
Ken Levine (Irrational Games) studied drama.
Todd Howard (Bethesda Game Studios) studied finance.
Casey Hudson (BioWare) studied mechanical engineering.
I think Gabe Newell (Valve Corporation) studied computer science.
I think the Houser Brothers (Rockstar Games) both studied music.
In a small studio, sure.I'm not sure you'd be able to do all three in one job.
Guest_JujuSamedi_*
From a general gaming standpoint.
-Software Engineering(probably at the top). To build the system and know the concepts behind this development
-Depending if you want your game to have art assets or not(you could buy these or get royalty free) however arts and sound are not essential for a game.
Software engineering will teach you about the process behind the game, logical systems (which are practically the building blocks behind the game) and the programming aspect since we are talking about video games. Software engineering will also teach you the concept behind better managing yourself during this development period using methodologies like scrum
Ken Levine (Irrational Games) studied drama.
Todd Howard (Bethesda Game Studios) studied finance.
Casey Hudson (BioWare) studied mechanical engineering.
I think Gabe Newell (Valve Corporation) studied computer science.
I think the Houser Brothers (Rockstar Games) both studied music.
*rage quits life*
*rage quits life*
LOL! 
Don't worry I think it's a good thing! Basically means that you can probably just study whatever you want.
Guest_JujuSamedi_*
I'm studying Games Design & Story Development (Technically Creative Writing) in London. I'm not sure if there's a similar course in America.
Three of my classmates study Games Design & Illustration as a combined honours and you can also couple Games Design with Animation similarly.
You have to have some affinity for the subjects to begin with though, I think working with games comes down to sheer skill and talent rather than studying the correct course.
LOL!
If you want to be a professional writer, I'd say something like English or creative writing would be an obvious choice if only because you'll find the subject matter more interesting, and it would be something you'll excel at and enjoy in college. But I don't think it'll help you in terms of actually landing a writing job. I've known so many people with those majors (and art as well) that kind of walk around in a daze after college, honestly not knowing what to do because they hadn't exactly gained any skills.
As an English professor, I take issue with folks saying a degree in English does not lend one skills 
I would say communicating and critical thinking are phenomenally important skills; trust me, I work with people who lack these skills and they create headaches and hassle for everyone around them. I also don't expect they'll hold onto their positions for very long.
That said, do you need an English degree to be a writer? No, writing is a talent that you can hone with practice, but simply majoring in writing isn't going to make you a good writer (trust me on this).
As for video game writing, the type of writing degree that would get you possibly noticed is a master's, not a bachelor's (an M.F.A., for example), but I do know that BioWare for instance is just as interested in amateur writing you've done, and even Dungeons and Dragons games you've created and written for your friends.
Thank you for all your help.
I am very good at drawing, but need help with electronic stuff, I think I am going to focus on that. Thank you
One way to get noticed for world building and art is to find a game that lets you mod, then go crazy. Make stuff that is so awesome that even the game makers are impressed. Several people have found jobs that way.
Nyeredzi -
What you may want to consider is getting a degree in a field that will pay the bills and put food on the table, even if it isn't the most exciting or rewarding job ever, and take classes to help develop your art or writing skills on the side. That way, you'll never be unable to support yourself, even if it takes you some time to break into the game industry.
please follow this
i'm training to become a cartoonist animator but i'm going for a business degree in college
all i need to do is take animation classes to increase my porfilio on the side :]
Thank you for all your help.
I am very good at drawing, but need help with electronic stuff, I think I am going to focus on that. Thank you
I would suggest that you get a website or a similar zone on the web where you can post your work in a orderly fashion.
Internet is a excellent tool for would-be artists. Build a network, attend conventions and the like.
Guest_JujuSamedi_*
Take heart, OP; games developers come from all sorts of interesting places. It's good to have an aim when you start out on a degree, but unless you are going to be a doctor, lawyer or engineer, there are many paths up the mountain. I know a games programmer who has an Arts degree and a level designer and RPG writer who majored in Geography. The advice about getting a degree, and looking for a job, that'll keep you fed, sheltered and supplied with tools is damned good. Your chances of landing your dream job straight out of college are negligible. Your chances of networking, grafting and eventually maneuvering your way into your dream job are higher. But you need to be healthy and producing good work to do it.
The most important thing is to be interested in games. Tabletop games, video games, a wide range of genres of games; the more enthusiasm and knowledge you can bring to bear, even about games you don't regularly play, the better your chances. And if you're going for a job as an artist, the best folio you can produce is a must. Experiment with a bunch of different styles and subjects, learn the software and put your work out there for potential buyers or employers to see.
As an English professor, I take issue with folks saying a degree in English does not lend one skills
*sniff* Don't take issue with me!
I agree communication and creative writing are skills, I just don't agree (again, from friends' perspectives... my own major was economics) that a major like English is what lends them to people. I think it helps hone them, sure.
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