85 réponses à ce sujet

[mybudgee]

LOLchasingyourdreams

[SwobyJ]

To OP..

 

I don't know. However, this is my plan:

-Pursue a Computer Science or related degree and obtain it by 2018-2020

-Create mods or games, practice writing, keep my ear to the floor when it comes to the industry

-Enjoy life

 

If all goes well enough, I'll be making games in the VR age and the next console gen (if there even is a next console gen as we know them)

 

EDIT: To specify, I would want to be something like a writer, level designer, that sort of thing.

[Gravisanimi]

This would be a good post to read in my opinion

 

It's on the World of Warcraft general forums from their previous Lead Systems Designer known as Ghostcrawler. He talks a lot about getting into the industry for both developers and artists.

 

Something I actually do a lot of that he mentions there is looking at games I'm playing and thinking about how I would change the game. What didn't I like about the game and how would I have gone about fixing it?

 

As somebody who would like to make games themselves one day, I would also generally agree with the idea that it's a good idea to have a fall back plan. Even if it's only a temporary thing, it's nice to be able to pay the bills.

 

Exactly, I am planning to get into the industry, and have been building up a portfolio during days off work and am saving money to buy and run a automotive mechanic shop, since it's something of a hobby, figured it would be a good fall back.

 

What I want to stress is that, yes, a degree can and does help, but let's give this example: John has gone to an esteemed university, graduated with top marks, and has a decent portfolio.

 

Jane, however, has no educational background passed high school, but has a much larger and higher quality portfolio than John.

 

The big question I need answered though, does that put them on the same level, or would Jane get hired more easily because of a larger record of experience?

[Cyonan]

Exactly, I am planning to get into the industry, and have been building up a portfolio during days off work and am saving money to buy and run a automotive mechanic shop, since it's something of a hobby, figured it would be a good fall back.

 

What I want to stress is that, yes, a degree can and does help, but let's give this example: John has gone to an esteemed university, graduated with top marks, and has a decent portfolio.

 

Jane, however, has no educational background passed high school, but has a much larger and higher quality portfolio than John.

 

The big question I need answered though, does that put them on the same level, or would Jane get hired more easily because of a larger record of experience?

 

I've found that a degree helps with getting your first job more than anything else as a developer. After that as Baron mentions experience becomes the big deal, which I've been getting in the form of non game related development. Not as good as if it were in the gaming industry, but it does help and it pays the bills in the meantime.

 

Something that Ghostcrawler mentioned(I don't recall if it was in the post I linked or not though) at one point was that they found it a huge asset for somebody to have already shipped a game. It's a lot of hard work and dedication to see a project all the way through(I can attest to that), and having completed a game shows that you're capable of making the commitment needed.

[SwobyJ]

I've found that a degree helps with getting your first job more than anything else as a developer. After that as Baron mentions experience becomes the big deal, which I've been getting in the form of non game related development. Not as good as if it were in the gaming industry, but it does help and it pays the bills in the meantime.

 

Something that Ghostcrawler mentioned(I don't recall if it was in the post I linked or not though) at one point was that they found it a huge asset for somebody to have already shipped a game. It's a lot of hard work and dedication to see a project all the way through(I can attest to that), and having completed a game shows that you're capable of making the commitment needed.

 

^ This.

They want:

1)Experience in the industry (shipped games, shipped successful games)

2)Relevant experience (great history, great portfolio)

3)Relevant skills (great portfolio, degree)

4)Education level (degree)

 

Generally in that order. Education is the great fall-back, so it should never be incorrect to go for it. It's just not necessarily required. If you've somehow already got the chops to illustrate how good you are and how useful you'll be... it's not really a must have. It would just be wrong to say "Don't get a degree" in general though.

 

And of course, your power of networking makes a difference throughout all 4.

[ziloe]

^ This.

They want:

1)Experience in the industry (shipped games, shipped successful games)

2)Relevant experience (great history, great portfolio)

3)Relevant skills (great portfolio, degree)

4)Education level (degree)

 

Generally in that order. Education is the great fall-back, so it should never be incorrect to go for it. It's just not necessarily required. If you've somehow already got the chops to illustrate how good you are and how useful you'll be... it's not really a must have. It would just be wrong to say "Don't get a degree" in general though.

 

And of course, your power of networking makes a difference throughout all 4.

I'm not suggesting not to get one. I'm simply saying it isn't necessary, because as someone else mentioned, if you have a much larger portfolio to show off compared to simple theory and papers, you're going to get a lot more attention in an interview.

Also, side note to those bringing something in, have your laptop on hand, because developers don't want to install your .exe and potentially screw up their computers.

[SwobyJ]

I'm not suggesting not to get one. I'm simply saying it isn't necessary, because as someone else mentioned, if you have a much larger portfolio to show off compared to simple theory and papers, you're going to get a lot more attention in an interview.

Also, side note to those bringing something in, have your laptop on hand, because developers don't want to install your .exe and potentially screw up their computers.

 

Read again. I actually agree with you.

[ziloe]

Read again. I actually agree with you.

It was really in reference to your second last point. I knew I should have bolded it, lol.

Apologies regardless. I hadn't really intended to debate this at all, initially. I only wanted to inform, given my experience in the industry. I have lost count of the amount of times people have asked how to get into it, and rarely if at all do I ever hear the word: "Networking" spoken.

Obviously if you lack the skill, you should take classes or do whatever you can to learn it, even if it's from free websites like Lynda.com. Odd name, I know. But it's a handy place, so I've been told. But for someone like myself who went through a scam college with a huge tuition fee, shelling out more money for something I could learn on my own, is simply not an option I'm willing to risk.

[ajramsey]

Check to see what programs your school offers.

The university I'm transferring too has an Art and technology program (its includes animation, game design, graphic design and so on) I want to learn animation for games but on top taking those classes I also have to take programming classes.....which are VERY HARD and can be fun when the program works!!! The school also offers game labs, where you apply to sign up with a team and make a game during the semester, shop around schools and you might be able to find something to help and give you some kind of experience.

[Bullets McDeath]

Going to "videogame school" is a relatively recent phenomenon. Many professionals in the industry have completely unrelated degrees; the key is having the skills necessary, regardless of your degree. Having a BFA from Harvard isn't going to get a crap artist a job over a really, really great artist who mustered out of their local community college. Pick your skill set and build a diverse portfolio. What you can do is much more important than what your degree is in.

 

Unless you want to program, then you most definitely want a Computer Science degree, unless you're just a ridiculous prodigy who can read C+ like spoken English.