I keep seeing more and more ads for game creating schools. Just curious about: 1. How respectible they are and how well their students find jobs and the kind of pay they average. 2. Are these schools teaching programming, model making (if so what package do they use 3d max, maya ..etc) and/or game directing/managment. 3. Is having a degree in comuter science or computer engineering considered a step above these schools, step below or are they not very comparible(apples/oranges)? In other words would a game making company be more likely to hire a computer engineering degree or a game making school diploma? 4. Also, one more question, do these schools offer on-line diplomas and are they as repected... Appreciate any opinions on this, thanks. rhuala

Theres an article on this in the "For Beginners" section and the issue has been discussed *MANY* times before. I encourage you to use the search feature to look at past threads.

My two bits of advice on the issue: Whichever course you choose, you only get out what you put in. And theres a lot more women going to college than game schools

1. Respectibility ranges from marginal to poor. Many are simplying preying upon wannabes who can''t get into university.

2. Depends on the school.

3. Yes, a degree from a real university is step above.

4. "Online diplomas"? Hahaha...

You''re much better off going to the best university you can and getting a degree in computer science while taking as many math and physics courses as you can.

Thanks for your opinions,

I already have a mechanical engineering degree and have worked in the manufacturing sector for about 8 years now. I just really like the idea of making games and maybe a career change, although the pay cut would really hurt.

When I went to school I had about 3 buddies of mine that failed out of mechanical engineering and went into comp sci (not comp eng) and did very well (over the years), so I don't see much point or challenge in getting a comp sci degree.

I had no idea what these gaming diploma schools were all about but now I have a good impression. I though maybe they really focused on Maya or 3d Max and high quality 3d engines. I think I may look into getting my masters in comp sci with some kind of thesis on one area of 3d engine design (i.e. water effects). Actually I was thinking a cool area would be to design an engine that took into account building damage. Like having the side of a building collapse when a tank hits it. I haven't really seen this done yet and it would use a lot of the formulas I learned in mech eng...

thanks,

rhuala

ps. also, as for meeting girls, I'm married so that doesn't really matter any more ... *sigh*

[edited by - rhuala on October 8, 2003 2:22:05 AM]

From experience, if you want to go to a ''game school'' you need to go to either DigiPen or FullSail. There are no other ''game schools'' (colleges that offer game-programs give you a nice certifcate - wow. a certificate)

Now, whether to go to one or not. If you are ABOLUTELY 100% sure you want to be in the games industry as a programmer, go to Digipen (4yr degree + 4 projects = good on resume). If you are not sure you want to be a programmer, go to FullSail. Not to harp on FullSail or anything, but a 15 month program doesnt compare to a 4yr degree. (Not speaking from experience from fullsail, but know all to well about digipen)

As to the remark that ''oh its to specific, you can''t get other jobs'' is crap. I know just as much (probably more) than any computer science major and then some. If I REALLY for some reason wanted to, I could go make business programs - wow sounds fun. To say it''s not as ''rounded'' education would be true, but who says you have to be rounded to be in any industry.

1. Placement for students graduating from DigiPen and FullSail are rather good.

2. DigiPen teaches hard-core programming. A little design and business aspects are thrown in the mix, but make for more of a hassle IMO. You get a brief class on 3dstudio as well, but nothing that would make you a master 3d modeler.

3. No idea personally, but you would assume so. They are not worse, thats for sure.

4. On-line diplomas - haha yeah right. I''ve heard of some offering certificates and it makes me laugh. Like the kind of thing you get for graduating middle school.

In general however, It appears to me that the industry doesn''t really care where you got your education, but that you''ve got one (preferably a 4yr degree). They want to see what you''ve accomplished, what projects you''ve made. If you don''t go to a ''game school'' you better as hell be making your own games/projects in your free time and learning as much as you can on the side. The advantage of attending a ''game school'' is that you can create these projects in a more structured, team-oriented environment, with instructors that have prior experience in the industry to help you along the way.

regards,
-Vulcan