Hi folks,
the title might be a little misleading. Just to clarify things, a little about me:
When I was a child and saw video games for the first time, it was clear to me I have to become a programmer in order to develop games. So I did study computer science, just to end up as a programmer in the business sector
I still do develop small prototypes at home. During my College time I started out with XNA and still do my work in MonoGame. But now I start to wonder,
are game developers dying out? Is/Will the industry of video games (be) driven by designers and not by developers anymore? I imagine it like developers are still needed but only the very, very best will be hired for engine/graphics development?
The point is we have Unity, UDK, Cry Engine...you know them all. So I wonder why should I torture myself into OpenGL/DirectX or anything that is more driven by programming while people with very low (or no) programming skills can create finished products within months? There must be any advantage?!
Why am I asking:
I still hope to get a job in the game industry some time. So should I try to improve my programming skills or just do as most people do and start working with some powerful Engine. I mean over 50% of AAA titles are developed in UDK anyway. Soon Valve will release Source 2, who knows maybe we then have another powerful tool.
I am a little frustrated as I feel like studying computer science was a completely wrong thing to do. I know this question might be very opinion based, but I would like to hear some of your opinions especially if you already are working in the business.
Greets