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I haven't really ever seriously considered going into game development, but as unmotivated as I am in college right now, I think I want to at least do some research on how to get started if I ever wanted to really pursue it. It's one of the only things I have a true passion for, and that counts for alot, I think.

I don't think I could ever be a programmer, it is too arduous and I am probably not talented enough to be a good programmer. I realize that at least a basic understanding of programming is needed for a career in game development. I was reading an interview with Tim Schafer that said he has a major in Computer Science, but his creative writing classes helped him tremendously when it came time to create all those Lucas Arts classics. I have always been kind of a natural when it comes to writing, so maybe a similar path would be the best?

The video game industry isn't exactly as prevalent in college curriculum like music and film are. Does anyone have any insight on institutions who specialize in video game production and development, or where I could attain and possibly research such information related to this subject?

I just bought this book off of Amazon and plan on reading it as quickly as I can. I bought it because I read an article from the author of the book once that I really enjoyed.

2root2, we all know you work for Rockstar. Maybe you could shed some light on this subject?

The brother of this A.D. I always work with is a video game designer. He did Spongebob and a bunch of other games. He works in Miami and is filthy rich. That's all I know.

learn all them 3d programs. MYA, 3DMAX...

knowing how to draw is always a plus...

Honestly, getting your foot in the door is the hardest part. You have to make sure you're ready to deal with an entry level job (bullshit, the money, etc.) Once you're inside then networking is key. Go through the company and speak with people. Get your name out there and a good reputation behind it. It's tough to jump straight into the video game industry, especially into a position like designing or producing.

School's not going to teach you shit, unless you go to a specialty school that runs 25k a year. As with most things practice makes perfect. Your best bet is to spend countless hours on the computer brain storming ideas for games, modeling, animating, sound designing, etc. to hone your skills. And to dispel any myths not all designers know how to program. BUT a lot of designers do come from either being producers, programmers and other various development jobs. Most companies (at least where I'm at) promote mainly within. So, like I said get an entry level job and work your ass off.

My best wishes =)
~KILL

I was going to do this until I decided to purse writing, there are a bunch of places that have 4-year degrees in game design. No you don't have to be a great artist, they have people and programs to help you out with that. Some places want you to be an outstanding student, specially in math, but not all the places. I think the most important thing is to display your passion for the game industry and your passion to be creative. They don't want to hear that you want to make video games cause you love to play video games, tell them that its something you have always wanted to do, that you want to express yourself through video games, and that your background in creative writing will help.

MOST places will help you with job placement after you graduate, you just have to be willing to relocate (and have the skills training blah blah)

I would say check are these schools:

DigiPen
University of Advancing Technology
CollinsCollege
Westwood
FullSail

IKILL wrote:Just call me "Haduken"
...
cuz I'm down right fierce!!!

Great line! What's it from?

When I was a little kid, I designed World 9-1, 9-2, 9-3, and 9-4 for Super Mario Bros. and mailed it into Nintendo. I never got confirmation that they'd add the levels and rerelease the game as soon as possible. I was sad.

T-Wrex wrote:

IKILL wrote:Just call me "Haduken"
...
cuz I'm down right fierce!!!

Great line! What's it from?

a netcee battle.

also, I always wanted to go into this when I was little... I heard about one of the gaming schools from nintendo power or some shit... lol

now i'm just more content to PLAY the games... *shrugs*

ChristPuncher wrote:I haven't really ever seriously considered going into game development, but as unmotivated as I am in college right now, I think I want to at least do some research on how to get started if I ever wanted to really pursue it. It's one of the only things I have a true passion for, and that counts for alot, I think.

I don't think I could ever be a programmer, it is too arduous and I am probably not talented enough to be a good programmer. I realize that at least a basic understanding of programming is needed for a career in game development. I was reading an interview with Tim Schafer that said he has a major in Computer Science, but his creative writing classes helped him tremendously when it came time to create all those Lucas Arts classics. I have always been kind of a natural when it comes to writing, so maybe a similar path would be the best?

The video game industry isn't exactly as prevalent in college curriculum like music and film are. Does anyone have any insight on institutions who specialize in video game production and development, or where I could attain and possibly research such information related to this subject?

I just bought this book off of Amazon and plan on reading it as quickly as I can. I bought it because I read an article from the author of the book once that I really enjoyed.

2root2, we all know you work for Rockstar. Maybe you could shed some light on this subject?

I thought the same thing I too am a CIS major I know enough about programming languages but I could not do that shit or hours on end that shit is not fun at all. I still would like to get into the industry but I'm going with my other business venture and that's opening up a gameroom...

^^^you mean a place where people can come and play video games?

thats an ill idea, good luck with that homie... there was a place like that in the mall where i work and it just closed down. nerds can turn against you in a heartbeat... lol

Galvatron78 wrote:

ChristPuncher wrote:I haven't really ever seriously considered going into game development, but as unmotivated as I am in college right now, I think I want to at least do some research on how to get started if I ever wanted to really pursue it. It's one of the only things I have a true passion for, and that counts for alot, I think.

I don't think I could ever be a programmer, it is too arduous and I am probably not talented enough to be a good programmer. I realize that at least a basic understanding of programming is needed for a career in game development. I was reading an interview with Tim Schafer that said he has a major in Computer Science, but his creative writing classes helped him tremendously when it came time to create all those Lucas Arts classics. I have always been kind of a natural when it comes to writing, so maybe a similar path would be the best?

The video game industry isn't exactly as prevalent in college curriculum like music and film are. Does anyone have any insight on institutions who specialize in video game production and development, or where I could attain and possibly research such information related to this subject?

I just bought this book off of Amazon and plan on reading it as quickly as I can. I bought it because I read an article from the author of the book once that I really enjoyed.

2root2, we all know you work for Rockstar. Maybe you could shed some light on this subject?

I thought the same thing I too am a CIS major I know enough about programming languages but I could not do that shit or hours on end that shit is not fun at all. I still would like to get into the industry but I'm going with my other business venture and that's opening up a gameroom...

sorta like an arcade only instead with systems?

TomRollin wrote:

Galvatron78 wrote:

ChristPuncher wrote:I haven't really ever seriously considered going into game development, but as unmotivated as I am in college right now, I think I want to at least do some research on how to get started if I ever wanted to really pursue it. It's one of the only things I have a true passion for, and that counts for alot, I think.

I don't think I could ever be a programmer, it is too arduous and I am probably not talented enough to be a good programmer. I realize that at least a basic understanding of programming is needed for a career in game development. I was reading an interview with Tim Schafer that said he has a major in Computer Science, but his creative writing classes helped him tremendously when it came time to create all those Lucas Arts classics. I have always been kind of a natural when it comes to writing, so maybe a similar path would be the best?

The video game industry isn't exactly as prevalent in college curriculum like music and film are. Does anyone have any insight on institutions who specialize in video game production and development, or where I could attain and possibly research such information related to this subject?

I just bought this book off of Amazon and plan on reading it as quickly as I can. I bought it because I read an article from the author of the book once that I really enjoyed.

2root2, we all know you work for Rockstar. Maybe you could shed some light on this subject?

I thought the same thing I too am a CIS major I know enough about programming languages but I could not do that shit or hours on end that shit is not fun at all. I still would like to get into the industry but I'm going with my other business venture and that's opening up a gameroom...

sorta like an arcade only instead with systems?

I got an idea!

BARcade.

Is it a bar? Is it an arcade? I don't know.. You decide!

Thanks for the replies.

IKILL what company do you work for again?

T-Wrex wrote:BARcade.

Dope idea.

I miss the old landlord of the pub I used to drink in. They'd usually have two old-ish arcade games in there, and he'd ask us which ones off a list we wanted him to get in next. I got really good at Sega Rally in there.

De Seven Free wrote:

T-Wrex wrote:BARcade.

Dope idea.

I miss the old landlord of the pub I used to drink in. They'd usually have two old-ish arcade games in there, and he'd ask us which ones off a list we wanted him to get in next. I got really good at Sega Rally in there.

I had the same thing going for me. I'd request CDs for the jukebox and new arcade games to rent. I used to love the Guns N Roses "Appetite For Pinball". If you had a high-enough scoring turn, it'd play an unreleased song. It was tight.

Barcade? We have a place in Socal called Dave and Busters. It's a bar and arcade. During the day time it dubs as a family restaurant and shit. Not a bad place but the games aren't the greatest and they seem to drive away the ladies. At least the good looking single ones.

~KILL

IKILL wrote:Barcade? We have a place in Socal called Dave and Busters. It's a bar and arcade. During the day time it dubs as a family restaurant and shit. Not a bad place but the games aren't the greatest and they seem to drive away the ladies. At least the good looking single ones.

~KILL

Gameworks and Dave N Busters both suck.
Overpriced food, overpriced drinks, suck-ass beer selection, too many kids and teens, too fancy.
I want it more dive-bar-esque.

ChristPuncher wrote:2root2, we all know you work for Rockstar. Maybe you could shed some light on this subject?

the vanity search is a beautiful thing.

anyway, i'm not sure how respected video games courses are in the us, but they don't get much respect around here. too many disparate disciplines to be any real use. jack of all trades, master of none.

if you are interested in design a good foundation in code would be very useful, but design jobs are hard to come by (particularly lead design jobs).

to be honest, ea has about the best graduate program in games. it requires a computer science degree, but it will allow you to see a lot of what goes on in games, and possibly temper your enthusiasm for it (no-one likes the new guy:)).

you should probably register over at gamasutra and trawl through the articles. there's some good, some bad, but it's all food for thought, regardless of how honest the contributers are (some of the processes are ridiculous, over-rationalised examples of 20/20 hindsight).

anyway, like i said, i'm not an authority (my path was a very british one), but feel free to ask questions.

T-Wrex wrote:

De Seven Free wrote:

T-Wrex wrote:BARcade.

Dope idea.

I miss the old landlord of the pub I used to drink in. They'd usually have two old-ish arcade games in there, and he'd ask us which ones off a list we wanted him to get in next. I got really good at Sega Rally in there.

I had the same thing going for me. I'd request CDs for the jukebox and new arcade games to rent. I used to love the Guns N Roses "Appetite For Pinball". If you had a high-enough scoring turn, it'd play an unreleased song. It was tight.

http://www.daveandbusters.com/?f=1

you are tooooo late this place is all over us now, i have one by my parents house, NY,its a huge bar arcade, with food , pool tables , etc

THere are a few in PA, few in NY, check it out, you can even buy a franchise.