Game schools generally cut things like data structures and computing theory (used a lot in business) in favor of things like graphics and AI (not really used at all). At my school there was only one undergrad graphics class and it was about the theory of rasterizing graphics to screen instead of being taught how to write kick ass shaders. Whether its justified or not, game schools give the appeareance of not having a well rounded general education. From what I've seen places like Full Sail train you to be a code monkey and bang out code all day but thats not what they want in a lot of business settings. So as Katie said, when you got 500 resumes for one job you need to be able to cull the herd so HR people make choices. I agree its not fair. One of the best developers I know has a degree in history. But until game schools can change their image its something that is going to continue to happen.

Quote: Original post by Designer2Be
Can someone clear this up for me please. :)


If you want to become a games designer, you have to of worked in the industry in a different role for a while, then you can step up to a designer if the opportunity arises?

Yeah, that is generally the way it happens. Companies don't usually hire designers from outside the company in my experience. Being a programmer or artist is probably your best chance of moving into a design position at some point.

*edit*
Heh, and of course after I say this I see an ad in the Your Announcements section looking for a game designer. But its not for an entry level position it looks like.

Quote: Original post by Jonny_S
CV's don't convey how good a programmer you are

IMO, they should. They should provide reference to projects and tasks that demonstrate your ability as a programmer.

Quote: to re-enforce my point I have been turned down interviews solely because I did not do Maths at A-Level, despite my first class degree and 1 1/2 years experience working for a known company and doing very well for myself while I was there.

That is rather short sighted of the company but I have just recently moved out of the industry despite my degree in Games Development and masters in Games Programming and crappy A-Level results.

Quote: It's stupid but it's true, all a degree does is get you in the door, the wrong choice can just make it harder to even get your foot in, especially in today's climate (trust me, I'm currently jobless and looking!).

Depending on what type of job you are looking for, it be worth trying to use a (good) agent.

Quote: It's well known that games specific degrees are not looked upon as favouerably outside the industry, however a comp sci degree works both in and outside the industry.

Given the number of CS students work I have seen, they aren't much better which was pretty scary. Over the last few years, the good games courses have been standing out a lot more and are being viewed in better light by games companies. Admittedly, the number of good courses is quite small compared to the sheer number of courses available which is the same for any type of degree, including CS.

Quote: If you pick a comp sci programme with a sandwich year you can pick a games development placement to further increase job opportunities in the industry, or as another poster said do other courses to enhance your "games developer" CV.

Agreed.

Could one go from animatio into the games designer role? I think I would be best suited for an animation position to start of with. :)

Quote: Original post by Designer2Be
Could one go from animatio into the games designer role? I think I would be best suited for an animation position to start of with. :)

Yes, it is possible.

Quote: Original post by yaustar

Quote: Original post by Designer2Be
Could one go from animatio into the games designer role? I think I would be best suited for an animation position to start of with. :)

Yes, it is possible.

Desi, I wrote a column on upgrading into the game designer role. Go to igda.org and click Columns. On columns, click The Games Game. On the current Games Game page, click Archives. Search the page for "Upgrade to Designer" to find the article. I'd give you the exact URL, but the IGDA site is in a painful period of transitioning to a different webhost and it was not reachable just now when I tried.

Quote: IMO, they should. They should provide reference to projects and tasks that demonstrate your ability as a programmer.

It's all just words though, it's a marketing tool not fact.

Quote: That is rather short sighted of the company but I have just recently moved out of the industry despite my degree in Games Development and masters in Games Programming and crappy A-Level results.

I certainly don't disagree, their loss I say :p.

Quote: Given the number of CS students work I have seen, they aren't much better which was pretty scary. Over the last few years, the good games courses have been standing out a lot more and are being viewed in better light by games companies. Admittedly, the number of good courses is quite small compared to the sheer number of courses available which is the same for any type of degree, including CS.

I think that is the problem at the moment, the quality of these newly emerging courses, which probably gives them a bad name. Whereas comp sci at any redbrick uni is going to have a strong standing to any employer.

I think comp sci is just a safe option, either way sandwich courses are awesome, I highly recommend undertaking one.

Quote: Original post by Tom Sloper

Quote: Original post by yaustar

Quote: Original post by Designer2Be
Could one go from animatio into the games designer role? I think I would be best suited for an animation position to start of with. :)

Yes, it is possible.

Desi, I wrote a column on upgrading into the game designer role. Go to igda.org and click Columns. On columns, click The Games Game. On the current Games Game page, click Archives. Search the page for "Upgrade to Designer" to find the article. I'd give you the exact URL, but the IGDA site is in a painful period of transitioning to a different webhost and it was not reachable just now when I tried.

found it :D http://www.igda.org/games-game-april-2006 I shall give it a read. Thank you. :)

CV's aren't just words...they should be facts.

And yes they are marketing tools as well.

Quote: Original post by stupid_programmer

Quote: Original post by yaustar

Quote: Original post by Jonny_S
I chose to do vanilla Comp Sci and I'm glad I did now, cause I ended up working for a bank and I wouldn't have done that with a specific games degree ;).

Why not?

Because game schools still really aren't viewed as 'real' schools to companies outside of games. The resume would probably be tossed if a bank saw you graduated from Full Sail (or whatever) with a degree listed as 'game design' or whatever it is they call it.

I think that this viewpoint exists a lot more on these forums and much less so in the real world. I, a graduate of Full Sail, was job searching 6 months back and was offered a job at both a bank and a large game studio, I opted for the game studio. I know this is just one example, but many of the guys I graduated with have decided to leave the game industry over the years and haven't had problems getting jobs at high profile non-game companies.