My son-in-law is considering going back to school and finishing up his BA/BS and then pondering a MS or MBA ... His passion is learning to program for GAMES, as that seems to be an interesting niche for him. Any suggestions as to DL type programs or schools that have, or can lead to, a focus on CS/GAMING? Thanks, Billy
I found this site about game design http://www.uat.edu/UATOnline/Degrees/GameDesign/ it is at the university of advanced technology I know it is nationally accredited university I dont know how good the school is I do know national accreditation does limit you a little Here is a lilttle information about the program A Degree in Game Design UAT's unique approach has been recognized for its innovation in video game education. Our students learn on state-of-the-art hardware and software, with instructors who have experience in the video game industry. We don’t just teach how to use hardware and software; students are immersed in all levels of video game design, from the initial story boards to the final, polished project. By the end of the program, a student’s skills and knowledge will have come together culminating in a complete game concept or idea in a playable form. UAT-Online students will follow a track from the basic and general concepts of game structure and analysis through the actual creation of game content, finally emerging with a well-rounded portfolio of both solo and group game design projects. The curriculum emphasizes both the broad understanding of game content and production skills, rather than narrowly focus on software tools. Graduates of UAT-Online will have the ability to: Complete a game concept or idea in a playable form Design and animate characters in a 3-D environment Integrate characters and environments into a story Apply game development skills to create working game documentation Design unique gaming environments, levels and characters Create naturally occurring and man-made materials and textures Apply low-polygon count modeling, animation and texturing techniques Develop traits and characteristics to bring characters to life and balance the game Identify the traits related to mass-marketed games Understand the history and current trends related to game design Understand the current industry issues and social issues related to game design Courses in Game Design Other that that there a college in washington that offer bachelor in game design also I think but i dont know the name If those school dont pan out to be what you are looking for you may want sugget a degree in software enginerring or computer science that will give him the sufficent backgroud to be a programmer this will give a good start to becomming a game programmer
I don't know a thing about UAT's program, and don't work in the gaming industry, but do know that development and production roles within larger gaming firms are highly variegated. my advice would be to have your son-in-law inquire with a few game development firms directly, and to participate in game dev. communities on the web. The UAT program, or a BS in CS, may be the right approach, but I'd want to hear this from someone inside the industry.
At one time, the University of Abertay Dundee offered an online M.Sc. in computer game design; not sure they still do, but it could be worth investigating. Good luck! Cheers,
I know several programmers and QA testers who work for Origin and Microprose. None of them have degrees at all. I don't think this is an industry where one necessarily needs credentials. One's CV/portfolio is king.
