3 answers
1
Asked 835 views

Where is a good place to study the skills to become a game developer?

#game-development #video-games #gaming #Help

help video-games gaming game-development
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
1

3 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Ashley’s Answer

I attended a semester of classes at Southern Methodist University's graduate game development program - SMU Guildhall. They have been rated #1 in the world 2 years in a row for graduate degree programs in game development. I attended during my undergraduate for a game programming specialization to be added to my BS in computer science.


SMU Guildhall started in 2001 and is an intensive program and really simulates the way that game development companies work. SMU's main campus is located in Dallas, TX and SMU Guildhall is located in Plano, TX close to studios like Gearbox and id Software, and they work closely with their industry partners to develop the curriculum. All of the faculty have years of experience in game development and apply their experiences to their lessons in the classrooms.


Though it's only a graduate degree program, I'd still recommend taking a look at it and decide which track you might be interested in and determine your path to Guildhall from there. Their admission requirements have had very minor changes over the years, so you should have an idea of what they'd be looking for when you'd be applying to their program.

Ashley recommends the following next steps:

Check out SMU Guildhall and their specializations at their website: https://www.smu.edu/guildhall
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Steve’s Answer

The University of California, Irvine has an awesome major for students wanting to earn a degree specifically in Computer Game Science. This is hot school for all things technology, and they are located just a couple of miles from a major game developer (Blizzard).

Steve recommends the following next steps:

Check out the UCI Computer Game Science major at: https://www.ics.uci.edu/ugrad/degrees/degree_cgs.php
Contact the UCI Information and Computer Science (ICS) undergraduate counseling office for more information: ucounsel@uci.edu
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Eric,

Finding a Good Place to Study Game Development Skills

To become a successful game developer, it is crucial to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in areas such as programming, game design, graphics, and more. There are several avenues you can explore to study game development:

1. Traditional Universities and Colleges: Many universities and colleges offer specialized programs in game development or related fields such as computer science or software engineering. These programs provide a structured curriculum that covers various aspects of game development, including coding, game design principles, 3D modeling, animation, and more. Some renowned institutions known for their game development programs include:

University of Southern California (USC): USC’s Interactive Media & Games Division is highly regarded in the gaming industry for its comprehensive programs that cover both technical and creative aspects of game development.

DigiPen Institute of Technology: DigiPen offers undergraduate and graduate programs specifically focused on preparing students for careers in video game development.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT): RIT’s School of Interactive Games and Media provides a range of courses in game design, development, and production.

2. Online Learning Platforms: In recent years, online learning platforms have gained popularity as convenient and flexible options for acquiring new skills. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Pluralsight offer courses in game development taught by industry professionals. These courses cover topics ranging from beginner-level introductions to advanced techniques in game programming, Unity or Unreal Engine usage, game art creation, and more.

3. Game Development Bootcamps: Bootcamps are intensive training programs designed to quickly immerse students in a specific skill set or industry. There are bootcamps dedicated to game development that provide hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced professionals. Some well-known game development bootcamps include:

Full Sail University: Full Sail offers accelerated programs focusing on various aspects of the gaming industry, including game design, programming, and production.

Game Art Institute: This institute specializes in training artists for the gaming industry through online courses and workshops led by industry veterans.

GameDevHQ: GameDevHQ offers online bootcamps that cover different aspects of game development using popular tools like Unity.

By exploring these options - traditional education at universities/colleges, online learning platforms, or specialized bootcamps - aspiring game developers can find a suitable environment to hone their skills and kickstart their career in the gaming industry.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

University Websites: Information sourced directly from university websites offering specialized programs in game development.

Online Learning Platforms: Insights gathered from reputable online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Pluralsight that provide courses on game development.

Game Development Bootcamp Websites: Details obtained from official websites of renowned game development bootcamps such as Full Sail University, Game Art Institute, and GameDevHQ.

God Bless You,
JC.
0