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"Computer Games - University"

OK, Its 2 years off yet for me, but I was wondering if anyone had any information on Degrees concerning Computer Games in anyway.

Any information, web addresses, locations etc would be much appreciated.

Bonus has already helped me out alot, and has told me about a course I could do in Dundee which looks really good, but I just wanted a few other options that I can compare it to.

Thanks alot

David

DO NOT do a specialised degree in computer games...

For several good reasons:

*They are almost all offered by poor Universities (old polies like Abertey)

*Very few good publishers and developers recruit from these courses... instead they prefer the courses listed below.

*If at the end of it, you don't want to make games... what else can you do?!


Having been to loads of talks about how to get into the industry, the best ways in are:

*A good degree (ie, a first or upper-second) from a good Uni in either Computer Sciences, Maths or Physics (the later 2 are becomeing quite popular for people to write 3D engines and the like!). This should be supported with some tech demos (that you'll do at any good uni anyway!)

*An exceptional demo of work without a uni degree.


Artists, of course, have different routes... but who cares about them!!

Sonic

I think Cooky is doing something like this.

Teeside University have a specialised course for computer games programming. Their website http://www.tees.ac.uk/ is down right now (for me anyway). They have lecturers from the industry i.e One of the makers of the Turok series.

You can find other courses by going to www.ucas.com and searching for courses under 'Game'.

I wouldn't go with the £100 visual C++ thing unless you know that you want to do this and also you are clever enough to get there.
I would start by learning something like C, either using on-line help or buy some books. Get a good knowledge of how to do basic programming that way you have a head start when you go to uni, also make it a little easier. By starting with visual C++ you are jumping in at the deap end and by the time you go to uni they may not teach this. I would also advise maybe learning java as it appears to be used in a lot of areas in the computing industry and may boost your programming skills.

Dav1d wrote:
> £100 is quite alot (for someone who doesnt work!)

True.

You definatley sure
> this is what games companys use?.....

Nope, but it will definately help you to learn Visual C++ IF you can put the time and effort in.


Basically will it enhance my chances of
> becoming a "Games Developer"?......

Possibly. It would be a good move to contact the university and see if they can offer any advice on stuff like this.

What's your email?

£100 is quite alot (for someone who doesnt work!)

You definatley sure this is what games companys use?.....

Basically will it enhance my chances of becoming a "Games Developer"?......

Here's the link (SPACES!!)

http://www.amazon.co.uk /exec/obidos/ASIN/0735606366/o/ qid=1008375318/sr=2-4 /ref=sr_bt_4/202-4221894-9213445

Dav1d wrote:
> Just read it...... Looks like I need Visual C++ then....

Where can I get it?
> How much is it?...... and is it worth it?


You can buy a pack from Amazon, I think it's about £100. I would say it's worth it, if you're serious about it. I'll try and find a link, hang on...

Just read it...... Looks like I need Visual C++ then....

Where can I get it? How much is it?...... and is it worth it?

There's a topic about game design in the PC/Technical forum, I stuck some stuff in there you might find useful...