[MP2]

I've enrolled on a college course that starts in September, but I'm not 100% sure if it's right for me.

http://www.centralnottingham.ac.uk/courses/197.aspx

I want to be a games programmer, and obviously games are software, and as 'Games Programming' courses seem to be non-existant, this is the best I could find. I went for an interview and everything went well etc. and they gave me a conditional offer (only accepted if I get good grades, as I'm taking my GCSEs again) and asked that I was sure I really wanted to enrol, and I said yes, but now I'm not so sure. When I think of 'Software' I think of boring programs and stuff, not fun games. I don't like software programming; I like game programming. If you get me.

Any advice? Is this the right course for me?

I'm also not sure whether to do A-Level maths, or University or what. Do you generally do A-levels BEFORE college or after? I'd assume after?

[Mauzen]

When learning something the right way, you wont ever get around "boring programming". Software engineering usually is at least 60% analysis and preparation, and 40% programming. "Fun programming" is really rare in higher education. You could try some IT beginners course, they usually do funnier stuff to get their interest in IT, and so got more raw programming, usually of simple games.

In general software doesnt have to be a boring thing. Software is software and so means any kind of program to be run on a computer.

[[jS]Thomas]

I'm kinda in the same boat at the moment. I've been offered a place next year in college next year (providing my GCSE's go well.) If i had that offer, i would take it seeing as it will help you in the future - if you wanted to get a job, go and learn further at uni or even work freelance! Its also something you are in to, so i am assuming you would find it quite enjoyable.

[RajatPawar]

I always have had the dream to work with famous Gaming companies like EA, Rockstar, etc. I looked into their job position requirements, and this is what they had. So you gotta find the best courses and hit them with the best shot you got!
I am of course, going for IIT and then a course in game programming (there are tons here, I do not know why there aren't at yours)

[MP2]

I've been looking at doing Computer Science at uni, also.

[RajatPawar]

I am doing computer Science as a subject now, hardware sucks !

[Bakr]

I myself have interviews set up with USC, which has a specialization in game programming, and RIT, which has School of Interactive Games and Media, which offers a Bachelors of Science in Game Design & Development.

I'm considering going the "traditional" route however. Bachelors of Computer Science and simply study game development more specifically on my own. That way if I ever do end up not wanting to go through with game programming alone (as it is much different than what you do with SA:MP!), then I'll have something else to fall back on.

[cessil]

Almost every forum I regulate I see this kind of thread, someone wanting to go into games whether it be 3D graphics side or programming side someone from the industry comes along and posts that you don't need a degree, you need a portfolio showing that you can do what needs to be done.

If you learn better in a school environment and really need that type of learning then go for it.
If you can use ****** and have motivation then everything you need to learn/know is already on the internet and is free.

This was done by a 3rd year game design student, he got an A
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiARsQSlzDc[/ame]

[Bakr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cessil Almost every forum I regulate I see this kind of thread, someone wanting to go into games whether it be 3D graphics side or programming side someone from the industry comes along and posts that you don't need a degree, you need a portfolio showing that you can do what needs to be done.

That is true, but not a very plausible approach (for the most part).

While I agree experience is better than general education, there is a TON of misleading information on what you need to learn, how to learn it, where to learn it, and how to apply what you have learned. Look at those trying to get into SA:MP scripting for example. People simply download GF and start editing it. Once they know how to edit a message sent to a player, they are offering to script for money. University also teaches things you may not experience learning on your own, like reading large scale code and adapting to it for easy editing, grasping a strong understanding for design principles (like OOP), etc. Perhaps they progress to the point where they know how to create what they need, but not how to do so efficiently or with good design principles. Some more examples through common SA:MP code:

• Not defining variables as const despite constant values
• Not defining variables as static in libraries when they shouldn't be manipulated
• Not defining functions as static in libraries when they should only be used internally
• Failing to indent properly
• Failing to comment complicated, complex, or confusing code

I could go on with hundreds of examples (honestly), but I think you get the point.

The problem I see mainly is people thinking they are ready too early. They skip the general education to learn on their own without learning everything properly or completely. I personally despise school systems all together (here in the US), but they do give you that doorway to careers, which almost seems necessary today.

I'm not saying this is impossible for everyone, but generally speaking, I would definitely recommend the more "common approach".

[cessil]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bakr University also teaches things you may not experience learning on your own, like reading large scale code and adapting to it for easy editing, grasping a strong understanding for design principles (like OOP), etc.

Might, universities might also teach you.
There are a lot of shit teachers out there that don't properly teach you everything you need to know.
If you decide to learn at a school then I highly recommend you also learn from everywhere else too so you don't just learn one source, if you find contradictions between what they're teaching and what else you've found, ask them about it.