Hi, I'm a senior in High School and I am bent on pursuing a career in the video game industry. I plan on attending college for a BS in Computer Science. I looked at the curriculum for the BS program at a specific college, and although it was relative, none of the studies actually went into any definite detail that would be involved with designing video games. So I was concerned if I was making the right choice. Will a video game industry still accept me, without any valid experience besides my portfolio? I understood that attaining a BS in Computer Science would enable to be more well-rounded than a BS in Game Design. I would just like confirmation. Thank you very much!

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none of the studies actually went into any definite detail that would be involved with designing video games

You're only assuming that because you don't necessarily see how it's relevant now; this is typical of somebody who hasn't actually undergone that part of their education yet.

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I understood that attaining a BS in Computer Science would enable to be more well-rounded than a BS in Game Design. I would just like confirmation.

A degree in computer science will prepare you for a career as a game programmer. A degree in game design will (allegedly) prepare for you for a career as a game designer. Which is your actual aspiration?

Well, my aspiration would be more of a designer than a core programmer. Would that prohibit me from becoming a designer then?

Quote: Original post by Blckknight118
Would that prohibit me from becoming a designer then?

Absolutely not! In fact, a programming degree is probably a better way to go, since it will be easier to break into the industry as a programmer than a designer (most "designer" roles go to people already in the company rather than outsiders).

Additionally, a general CS degree will help you if you decide in the future that a career in the games industry is not really for you after all. Personally, I prefer to work in non-game related role and do games stuff on the side as a hobby...

Thank you very much for your insight. It was the confirmation that I needed. Thank you again!

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Well, my aspiration would be more of a designer than a core programmer. Would that prohibit me from becoming a designer then?

It won't prohibit you, no, and what Codeka says is accurate. However it's also not the only way to end up as a designer, and it's a extremely poor way to become a designer if you end up disliking computer science and programming once you actually start getting exposed to it (if you haven't been already).

This belongs in Breaking In.