So i live near RIT, and from what i hear their game design program is top tier. Whenever i talk to anyone about getting a degree in Game Design and Development it goes something like this:

ME: ...good idea?
THEM: Game development? Get a real degree or enjoy working at BK and wasting a ton of money.

RIT's program is a 4 year undergraduate program with 2 semester of co-op education, where i have to go get a related job. Some students doing co-op now are working at microsoft or valve, most at Zynga(farmville) or Activision(jews). I want to double major in CS and GDD but i don't know if ill be able to handle both since im the typical smart guy that doesnt do homework and aces tests to keep my grades around a 90%.


TL:DR, is a Game Design Degree worth it? I want to be a level designer, not a code monkey.

I should also add that i currently make CSS maps and know java so i kind of already know what im doing and that Game Design isn't easy or incredibly exciting like:

Tighten up the Graphics on level 3!

A level designer needs a strong level design portfolio, not a game design degree. If you want to be a level designer then it makes sense to study something like Architecture, Psychology, or Civil Engineering. Develop a strong level design portfolio on your own time or with a modding group.

This thread belongs in Breaking In.

[Edited by - zer0wolf on September 12, 2010 9:50:53 PM]

Quote: Original post by zer0wolf
This thread belongs in Breaking In.

Indeed, read the Breaking In Forum FAQ, especially section 3.

It has links to many articles that directly and indirectly address the original questions. Several in Section 1 also apply.

Quote: Original post by ZER0 C00L
1. Whenever i talk to anyone about getting a degree in Game Design and Development...
2. TL:DR, is a Game Design Degree worth it?
3. I want to be a level designer, not a code monkey.

1. Who gives a flying bleep what anybody else thinks? Why even ask them in the first place? If you have a passion, you should go for it.
2. "Worth" is subjective. Only YOU can determine whether or not something is "worth it" for YOU.
3. Game designers are not programmers. You really need to read the FAQs. Scroll up. Look for the tiny minuscule itsy-bitsy blue text that says "View Forum FAQ" -- use a magnifying glass if that helps find it.

[Edited by - Tom Sloper on September 13, 2010 2:45:14 PM]