Hi all :) I'm very confused about which degree to follow. Currently I'm doing Bsc in IT 3 year degree in Sri Lanka (I'm in 2nd year now). There is no Computer Science degree in my university which most people say as a "MUST" for a game development job :(

So far I've studied in XNA and now I'm doing myself studies in DirectX API and Nvidia CUDA computing with C. And this year I became the national finalist in game programming in Imagine Cup.

Is that true that without a Computer Science or a Software Engineering degree it's impossible to step in to the game industry?

And I saw "Game programming" MSc degrees in foreign universities. I come from a poor family and simply I can't afford them. So that means with a BSc IT degree that I won't be able to get a job in game industry?

There is only one company that does game making in my country. Last time I checked there were no vacancies at all. What are my chances getting into game industry as currently I don't have the opportunity to get even a training or internship? So without actual field experience will any overseas company consider giving me a job?

If so how should I continue? Please help. Much appreciated. Thank you :)

Is that true that without a Computer Science or a Software Engineering degree it's impossible to step in to the game industry?

No. This is a complete fallacy. There are many people working in the games industry, and I would believe a very significant number of people who do, do not have a degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering. I've met plenty of people in various disciplines who have degrees in other studies, such as English language or design.

Personally, I frequently work as an engineer or technical designer (including for big companies) and I do not have a degree at all.

Where a degree does count is getting a visa to work abroad, and it's likely that an BSc in IT is sufficient. In order to get a job however, you'll need good examples of games related work.

1. I'm very confused about which degree to follow.
Currently I'm doing Bsc in IT 3 year degree in Sri Lanka (I'm in 2nd year now). There is no Computer Science degree in my university which most people say as a "MUST" for a game development job
So far I've studied in XNA and now I'm doing myself studies in DirectX API and Nvidia CUDA computing with C. And this year I became the national finalist in game programming in Imagine Cup.
Is that true that without a Computer Science or a Software Engineering degree it's impossible to step in to the game industry?
2. And I saw "Game programming" MSc degrees in foreign universities. I come from a poor family and simply I can't afford them.
3. So that means with a BSc IT degree that I won't be able to get a job in game industry?
4. There is only one company that does game making in my country. Last time I checked there were no vacancies at all.
5. What are my chances getting into game industry
6. currently I don't have the opportunity to get even a training or internship
7. So without actual field experience will any overseas company consider giving me a job?
8. If so how should I continue?

Hi, Prasad.
1. No. It is not impossible. If you're going for a game programmer job, the norm is the CS degree. But as long as you have a degree and a portfolio and you live locally to the company where you're applying, it is certainly possible to get hired.
2. You do not need that masters degree. You need a Bachelors degree and a portfolio, and you need to live near game companies.
3. No.
4. Okay. Then after you finish your degree, you'll need to move (or start your own company).
5. It's very difficult to give you a probability. It depends on you.
6. You're still in university, so it's too early to apply now. You also don't have a portfolio yet.
7. Only if you live local. Read http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson24.htm and http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson27.htm
8. Build a portfolio, research game company locations (see gamedevmap and gameindustrymap) and move. Read this forum's FAQs.

@ambershee -> Thanks for the kind reply sir. Yes I'm now working on examples while doing my college studies.

@Top Sloper -> I went through your articles and I totally look like a stupid newbie :( Thank you for your valuable advises and now I understand how to proceed. Thank you again sir.

Location always plays an important factor.

In my city we have five major universities and six major technical non-university schools. There are also a large number of small trade schools. Around here you really need a degree to break in.

Most game companies around the globe are also located in highly-educated regions drawing on a highly-educated workforce. That is why the general requirement is to have the degree. When there are 100+ applicants and most of them have degrees companies will use a degree as a convenient filter.

There are a small number of game studios located in regions that are not education-centric. If you live in one of those areas then the degree is less necessary. Knowing the material is still very important, but the formal education is less so.

Thank you very much Mr.frob :)