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How much schooling do i need to be a game developer?
i wonder if u need schooling
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Jamie’s Answer
You'll probably get varying answers to this question, but I'll give you my 2 cents.
I couldn't care less if someone has a degree or not when it comes to game development. I have a degree in journalism so go figure.
Depending on what you're interested in, in game development, there are a number of things we look for.
I'm an FX artist, so the only thing I'm looking at is your demo reel. If I like the reel I'll take a look at your resume and if you have a degree listed or schooling, that's cool, but I really don't care honestly. I'm more interested in the reel and then after that what games you have worked on, if any.
For level design it's similar. They want to see what levels you've designed and see if you know your way around creating a good level.
For programming/engineering -- this might be the one where you'll need schooling, but I have no experience hiring or knowing what they look for in an engineer.
For world art, again they want to see the different models you've created, see if you can create an asset that has good poly count and good UV economy. And they'll want to see how you put those models together on a level maybe... see if you can "art" a basic level.
All of this can be learned online for free. As for engineering, again I'm not sure if you need a degree in that or not, I'll leave that part to someone who knows.
I would suggest you download Unreal. It's free and it's the premiere game engine/editor. Blender, also free, is fast becoming adopted in the video game world, but I would say to check out Maya and 3ds Max as well. I think they both have free versions as well.
Start with Unreal, have fun. Then check out Maya, play around with it a little. Then check out Max and Blender and do the same. Whichever one you like best, focus on that package (Maya, Max, Blender).
Then figure out what you want to do.
If you just want to be a designer, you don't have to even worry about Maya, Max or Blender. Build all your levels in Unreal, make a really cool level and go to the different forums (Unreal has it's own dedicated forum but there are many many more) and ask for feedback.
If you want to do FX there is a forum realtimevfx.com Check out that forum and see how some of the people are doing the cool FX they do.
Good luck!
I couldn't care less if someone has a degree or not when it comes to game development. I have a degree in journalism so go figure.
Depending on what you're interested in, in game development, there are a number of things we look for.
I'm an FX artist, so the only thing I'm looking at is your demo reel. If I like the reel I'll take a look at your resume and if you have a degree listed or schooling, that's cool, but I really don't care honestly. I'm more interested in the reel and then after that what games you have worked on, if any.
For level design it's similar. They want to see what levels you've designed and see if you know your way around creating a good level.
For programming/engineering -- this might be the one where you'll need schooling, but I have no experience hiring or knowing what they look for in an engineer.
For world art, again they want to see the different models you've created, see if you can create an asset that has good poly count and good UV economy. And they'll want to see how you put those models together on a level maybe... see if you can "art" a basic level.
All of this can be learned online for free. As for engineering, again I'm not sure if you need a degree in that or not, I'll leave that part to someone who knows.
I would suggest you download Unreal. It's free and it's the premiere game engine/editor. Blender, also free, is fast becoming adopted in the video game world, but I would say to check out Maya and 3ds Max as well. I think they both have free versions as well.
Start with Unreal, have fun. Then check out Maya, play around with it a little. Then check out Max and Blender and do the same. Whichever one you like best, focus on that package (Maya, Max, Blender).
Then figure out what you want to do.
If you just want to be a designer, you don't have to even worry about Maya, Max or Blender. Build all your levels in Unreal, make a really cool level and go to the different forums (Unreal has it's own dedicated forum but there are many many more) and ask for feedback.
If you want to do FX there is a forum realtimevfx.com Check out that forum and see how some of the people are doing the cool FX they do.
Good luck!
Updated
Chris’s Answer
This might sound kind of cliche, but generally you can get any information you want online. With that being said, you really don't need schooling. What you need is passion for creating games, an internet connection, and a decent level of English knowledge, since there is more information in English online. As a Games Programmer myself, who has no college degree, I can tell you that if you have all of the above, you can at least break into the industry of videogames given enough time of practicing and programming games. This does not really change throughout all expertise in the Games industry. Whatever you choose to go for, VFX, Sound Design, Game Design , Programming etc. , the best thing you can do is just create games.
Some personal advice I can give is: Participate in Game Jams with other people who have the same goal as you, to create a portfolio. Doing everything alone can be frustrating, and I do not recommend it at all, especially if you want to choose a specific branch. For example if you want to be a Game Designer, you will need someone to do the programming, and vice versa.
My second advice is, go for quantity, at least in the beginning. It might sound weird, but it will help you get the dopamine to keep building games and getting better. Building good games is obviously better, but when you are inexperienced, it is hard, and failing in the very beginning can really demotivate you.
And now for Games Programming, I can suggest you start with some tutorials for programming languages, and after you know the basics, go straight for game making tutorials. Unity Engine is strong, as is Unreal Engine, but I do find Unity Engine to be a bit easier.
Good luck with anything you choose!
Some personal advice I can give is: Participate in Game Jams with other people who have the same goal as you, to create a portfolio. Doing everything alone can be frustrating, and I do not recommend it at all, especially if you want to choose a specific branch. For example if you want to be a Game Designer, you will need someone to do the programming, and vice versa.
My second advice is, go for quantity, at least in the beginning. It might sound weird, but it will help you get the dopamine to keep building games and getting better. Building good games is obviously better, but when you are inexperienced, it is hard, and failing in the very beginning can really demotivate you.
And now for Games Programming, I can suggest you start with some tutorials for programming languages, and after you know the basics, go straight for game making tutorials. Unity Engine is strong, as is Unreal Engine, but I do find Unity Engine to be a bit easier.
Good luck with anything you choose!