<p>Hi:</p>
<p>My son really likes RPI and is seriously considering attending during the 2009-2010 year. </p>
<p>Does anyone have any knowledge/comments pros and cons about the game design degree offered at RPI? </p>
<p>He also is interested in computer engineering so comments about RPI's computer engineering degree will be helpful too.</p>
<p>Any and all feedback will be appreciated.</p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>RPI is a good school, generally ranked around #20 in engineering. However, I'm skeptical about the value of a game design degree as they seem to be a dime a dozen. Read this for example: Why</a> your gaming degree may be a waste of time</p>
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Anecdotally, it has become painfully clear that many of these trade schools are degree mills designed specifically to reap the rewards of offering naive students what amounts to a mirage. This isn't just my own perception; nearly every developer I've talked to on the matter has said that a general computer science (or fine art, digital media, or what have you) degree from a good university is worth infinitely more than a specialized trade school degree.
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<p>Now, RPI is a good a school and not a degree mill like most that offer a game design degree but I think there might be some stigma attached to the degree anyway. I recommend majoring in computer science/software engineering and taking courses in game development as electives instead (and mention it on the resume).</p>
<p>Computer engineering is very different and will probably lead to a career in hardware development. RPI has a strong program in the top 25.</p>
<p>What sort of work does your son want to do within game design? Art, programming, direction, etc? A CS degree would probably be a solid bet, and he should definitely get involved in some on-campus club that likes to program games for fun. I know my undergrad school had a pretty decent sized club that would get people from EA, Microsoft, and other big game companies to come in and talk about good game design, and even look at the stuff they were making.</p>
<p>He might also want to look into Digipen if he's dead set on a gaming degree, too.</p>
<p>These are all great responses. My husband and I have also encouraged him to seek a broad base degree just as mentioned in the article link above. I know RPI's program is somewhat new and thus it does not have a noted track record to date. </p>
<p>My son has become quite skilled at using the Source engine and has won several online community gaming competitions for level designs. With this said, he really wants to stretch his skills and do level design for a game company. My husband and I are trying to encourage him to look beyond the next ten years and what he might do with a degree as the industry as well as he matures. </p>
<p>Nothing is static and having a degree that changes as the industry changes will be important. </p>
<p>So, the questions remains, will a program such as one offered at RPI or GT or some other a general computer science degree allow him to change with the industry or is the program just focused on the present industry standards? </p>
<p>If he really wants to be an industry innovator, where should he focus his skills? Computer science with a focus on management and specialization in game design? Computer engineering with a focus on creating the next state of the art game/simulation machine? Or.... other suggestions? </p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>Here is what you do. Major in CompSci and build a gaming portfolio. The reason these Game Design major get into the game industry is because they build a portfolio.</p>
<p>I would go as far as the best people in the game industry don't have degrees, they sat home in high school and drew D&D maps. Will Wright, AKA the genius creator of the Sims and Spore went to college for 6 years and left without a degree.</p>
<p>Does he want to be a game designer or game programmer?
Designers draw and make levels on paper.
Programmers code the game,make the engine and hold the game together.
Producers make sure the programmers and designers keep on time and budget and do some of the business of the game.</p>
<p>Skylark, I'd definitely recommend your son look into Digipen if he's been doing stuff in the past and has some sort of portfolio. I've talked with a few people online that have been there and they had great things to say.</p>
<p>No clue how they do on financial aid and those sorts of things though.</p>
<p>RacinReaver thanks for your suggestion about Digipen, but my son has looked at some of the game specific schools and is not interested in them. From the research he has done, they are career limiting - don't allow for alot of verticle movement within the industry. He really wants to get an established degree to allow him the ability to do a variety of work within the industry and that is why he is interested in the RPI or Georgia Tech. program. The RPI program seems to be what he really wants though.</p>
<p>I am still interested to know about the RPI game design program and how its being received by students and potential employers. When we visited RPI they were very, very focused on research and innovation. Something that appeals to the scientist side of my son.</p>
<p>With this said, TriForces comment about a CS degree with a portfolio sounds very good. In response to his questions about his focus 0 I would see him combining the following - game designer, producing, and creating the levels on paper. He doesn't mind programming but doesn't want to do that 24/7.</p>
<p>Any further suggestions?</p>
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[quote]
I would go as far as the best people in the game industry don't have degrees, they sat home in high school and drew D&D maps. Will Wright, AKA the genius creator of the Sims and Spore went to college for 6 years and left without a degree.
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<p>This was also when every industry was hiring programmers without degrees. Why? Because the industry was so young that there weren't a lot of people available with bachelors degrees. Today you are not going to even touch programming in the gaming industry without bachelor's. I'm speaking for young individuals though without the years of experience. Getting a programming job today is much different and a bachelor's is a prerequisite for those without a vast amount of experience. </p>
<p>Oh and Will Wright is one of those diamonds in the rough. The situation doesn't happen often.</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>I meant design not programming.
Game Design is more of an art then something learned.</p>
<p>Oh okay my bad I thought we were talking programming because everyone kept suggesting a CS degree. </p>
<p>Well I'll just comment then that getting into game designing is a little more difficult because it is less technical you will see more applicants and I would say there's a less of a demand for designers than in the more technical positions.</p>
<p>Interesting comment TriForces about game design being more of an art. This I believe is quite accurate. Still, there is something about having that "degree" that lends credibility to the art side of the end product. In the log run, I think the exposure to all that higher education has to offer is beneficial in the long run. Sometimes being exposed to info outside ones focus is a terrific way to stretch ones skills and imagination.</p>
<p>The idea of a CS degree with a portfolio is worth consideration. </p>
<p>Has anyone had direct involvement with the RPI program? This is the one that has my sons attention.</p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>How old is the program there? You could try contacting the department and asking for some alumni that would be open to discussing their experiences with the program, or possibly have them set you up with current students to discuss how they feel about the program. I used to give tours to high school students and their parents that were interested in coming to my school for my major (only around 15 students a year or so did it at that time), and I know they all really appreciated the inside look at what the individual major was like versus the rest of the school.</p>
<p>RacinReaver great idea about contacting current and alumni. </p>
<p>The RPI game program is very new...
"(Rensselaer’s new Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Major, formally announced as a B.S. degree with enrollment beginning in Fall 2007."</p>