Games Design @ College - Tips for the Future and now?

[bloa2]

Right now I am on my 2nd day at college, and I must say it is amazing. I am doing a Games Design course for 2 years, ranging from 3D Modelling, 2D Graphics, 3D Animations, product design and loads more.

 

I was wondering what I can do now that would help me with a Games Design career in the future, how to be production etc etc.

 

Thanks :)

[Silvernite]

I am about a month away from graduating with a degree in Game Programming. And the best advice I can give you is to simply build a couple games, just on your on time. See if you can get a couple buddies with a bit of experience with programming, modeling, texturing and just make something. Doesn't have to be a big project, start with something like getting a simple side-stroller dude moving on the screen.

 

Another thing that you could do is play with some of the Development tools from something like Oblivion. Create a level or two, it will really help you get some experience to what it means to make a video game.

[bloa2]

Thank you for your advise :) I have a couple of people right now who could help. Also, tomorrow (since it's late here) I'll make a couple generic dungeons, house or something simple just to do over the weekend

[Silvernite]

Thank you for your advise :) I have a couple of people right now who could help. Also, tomorrow (since it's late here) I'll make a couple generic dungeons, house or something simple just to do over the weekend

 

Nice!! Good luck with College, its hard at times. But its fun as hell.

[bloa2]

Thank you! And yes it seems like it will be that way, it has been hilarious so far, but obviously it's going to get more serious, and should be a good time.

[JimboUK]

Don't concentrate purely on gaming, make sure you get skills that can be used in other areas. There are far more people able to do the jobs than there are actual jobs, the obvious result of that is lower pay and longer hours, not a problem when you're young but it can become an issue when you start a family. Anyway have fun with it, I remember my college days, mostly broke but always had fun.

[bloa2]

Yeah, I do have some fairly good skills with Graphics and Music, if I can't get an actual "Games Design" Job, I could always do something for a game company, just something else.

 

And thank you, I will have fun, so far the 2 days have been amazing, and I'm sure it'll only get better.

[IndorilTheGreat]

I can't really give you tips specific for game design, but I can give you tips for college in general.

 

If there's one thing I learned last year, it's that you need to be able to balance your social life with your academic life. If you focus solely on your studies, you're going to burn yourself out in no time. The same thing goes for your social life; if you focus only on hanging out with people and blowing off your school work, you're going to have an extremely hard time catching up.

 

That being said, in the year that I've spent as an engineering student, I am now a master at procrastination and a master at getting stuff done... They seem to come as one in the same. :whistling:

[BarefootWarrior]

I can't really give you tips specific for game design, but I can give you tips for college in general.

 

If there's one thing I learned last year, it's that you need to be able to balance your social life with your academic life. If you focus solely on your studies, you're going to burn yourself out in no time. The same thing goes for your social life; if you focus only on hanging out with people and blowing off your school work, you're going to have an extremely hard time catching up.

 

That being said, in the year that I've spent as an engineering student, I am now a master at procrastination and a master at getting stuff done... They seem to come as one in the same. :whistling:

 

I certainly understand the procrastination and getting stuff done part. As an older student, allow me to share a bit of advice. I went back to college at age 50 for Graphic Design, a two year program. I was amazed at how fast the pace of the program was, but I stayed with it and was even able to help out the other students. Here is what I have to offer...

 

While in your program, learn your weak points and define them, and don't be afraid to ask questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question.

 

Learn your strong points, know where your skills and talents are leading you...focus on those skills and develop them.

 

Don't be intimidated by other students, this seems to be a common issue with younger students. No doubt there will be one or two in your program who think they know more then anyone and have no issues in showing off, none the less, they may have some things you can learn from them.

 

Be organized! This is a big one, and always back up your work.

 

Never turn in assignments or projects late...never. It is better to turn in an assignment / project that may not be completed on time, then late...never miss a dead line. More often then not, the instructor will give you more time to complete it, but turn everything in ON TIME.

 

Work together if possible, share ideas and have some one look over your work if possible, especially proof reading.

 

Learn from your mistakes. Accept responsibility for your mistakes. This is just part of the learning process and you do learn from your mistakes.

 

Learn to accept critique and give it without sounding personal. This is one thing that some folks have issues with and take comments / critique personally. Critique is always good and it is a tool that can work for you if you allow it. More experienced folks may give critique that may sound cold or harsh, but these folks are (usually) professionals who don't have time to waste and things may be said rather bluntly...expect this and don't be offended. Get used to it.

 

I wish you the best of luck and I wish programs like this had been available for someone like myself twenty years ago. Good luck and enjoy what you are doing. :thumbsup:

[bloa2]

Thank you for all the tips guys, I really appreciate it a lot. It's been intimidating first, but as time goes on, I think it's going to be a very fun course :)