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 Game Development vs. computer science
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TheCatsMeow




PostPosted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 6:51 pm   Post subject: Game Development vs. computer science

Alright, so I'm tryin to decide which is a better decision.. I'm torn on whether I should go to a computer science course, or a game development program.

I want to go into video game programming, but I don't know for sure if it's better to go for computer science or game development. I found a school in Toronto that has a course strictly for video game programming (George Brown). But I guess I'm still looking for some advice here. Has anyone gone to George brown video game programming course? Is anyone planning on becoming a video game programmer? If so, what kind of course are you going into?

Any information would greatly be appreciated. -Cats.
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Tony




PostPosted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 7:07 pm   Post subject: RE:Game Development vs. computer science

a diploma from "some College" doesn't really compare to a degree from a known University.
Latest from compsci.ca/blog: Tony's programming blog. DWITE - a programming contest.
ProgrammingFun




PostPosted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 8:37 pm   Post subject: RE:Game Development vs. computer science

Universities are definitely better and if you want to go to college, I have heard that Sheraton college has a very good rep in Toronto for their game design problem (though I may be mistaken). You should possibly PM SNIPERDUDE to ask about such programs because I believe that he is taking a similar one (again, not completely sure).

However, I would recommend University because a computer science degree will leave you with a wider range of future careers so you would arguably have a better chance of finding a job if, for example, game developers are not in high demand sometime in the future.
SNIPERDUDE




PostPosted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 9:03 pm   Post subject: RE:Game Development vs. computer science

Yes, I am taking Game Development at George Brown. I must say this: if you are not passionate about it, don't do it. Really that applies to any career, just wanted to get that out there. I personally love the program, it is really integrated with various large game dev groups which makes it so easy to actually get a job afterward. I'm my first semester in, and one classmate I know has already been hired because of scouters.

The game development program is very art based, because it focuses on the concept art, assets, modeling and animation, even more focused topics related to game development.

If you want there is also a game programming course here too, which covers programming for video games (using Unity 3D and Unreal engine too).

You should also know (and also is my favourite part), each year (including 1st year) all the game development, programming, and design (the post-grad program) students collaborate and make a game, which is then showcased at IGF. In first year, we are creating the assets (artwork) for a 2D game.

Note that if you want to do programming, I suggest university. If you want to be making 3D models, designing games, or animating I'd suggest this program (a bit of programming is covered too, but it's not the focus).


Hope that helps.


PS: If you find yourself stuck on a decision, try this; flip a coin on it, and go with your gut feeling towards the result of the flip and not the result itself.
Tony




PostPosted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 9:25 pm   Post subject: Re: RE:Game Development vs. computer science

can't really place the source, but
Quote:

When faced with two choices, simply toss a coin. It works not because it settles the question for you, but because, in that brief moment when the coin is in the air, you suddenly know what you are hoping for.


@SNIPERDUDE -- thx for weighting in on the program and what it's about. My initial statement is heavily biased towards actual programming and science of such. A University education is not necessary the right choice for producing media assets.

It's just that media assets are not necessary for great games, if one can program well. Minecraft and VVVVVV come to mind. Even the first Portal was on the simple side of media assets.
SNIPERDUDE @ Sat Nov 26, 2011 9:03 pm wrote:
a bit of programming is covered too, but it's not the focus


Then again, kids will argue about "zomg, teh graphics!" and gameplay be damned. So I guess it depends on who you are trying to sell to.
Latest from compsci.ca/blog: Tony's programming blog. DWITE - a programming contest.
TheCatsMeow




PostPosted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 1:36 am   Post subject: Re: Game Development vs. computer science

Wow! Some great responses. And, as for universities.. I can't go, I am taking college math and English which is usually a big part in that. And I am really enjoying the sounds of George brown. I guess I was just wondering because I really want to program video games and be apart of that industry, but some people at my school are trying to turn my head the other way, saying that it's better to go comp sci because being a video game programmer doesn't really have a long job life.
RandomLetters




PostPosted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 2:02 am   Post subject: RE:Game Development vs. computer science

The resounding message I get from people is that computer science is a lifelong learning experience. Even with a degree in video game programming, that does not mean that you will be limited to only video games. So much of programming comes from learning outside of school. I think very few good employers will choose people based only on the name of their degree after a few years of experience have come into play.
TheCatsMeow




PostPosted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 2:21 pm   Post subject: Re: Game Development vs. computer science

Wow! Some great responses. And, as for universities.. I can't go, I am taking college math and English which is usually a big part in that. And I am really enjoying the sounds of George brown. I guess I was just wondering because I really want to program video games and be apart of that industry, but some people at my school are trying to turn my head the other way, saying that it's better to go comp sci because being a video game programmer doesn't really have a long job life.
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ProgrammingFun




PostPosted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 3:30 pm   Post subject: RE:Game Development vs. computer science

Why did you just re-post the exact same thing?
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