http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums Learn everything you need to know to get into the videogame industry! en Sat, 18 May 2013 19:14:26 GMT vBulletin 5 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6357&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 16:33:12 GMT I'll be heading off to college in a year, and I was looking for some advice about the options that are available for a degree in game design.

First off, I live in Ashland, Ohio. My immediate and extended family all live here, as well as my girlfriend of 2 years. For a while now, my plan has been to go to college online, possibly at Full Sail. This would have allowed me to save on living costs by living at home for a year or two, before moving near OSU where my girlfriend will be attending and take advantage of the resources they have there (clubs/groups, and an awesome library I'd be able to use).

Lately however. I've started to have concerns about how getting an online degree would affect the quality of my education, as well as how a potential employer would look at it. Other than that, my only concern is with the lack of dealing with people in person, which I feel is important to learn.

Other options I've considered are a "build your own major" at OSU (since they don't offer game design). My
Concerns with that are the same as with online: quality compared to receiving an actual game design degree from a different school, and how an employer might look at it. I've also considered the Art Institute of Pittburgh. The distance from home and my girlfriend(about two and a half hours), I coul handle. My concerns are with the extra money that I would spend on living costs, because I'd have to spend all for years away from home. I also noticed their program description doesn't mention much of the leadership, or technical aspects of game design, which is very important to me.

Ideally, I'd like to do online, while taking advantage of the resources at OSU (maybe even take a couple classes their somehow?) and not have it affect my quality of education or chances for employment.

I've had a hard time finding people to talk to about this, and I've never actually spoken with someone in the industry. I'm going to California in September, where I might be in contact with a friend of the family who works for EA, but until then, I'm hoping you guys might have some advice or suggestions. ]]> Getting Started Spudguy314 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6357 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6356&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 07:26:01 GMT Alright, let's see who is brave enough to put their entry on display now that the deadline has passed. I'll go first.

Title: No Rest For The Wicked!
Platform: Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA)
Players: 2

Central theme: No Rest For The Wicked (No Rest for short) is a two player action-strategy game played from the top-down perspective! In life, you were a pair of evil rich twins that murdered and thieved! But when a goodly wizard killed you both, he put a curse on you to never rest and banished you inside your estate! For centuries now, you have wandered the halls of your ancient home in dreadful boredom, with no way to sate your evil natures, not even a mouse to catch and torture! But what's this...?! You hear the voices of some innocent youth in the drawing room! Remembering all the young peasant boys you bullied and tormented eons ago, you both get ready to have the best time you've had in years!



Gameplay: The goal in No Rest is to scare everyone to death! Players are presented with a top-down view of the mansion, which has maze-like passages ala Pacman. In level 1, a group of teenagers enters the old house on a dare, trying to snap a picture of the ghosts rumored to live there! Delicious! But watch out - the flash of a camera is deadly to a ghost! (See 1)

Sneaking up behind a teenager will frighten them (See 2), causing them to run away from you down a passage. If you can scare them again before they recover, their heart will explode! But ghosts move extremely slow! Nimble young teenagers will always recover from their fright before you can sneak up on them again. Every time you surprise the same teenager, he will be less startled and recover faster. After enough scares, he will overcome his fear and no longer run from you. Teenagers that have become "Unafraid" will chase you, trying to snap a picture!



The only way to kill these dang pests is by working together! Plan and position yourselves so that one ghost scares the teenager towards the second ghost, who can surprise them before they can catch their breath! If you can scare your victim again before they recover... THUD! Dead before they hit the floor!

As connoisseurs of cunning, you wouldn't be happy if it was that easy though! Ghosts can move through walls, but they can't see through them! Players can only see what their ghost would be able to, so you have to be careful not to float through a wall and into the frame of someone's shot - you can only scare from behind! Several portraits adorn the walls off your mansion, which are connected portals that clever ghosts can use to set up surprises.

Eventually, word gets out that a bunch of teenagers went missing inside your old home. This draws a lot of attention, and soon the humans stalking your halls are a lot more dangerous than teenagers! Later levels include the police, documentary filmmakers with powerful spotlights, and even... a secret branch of the military with... ghost bullets?!



So show that old wizard that no curse is going to stop you from having a good laugh! After all, there's no rest for the wicked! ]]> Design bob http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6356 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6353&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 14:35:05 GMT Hello. i introduce myself first, my name its Sebastián im 25 years old and i live in Argentina. I have knowleadge in Java Programing (certified),... Hello.
i introduce myself first, my name its Sebastián im 25 years old and i live in Argentina.

I have knowleadge in Java Programing (certified), finished reading Beginning Android Games 2nd Edition (Mario Zechner), also Half-Real (Jesper Juul), and currently reading about Game Design.

I now feel prepared to get into a proyect:
Any sugestions on how to start?

I dont have any preference in programming or design or art (i dont draw a lot but i can do it) or composing music (6 years Classic Guitar player, 3 and a half years Electric Guitar player).

Of course i mostly prefer Android but getting into a proyect right away (a small team) would be a great start. I need mostly a little guide.

I mostly look forward to make games for Google Play because of how easy it is to get in the market (despite if its a good game or bad or whatever)
Ouya can be a good option too.

Thanks a lot, im looking forward to start and have LOTS of energy and time available.

Sebastián. ]]> Collaborate scanevaro http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6353 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6349&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 19:09:40 GMT Hi guys, just wondering if anyone knows what the best way to record my screen would be on a mac? I need to do a short gaming tutorial and record my... Hi guys, just wondering if anyone knows what the best way to record my screen would be on a mac? I need to do a short gaming tutorial and record my screen actions. I just want it to be the best possible quality so I can zoom in afterwards. I havent used macs much so I dont know :(

Plz help! ]]> Other/Off-Topic jasonBomb http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6349 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6346&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 01:42:43 GMT Schools I am looking at are more just regular state schools really...because they are so cheap and I will walk out with barely any debt when I leave.... Schools I am looking at are more just regular state schools really...because they are so cheap and I will walk out with barely any debt when I leave. However, they just have straight Computer Science...no game curriculum.

I did look into it more math wise, and they do have some higher math that seems useful to programmers such as two courses in Linear Algebra for the later years.

The big game design schools I really am looking at are RIT and Drexel...none of those for-profit bs scams. I mean, the programs seem promising, however its just so expensive...to the point where is it worth going in debt $200,000 or more after school?

Its not just I am going to get a degree and expect to be handed a job, I have been doing stuff on my own really. I've taught myself C++ and then easily after that C# and then Java with AP Computer Science "just took the exam Tuesday, AP Calc AB was today...and then only AP Physics B then I am done!". I've made simple little text games, and have gone to the states for a high school computer fair contest with my little tournament bracket manager program. Then even in college, I want to collaborate with people there to do even bigger more so actual game projects rather than my rinky dinky little programs. So I am hoping, the experience I will hopefully develop will really make up for it...

Tl;dr Are the game design schools worth the price compared to the regular comp sci programs at local universities? ]]> Getting Started cactaur http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6346 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6345&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 00:48:41 GMT Completed second year of college and now I have to make my MAJOR decision. START...(optional) Side short story...I have always had a knack for... Completed second year of college and now I have to make my MAJOR decision.

START...(optional)
Side short story...I have always had a knack for algorithms. Why my family and friends played video games for fun, I observed every sequence that occured. Looking for ways to devour the toughest artificial intelligence (Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 AI is awesome!) and any wannabe pro competitors. Before attending college, I built a few medicore games with DarkBASIC, and kept myself busy in programming for the headache(Linux) and fun of it. When declaring a major as a freshman for college, I choose mechanical engineering due to a interest in mechanics, but soon realized I did not bear the passion for mechanics as I did for computation, and switch my discipline to computer engineering in my sophmore year. Now I at the fork in the road between computer engineering and computer science. A interest and passion respectively. It kind of embarassing to have the thought, because of the prestige that comes with telling people your majoring in engineering, but I do not want my pride to cause me to waste my time. I recently programmed a website and almost couldn't stop thinking of the next feature to implement and now I acquired a position with my university programming electronic forms and databases and couldn't sleep because I kept programming (note I do not get paid for overtime as a student). I desire to specialize in algorithms (trying to build up some courage to take on reading The Art of Computer Programming, fortunate to find volume one thru three for thrity dollars) and artifical intellgence. I also scored an internship with General Electric as a software engineering this summer. I continue to delve myself in game programming and physics books, enjoying ever second.
END

If I decided to major in computer science, I will have wasted six credit hours: Introduction to Chemistry and General Chemistry I. The computer science and computer engienering degrees are ABET accredited at my university. Also, the computer science degree will allow me to work more time at programming the electronic forms and databases for my university, since the workload will be less than that of computer engineering. Thus allowing me gain even more experience as a programmer.

I want to be a game programmer and/or designer. I plan to build two games for an embedded OS before graduating as an undergraduate in order to build to supplement my resume for the game industry. I desire to work for DICE(Frost...bite!), NaugtyDog, Kojima Productions(FOX Engine!), or Bethesda. This being independent from what major I choose.

So whats the divide. I do not think the computer science degree at my school is as rigorous as I would desire, but I know I will makeup in my freetime conducting my own CS projects. My fear is that I do not see myself applying computer engineering because it is hardware base. Now I don't even think I needed to write this post. Well maybe just for affirmation. The other concern is finances. I'm currently 70% grants and scholarships and 30% student loans. Not heavily in debt, but a penny was too much for me. Lol!

Here's a summary below:

Computer Science
More time to delve into my interest(algorithms and artificial intellgience)
More time to work as a programmer
Software base
Passionate, would do for free

Computer Engineering
Consumes a lot of time
Hardware base
Interested, don't think I will apply half of the concepts in what i'm interested in

I apologize for the loosely expressed essay.

Now your opinion, encouragement, or guidance, etc... ]]> Getting Started agorapax http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6345 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6343&goto=newpost Tue, 07 May 2013 17:02:19 GMT I've been doing a lot of research and back-and-forth talks with Digipen recently, and am just looking to get some perspective from those who have a little more hands-on experience with the school and just what they think of their exposure so far.

A little background on myself: I live on the other side of the country from Digipen, and am a year into a Computer Information Systems degree at a local tech school. I enjoy it, and could definitely see myself making a career in programming; coupled with the fact that I have always had the pipedream of an education in game design, I've decided to go for broke (literally) and take the plunge. I will be applying this fall for the Fall 2014 semester, so this is something I still have plenty of time to mull over.

I'm an older gent, at least in regards to your average undergrad: I'll be 27 when/if I decide to go to this school. I've done the research, I certainly know the risks, and frankly, the challenge factor of a school like this is what excites me the most. I like the idea of being able to commit my time to schooling and learning something I'm actually interested in; even the cost of tuition there has done little to dull my interests (which I assume many people say until they actually start).

My questions, I suppose, are aimed toward those with intimate experience with the school, or people with the know-how to weigh in and speak their mind about it. I want to know how people are enjoying their time there, if they feel like their hard work is sustainable and if they feel like they're actually absorbing useful information. What are your fellow students like, and do you mesh fairly well with most of them? Is everybody there pretty passionate, or do some seem less enthused (which I can't possibly imagine, going to such a tailored and specific type of school)? Also, if there's anything else you can think of, such as possible books and material I could be brushing up on to somewhat prepare myself for the academic landslide I could soon experience? Speak your mind, and thanks for reading! ]]> Getting Started adam10mm http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6343 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6341&goto=newpost Tue, 07 May 2013 13:26:02 GMT Hi There

I've just signed up to this forum, I was pointed here by a programmer who knew I was a TV composer looking to make a start in the games industry.
I just thought I'd introduce myself without trying to be too spammy!

My name is Mike Bridge, I'm a composer from Guildford, UK and I currently make my living writing music for TV ads here in the UK. I've always wanted to get some of my compositions placed in a game, and I'm a big fan of composer Jeremy Soule, (Guild Wars, Elder Scrolls etc.).

[Deleted]

www.mikebridge.co.uk is my web site, with a whole host of varying styles of music on there [deleted]

Thanks for reading!

Mike ]]> Audio TheElectricMikeOrchestra http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6341 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6339&goto=newpost Mon, 06 May 2013 08:11:40 GMT Currently puzzling if i should take the course , i live in singapore by the way... Currently puzzling if i should take the course , i live in singapore by the way :)

http://www-iit.tp.edu.sg/iit_home/ii..._structure.htm

Someone check this course structure out and tell me ..( its a 3 year course )
I am interested in like modeling ,designing levels or maps( such as placing terrain and stuff) and i think a little of programming wont hurt right?
I am also a story person , love to make story and share them :)
More of a visual person and can not just stare at words and numbers ( programming )
Guys help me out will ya ? let me know if this course is just for profit or another name to attract people but the course is actually computer science ?
I need the answer quickly as i am left without much time to actually decide...
Thank you!! ]]> Getting Started physix3 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6339 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6336&goto=newpost Sat, 04 May 2013 22:24:51 GMT Did any site or individual ever examined what did game designers study? If so what are they? And if not what are probable the most common... Did any site or individual ever examined what did game designers study?
If so what are they? And if not what are probable the most common degrees/certificates they have? ]]> Design yudencow http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6336 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6332&goto=newpost Fri, 03 May 2013 05:34:34 GMT Hello fellow developers,

My name is Ricardo Valenzuela and I'm the game designer and writer for stillalive studios, writing to all of you now from Ecuador.

It was in this exact same forum where I found a thread one year ago which would lead me to be in the position that I'm now, working as a member of a distributed development team, and I'm forever grateful for the existence of this website and the community behind it.

After a year of working on the project called Son of Nor, we have finally reached a stage where we need the support of the community to go on. We have launched a kickstarter campaign which you can see here: http://kck.st/ZT8VUu and although we have started on the right foot, I'm certain that we will need all the support we can get if we want to make it.

Please give this game a chance, check it out and if you like it please back us and spread the word.

I will be eternally grateful for your help and your support, since the funding of this project will change my life forever (living in Ecuador with no game industry and no opportunities. Were migrating is really hard just because of where I was born)

In advance thanks for your time and your support.
- Ricardo

]]> Other/Off-Topic rvalenzuela http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6332 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6331&goto=newpost Wed, 01 May 2013 21:01:16 GMT Hello!

I know some of this has been asked a million times so I apologize in advance. I'm disabled (Hydrocephalus and Cerebral Palsy). There are times where my body will go numb on one side (seems like it's a daily thing), but it always comes back. I am unable to get Medicaid, SSI, or social security because I'm always being told I can work. I can work, but I struggle. I've been out of work for a year now due to health issues, but I can finally reenter the workplace. As I've been off, I've looked through many job sites, newspapers, and other resources looking for a job. Here's what I'm wondering:

I'm currently going for my bachelor's in game design at Full Sail (cliché, I know, but their program is similar to the associate's degree I earned at a local community college). I was told by one of my schoolmates that QA Tester jobs are abundant and easy to get. Is this true?

Due to my medical issues (and the fact that I have over $150,000 in medical bills I'm trying to pay off) relocation isn't possible right now. I know that most QA tester jobs won't let you work remotely, but are there any that do? I would never reveal secrets to anyone (as I'd probably forget the details anyway).

I heard something about freelance work in the game industry. What should I look for? I'm not a programmer or scripter and my artistic skill is nill.

These are all the details I can provide right now (as it's all I can remember). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! ^_^ ]]> More Careers RaptorMoonX http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6331 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6330&goto=newpost Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:22:56 GMT I'm a single 26 year old, I'm currently finishing a BSc(Hon) in Computer Games Technology (finishing up the last of the work this Friday!) and expecting to get either a 1st class or upper second class degree. I love games everything from designing and programming them to playing them but I'm currently having a dilemma.

I'm considering continuing with my studies to do a post-grad: MSc in Computer Games Technology (or possibly a MProf in Computer Games Development) as I enjoy studying and am interested in learning more about the subject particularly relating to programing with the cell processor and general console development. (plus it doesn't look so bad on the old CV ;)) Both of the courses do work closely with games companies through project work but I'm unsure as to what extent. (e.g. occasionally visiting to have a look at the work or actually spending a few days working on a project with you.)

However I am not sure if I should hold off in getting a post-grad and get a job in the games industry instead, so I can gain some real work experience. But to be honest I'm a bit nervous in getting a graduate job as my project portfolio isn't currently that great, as its mostly just uni work and old text based projects. However don't get me wrong I'm confident in what I have been taught and I am good at programming etc. It's just that my portfolio could be easily fixed by doing a bit work on my projects and improving some of my older programs, but it would require some time to make them suitable to be used as showcase pieces in-order to interest any potential employers etc.

Sorry for the rantiness of the post, I just feel like I'm at the end of the road but don't know which direction to take.

Does anyone have any experience, thoughts or advice that may helpful?

Cheers and Thanks in advance :) ]]> Game Studies dace8 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6330 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6326&goto=newpost Sat, 27 Apr 2013 00:37:49 GMT Hi I'm Daniel I'm 27, I live in England and I love computer games. I have an xbox 360 & PS3 so I play a lot of games. However my true passion is Game Design. Ever since I was little my best friend and I would write out designs for games we would like to see created one day. I have kept all of these designs over the years and constantly refined them and will one day make them for the world to play. It’s a little ambitious but this is my dream job and something I strive for in life. I am a graduate in Computer Game Design. As part of the Computer Game Course I attended I had to demonstrate the knowledge of game mechanics, narrative and the development process individually and as part of a team that consisted of other design students, artists and programmers. From a young age I have always enjoyed storytelling and this transitioned into a desire to design computer games as I find the interaction immersive. I have used my imagination and creative ability to complete original design documents for original game designs.

I enjoy playing various genres of computer games and analyzing what makes them good or bad. I understand the market and keep up with trends within the industry. I aspire to one day be creative director of my very own game development company. That's where you come in and I'm hoping that it all starts with this post...

I saw a post by another guy on another forum. He was in the same position as me but he reached out to people with the skills needed to create his dream and to my surprise there were people willing to give him a shot and it has inspired me to try the same. I am a game designer, I believe that I am here to create original and innovative games for years to come. I have tried to learn 3d modelling with Maya and 3DS Max but it was not my strong suit. I have tried to learn programming but again, not my thing. I am great at putting my ideas on to paper in a clear and concise way and explaining that vision to others. I am open to collaborate with other people with skills that I don't posses. I'm hoping that there are some people out there who are in a similar situation who maybe have the skills and the know how but no great ideas to bring to life. If this is you then we should definitely talk and come together and create some amazing games. I Just throwing it out there, not sure what sort of situation people out there are in, but if it's what anyone out there is looking for, it could be mutually beneficial. I hope what I'm offering sounds fair, so let me know.

I am looking for amateur or professional:

Programmers
3D Modellers
Level Designers
Animators
Artists
Sound Engineers
Designers
Story writers
Producers
Web designers
Marketers
Testers

This is non paid work but will become paid work eventually. Basically I am looking for anyone with some spare time to help out a young man looking to bring his life's work into existence. Once I have the team needed I plan to create a kickstarter project for funding and see what happens. This could be the beginning of something great. Join me!

If you wish to contact me you can usually find me on:

Skype: danukips
googlemail: mrchocolateblueyez@googlemail.com

Kind regards Daniel Shepherd ]]> Collaborate GDesignerD http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6326 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6325&goto=newpost Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:39:42 GMT Please check out Electronic Gaming Education, a live online training program created by current video game professionals to teach the necessary... Please check out Electronic Gaming Education, a live online training program created by current video game professionals to teach the necessary skills to work in the game industry. Now offering Power Cycles: once a week (2 hours) for four weeks. Power Cycles are super focused on a specific skill. We also have two workshops, which meet one time only.
http://www.electronicgamingeducation.com/ ]]> Announcements EGE http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6325