Where to study Game Design at it's best

[GoddessOfWar]

So I've researched many places. I like Brunel university in London and Full Sail in the US. But there are so many more other sites/universities of which look super cool and I am stuck in a rut about which one to choose

So I need help. Many people are saying, yeah US is the place to be, since game companies are like huge there compared to the UK. But is the education just as awesome?

FYI, I am from South Africa, where Game Design, as a whole, is basically nothing. So as an international student, i need the top 5 universities you guys recommend?

Thanks in advance guys

[tsloper]

Why are you going for a "Game Design" degree?
Which game job do you aspire to?

[GoddessOfWar]

I'm completely in love with gaming, and really the world in which it exists. The characters, the levels, the scenery in games are spectacular and from the age of 14, I made the choice of wanting to be a part of the design and development.

I'm more into the design of things than that of coding. Designing and/or creating levels is what I enjoy. I wanna be the person people come to and say, "when this car crashes, it needs to explode".. So basically, Visual Effects, thats my passion, bordering on obsession.

I hope that answers your questions I'm new to this, so thanks for your reply

[tsloper]

Originally Posted by GoddessOfWar

[paraphrased] I enjoy level design. My passion is visual effects.

You can get an art degree, then. And take classes in architecture and psychology and programming. Then mod games and teach yourself level design. You don't necessarily need a game design degree.

[bookrodent]

And If some one passion is to design games, what would you may suggest ?
most companies ask for a degree in game design when you want to apply for a job in game design field.
The era of apprenticeship is over in game industry , you know, you must have the academic experience.

[tsloper]

Originally Posted by bookrodent

1. And If some one passion is to design games, what would you may suggest ?
2. most companies ask for a degree in game design when you want to apply for a job in game design field.
3. The era of apprenticeship is over in game industry , you know, you must have the academic experience.

1. A lot of experience working in the game industry. Read http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson14.htm
2. That is absolutely not true.
3. Yes, insofar as a degree of some kind is essential to getting past the HR filters, if one does not have game industry experience. http://www.igda.org/games-game-march-2010