Computer Science or Game Design

[Jakester8908]

Im in my second year of college right now and I was going for a Game Design Major until today a friend of mine suggested that I should go for Computer Science major instead of game design because they are not hiring gamers and they are more into the computer science types because they are more flexible with programming languages than Game Design Majors. I have asked a friend who used to be a programmer for companies and she said the same thing. I know that I might get the same answer here but I want to come here and confirm that this is a better idea. Should I stick with Game Design or pursue Computer Science instead?

[tsloper]

My opinion on the question: mainstream degree or game degree?
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson44.htm
http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgam...game_Jun09.php
http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgam...game_Jul09.php

You have to make your decision based on numerous criteria. Like for instance not only "what does poster A on GameCareerGuide say" and "what does poster B on GameCareerGuide say" and "what does poster C on GameCareerGuide say" (because each of us will say something different) but also "how long will it take me to pay off my education this way vs that way" and also "how much of what I've done so far is applicable, should I make a switch" and "if I finish this program I'm in, what else could I do to really boost my chances of getting where I want to go?"
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson25.htm
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/m70.htm

[tsloper]

Follow-up. I just noticed, Jake, that you are asking whether to stay with Game Design or switch to Programming.
In that light, I have one question: Are you passionate about programming? You shouldn't switch into programming if you aren't.

An article I wrote about choosing a degree:
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson34.htm

About passion:
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson40.htm

[rascal]

You should choose what you want, stick at it and become specialised in that one area. You will be more valuable to a company if you are an expert in one area than an novice in a lot of areas. Think what you will enjoy more and persue that. Currently in the UK there are distance learning courses that specialise in game development and game design. I thinbk that says a lot about the modern structure of the industry.

[Fant4stic]

I see myself right now in a very similar position, but i'm already in my last "college" - year. I'm 80 % sure that i will get along with CS instead of Game Design. My arguments were:
- after several opinions and experiences i heard here, Game Companies fairly hire entry level game designers, mostly you get through QA or programming into the industry
- if you study Game Design, you should still look for making some practical experiences, through internships oder something similar, probably not so easy to get such an offer
- if your attempt to get in the game industry fails, you still have lots of possibilities to work as a programmer (for example ERP) until you can try it a 2nd time

so far,
Phil

[sellyanes]

Computers have become an integral part to American life, but career interest is declining. Can a renaissance be found in something as simple as a video Game Design is a new undergraduate degree program focused on the construction........