Hello, I've been reading a good few forums, posts, websites, etc. about this, and still can't decide. So, going to post here, and see what happens. ;) So, currently I'm going to University in Canada for first years Computer Science. My final goal was, and still is to enter the gaming industry, initially as a programmer, but now I'm uncertain. I am not enjoying Computer Science at all. I thought I would, and was completely sure it was my degree of choice, but this is no longer the case. Programming does not seem to interest me. This could be due to my lack of preparation in mathematics in high-school, or simply because I'm not understanding the subject. I'm dropping out for the rest of the year, to either change my degree direction, or to simply strengthen my Calculus (which was a huge struggle thanks to never taking any classes in high school) and to iron out my programming. And then restart taking Computer Science courses again. I always thought logic and maths was one of my strengths, now it feels like quite the weakness. Anyways, so I'm thinking about changing direction, but am quite unsure how to proceed, as programming/Computer Science seemed like my only option. Game Design has always been something that has interested me, and that I discussed with friends. Coming up with the concepts and gameplay ideas for a mock game (with the hopes we would eventually create once we learned how) was always enjoyable. Though it is almost impossible to find an entry-level position. The other option is 3D modeling/animation. Wouldn't say I'm much of an artist, though would say I am creative. Can't draw to save my life... but always enjoyed playing with Maya and 3Ds Studios when I had the chance. Not so easy to know what exactly is my passion, but Game Design I would somewhat safely say is one, though it could change so easily with experience. I would see it as my goal to work towards (as I know its not an easy job to land, specially with no experience), but if it is a goal I want, it will happen eventually. Just need to follow the right path to make it happen. Yeah, I'm still quite clearly don't know exactly the direction I want to go. I thought it was programming, but it seems like it is not for me. Thus design seems like an option as it is interesting, enjoyable from what I've done, and something that as always intrigued me. Though without any real-world experience, it is impossible to really decide my direction. I guess I really need to try more and all the options. Got a good few months to decide, though as it stands, I'm leaning towards Design as an eventual goal. Anyways, sorry for the list of everything, should probably get to the point. There is a University here that offers a program called Game Design and Entrepreneurship, it is offered by the faculty of Business and IT. It includes multiple aspects of Game Design, with an emphasis on business and being an Entrepreneur. Now this course sounds amazing to me, as its extremely broad and seems really interesting, including the business side of it. I would most likely Minor in e-commerce or marketing in the process. The final degree is a Bachelors of Information Technology though, after 4 years of study. It covers almost every area, from audio, animation, modeling, programming, etc. Which makes me fear it is not specific enough to land me a job. How would this degree fair in finding a job within the industry, eventually working towards entering a design position? I hear a lot of stories, that anything with Game Design within a degree is almost worthless, and ignored, and unsure about the IT part also. It sounds like I'd enjoy this program, though not sure of its worth. Or should I just somehow try stick with the CS and see if it improves, even though currently I'm hating it. (strong word I know). Thanks, much appreciated, NiveouS [Edited by - NiveouS on January 15, 2010 1:43:42 PM]

So, besides discussing game ideas and playing games, what does interest you? That's probably the most important starting question.

To be frank, just because you like playing games and discussing game-play ideas doesn't mean you'll actually like game design, which, despite the name, is actually work. Pretty much every gamer likes discussing game ideas, but I doubt many of them enjoy writing 40-page game design documents.

Now, I'm not saying you wouldn't enjoy game design, or that you'd be bad at it. What I am saying is that you need to set aside that assumption and critically think about where your passions are, keeping in mind that Game Designer typically isn't an entry-level position.

Edit:
Also, in case you hadn't already seen this, here's a link to Tom Sloper's site about this sort of thing.

Yeah, I've looked at that site, and understand fully what you're saying. Thought about that for quite a bit before.

One thing I enjoyed a lot, was working with the NwN Editor, and currently the Dragon Age toolset. Though I never took the step to work on a large project. I know that's not really Game Design, it is Design none the less.

Well, obviously I love playing games. Would be quite absurd wanting to enter the industry whilst disliking games. But, I don't think it stops there for me. I believe I would enjoy it as profession, though I can't predict that.

But basically, for now, I need to decide what degree to work towards. I don't see myself continuing with Computer Science, programming is not enjoyable. Though following what it says on Sloperama: "You should major in computer science if you are a budding programmer - if your family and friends are always commenting about your constant devotion to your computer, if you are always trying to figure out how stuff works, and if you are always fiddling with some new language or routine. EARTH TO ASTRONAUT: You should not major in art if you are a budding programmer."
I am almost exactly that, besides the new language/programming part.

I've almost never taken any art classes since I can't/never learned to draw. Though I did do often desktop publications during High-school and for parents. Using Photoshop to make signs/menus/logos/graphics for their businesses, etc. Though that is Graphics Design, but yeah, that is as far as art has gone for me. So, not sure about an art direction, though I've always enjoyed design, as it is something I never end up doing/trying, and any direction towards animation/modeling will need drawing beyond any doubt. Guess I could learn if its my direction, but it is a thought.

How does a Bachelors of Information Technology fair in getting a design/creation position within a the industry, preferably not exactly in IT though. The contents taught in an IT degree program seems to lean towards my interest. Being more hands on/not as extremely theoretical as programming/CS. But, I'm assuming a self taught programmer with Bachelors of IT compared to a CS graduate would have no chance when compared, all things equal. I know I need some form of degree, I require myself to get one.

Anyways, thanks for the reply :) So difficult to decide without any real experience.

hmm, that is an idea. Was tempted to go Graphic Design before, kind of forgot about it. Thanks for the suggestion. =)

Decided not though since I can't draw/paint at all.

To throw another idea out here, assuming you have a bit of leeway on how fast you work your way through college, you may want to think about taking electives/entry-level classes in some of these other areas to see if you like them.

Going to rethink the graphics design option for now. Sadly they don't seem offer anything similar at my current university, but can always move.

Tom Sloper - I read the majority of what you wrote a while back. It really is a great resource, and I want to thank you. =)
As for my usage of the word worth, let me rephrase that sentence and rather say, I'm not sure about my job options would be with such a degree. An IT degree focused on Game Design and Entrepreneurship. It is quite an interesting combination, but is so general and broad. This IT degree doesn't seem to cover much networking, database management, administration, etc. that the majority of IT courses usually offer. Though I do love the Entrepreneur part.

I guess my main problem is that I don't know exactly what is my passion. And I can't really tell what it is. Will have to think/experiment/decide. Beyond any doubt, I want to pursue this passion. Doing a job I dislike is not an option for me, not unless it has high prospect of moving up to something I want.