Computers in Game Development

Fordie99

Hi, I'm thinking of doing a course that will lead me to developing games. I was just wondering where are the best courses. I was looking at the one in DKIT. Has anyone done that course and if so what was it like? What is it like getting a job after the course? what will I actually be able to do after it? Many thanks in advance.

Atomic Pineapple

I didn't do it but just software development which mixed in with Games dev a bit, it looks like a very interesting course which covers a lot of aspects of game development.

But it is supposed to be very tough with a good bit of maths skill required.

I'm not sure of what prospects lie in wait afterwards there are several game development companies in Ireland but they are supposed to be tough to get into.

Scram

Fordie99 wrote: »

Hi, I'm thinking of doing a course that will lead me to developing games. I was just wondering where are the best courses. I was looking at the one in DKIT. Has anyone done that course and if so what was it like? What is it like getting a job after the course? what will I actually be able to do after it? Many thanks in advance.

I'm doing a degree in computing, our course runs side by side with the games class I.e we do a few similar subjects. my course is difficult at times so I imagine the games one is harder. Tbh I wouldn't rate the games course,as you end up with 3D modeling, java, c++ and a mix of databases networking. Im not sure what the "Games" course subjects related to games are.

I don't think it's a good course for games as it's too general and not specific enough. Games dev is about using game engines etc there's none of that. As for job prospects I don't think the course addresses enough of today's tech like game engines and mobile phone dev.

That's just my view

flyswatter

I think you would be better off doing a software development course.

The games one might put you into a certain bracket that is too specific when looking for a job.

If you do software development you are prepared for programming/software engineering jobs in general instead of limiting yourselves to being employed by games companies.

You can always specialise in games design later as a postgraduate.

This will give you the possibility of landing a job in games development but if you can't (at least initially) you have a broad, general degree to fall back on.

Hope this helps.

Scram

flyswatter wrote: »

I think you would be better off doing a software development course.

The games one might put you into a certain bracket that is too specific when looking for a job.

If you do software development you are prepared for programming/software engineering jobs in general instead of limiting yourselves to being employed by games companies.

You can always specialise in games design later as a postgraduate.

This will give you the possibility of landing a job in games development but if you can't (at least initially) you have a broad, general degree to fall back on.

Hope this helps.

Great advice, ive always said "I love playing games, but im too lazy to make them".

Edenane

Fordie99 wrote: »

Hi, I'm thinking of doing a course that will lead me to developing games. I was just wondering where are the best courses. I was looking at the one in DKIT. Has anyone done that course and if so what was it like? What is it like getting a job after the course? what will I actually be able to do after it? Many thanks in advance.

I'm currently doing the course; in 4th year. It is pretty tough, and math is a large requirement. Having some artistic ability is also a major help. Through it we basically learn the XNA framework, with some java, c++ and HLSL to back it up with. For the artistic side there are a good number of modules, and although when in second year we learned the Unreal editor, I believe that they use Valves hammer editor now, so you get some experience with some big game development packages. Also taught is 3D modelling and animation.

On the math side, there is coordinate geometry, calculus, physics and Artificial intelligence. So a knowledge of these really helps (especially if you have done some of these before).

The course itself as I said is tough, but it will be difficult to get a job out of it as you basically only scrape the surface of these things.

To be honest it requires a lot of dedication, and the only way you'll do well in the course is if you have a large interest in games development.

The overall point of the course is to teach a lot of concepts of game development and to prepare you for what the industry is like. Right now we are working on our final project, which we'll be able to use in portfolios applying to jobs.

It's not for everyone though and has a high dropout rate due to it's difficulty!