I need advice

[beddo]

Dear Escapist readers,

I need some advice. I am considering doing an MA in game design and theory. However, I work 9-6. My employer is happy for me to do the course as long as it does not interfere with my work. I work as a QA manager for a games company.

The lectures that I need to attend are held in the daytime, so I would need to work around them in the morning and through to the late evening. This will be tough but I think I can manage it.

Now this means that I will probably miss out on workshops. My employer said that if it starts to interfere with my work then I may have to stop my MA. It's difficult because I want to do well but am hindered by time constraints and I want to do well at work.

What do you think I should do?

 

[Stalington]

Are you trying to get into a career in game design? Because you wont get very far with an actual video game degree (sure, they will hire you on the spot, but you will be tossed into the bottom rung with little hope of climbing) what you want to do is get a more broad education, like a degree in multimedia or business

 

[Zallest]

What do you do? Is your job with your employer really important? can't take up a part-time that works around your schedule?

If you really want that MA I'd suggest going for it, but if it is nothing more then a minor dream in this cruel cruel reality I'd say screw it.

 

[Reaperman Wompa]

Look into finding a new job, something that will get you through your degree, it might not pay much but if you're dedicated, a year or two in a crap heap is a fair price.

 

[Reaperman Wompa]

Studying is the most important thing. Do studying so you can land a good job.

Good Job= Money

Money= Hookers

Hookers = Sex

Sex= WOOT!

Simple math, DUH!

Hookers = Disease

Disease = It falls off

It falls off = No sex ever again

No sex ever again = defeats the purpose of making money, using your logic.

 

[beddo]

I'm a QA Manager at a games company so it would help me go forward a bit more into that area.

 

[Reaperman Wompa]

To be honest you might have to work a lot more to encorporate the studying/attending class required for the degree and if you are willing and can honestly say that you will apply yourself to the fullest, then sign up immediately. It's most likely that in the future you won't regret it, and worst comes to worst you waste a fair bit of money and time.


We can't decide for you but you've gotta take chances in life to succeed.
Good luck

 

[Jaythulhu]

The games industry was created by guys in their basement. If you really dream of being a games designer / developer, then by all means do the course. Then start work on an indie game, will be better if you have some friends with 3d / programming skills. Learn to use modding tools too, a mod for quake 2 what was got my friend employed by Auran, before they fired their development staff over the Fury fiasco. Amazingly, all it took was one arrogrant american to ruin that game.

 

[beddo]

The games industry was created by guys in their basement. If you really dream of being a games designer / developer, then by all means do the course. Then start work on an indie game, will be better if you have some friends with 3d / programming skills. Learn to use modding tools too, a mod for quake 2 what was got my friend employed by Auran, before they fired their development staff over the Fury fiasco. Amazingly, all it took was one arrogrant american to ruin that game.

That's good advice, I have 3d modelling and animation skills, I just can't code. I've wanted to make my own games for ages (No none of them are mmos) I need to find an engine that does as little coding as possible, was thinking of visual 3d.net.

 

[Alliecat]

You should probably ask people who have an MA if it is really worth it.
Many many companies are afraid to hire someone who is 'super qualified' because they do not want to pay them more money, nor keep them around for very long. And the Gaming industry is one of high turn-over.

 

[Hey Joe]

If you're looking for a learning experience, I can't recommend a MA highly enough, in any field. However, if this is to further your career, I'd recommend doing courses in specific things at a trade school so you can develop some unique skill sets that will set you apart from other applicants.