Picking Modules (Games Design)

[Mad1Cow]

Hello people of the internet!

I am a student at a university studying a course known as "Multiplayer Online Games Design" where we learn how to become loveable game designers. It is the start of Semester 2 and I have an optional module coming up, but I have no idea which one to pick.

The available modules include:
-Introduction to Narratology
-Introduction to Audio Engine Design
-Games Engines & Physics (Part B)
-Introduction to 3D Modelling (Part B)

Introduction to Narratology looks at the importance of Narrative story telling in games and explores how it is used in games today to portray a story.
Audio Engine Design looks at music in gaming and explores how one would use it effectively in an engine.
Games Engines & Physics (part B) is a continuation of a module from last semester where we have to make a game using the UT3 engine. Last semester we made a CTF map for multiplayer uses and this semester will focus more on a single player level.
3D Modelling (part B) is also a continuation where last semester we designed 2 weapons, this semester will focus more on vehicles.

I've already decided that I don't need to do 3D modelling anymore because I've already learnt the basics and with practice I can easily improve in that field. That and it wasn't too much fun last year. I need to decide which of the other 3 I want to study, only I can't set my mind on just one.

SO I ask you people to help me decide...which of the remaining 3 do you think I should study?

 

[LupusDei]

Really it all depends on you as a person, What do YOU enjoy being a part of the most?

The storytelling aspect is what I would be drawn to personally, because thats what I enjoy most in games, the story.

 

[Mad1Cow]

Well the point was I enjoy all of them equally...I was wondering if anyone thought that one specific module would be more beneficial in the industry than the rest? However I do think that the story is a very important aspect to look at in the industry and while effective audio is important, I feel it's something I could pick up later to learn. Also the games engine is for the UT3 engine only, so if I went to work for somewhere that doesn't use that engine it may be time wasted...

 

[SturmDolch]

I think the game engine module might be the most beneficial. You can learn all of them in your spare time. Hell, you can learn anything in your spare time thanks to the internet.

But story and narrative really comes down to the individual and is, in my opinion, best learned by playing games and writing stories, not sitting down and listening to a professor's 5 step program to "correctly" writing a story.

I feel the same about the audio.

But game engines and physics is technical. It's right or wrong. It will also be the hardest one to learn by yourself.

Also the games engine is for the UT3 engine only, so if I went to work for somewhere that doesn't use that engine it may be time wasted...

Don't think your time would be wasted. Game engines are different, sure, but learning one won't be a waste. You will gain experience in using an engine in the first place, which will make it much easier to learn to use new engines. It's the same idea with programming languages, or even branches of math. Learning calculus won't be useless if you decide to learn algebra after.

But really, it all comes down to what you would want to do if you were to work for a game studio. Do you want to be the writer? Take the writing course! Want to make sound? Take that! Want to actually make the ideas become reality? Game engines it is. If you're still not sure or believe you would want to make your own game, I suggest taking the game engine one.

 

[Heart of Darkness]

I'd say take Game Engines and Physics B. For one, knowing how to modify and manipulate the engine that runs the game is going to give you more tools in the future for you to use. Plus, if you are making a game out of it, you can use that as a demo for your portfolio to help facilitate getting a job.

Out of the three you want, I'd suggest taking Narratology as a last resort. You're a designer, not a writer, and story takes a backseat to online multiplayer. Why burden your players with a load of story when they're taking heavy fire from the opposing team? It doesn't make a lot of sense to distract them like that.

 

[burningdragoon]

Narratology? That's seriously a word? Sounds like a word I would make up.

Also the games engine is for the UT3 engine only, so if I went to work for somewhere that doesn't use that engine it may be time wasted...

A word on that. First, UT3 is still a common engine being used. Second, it doesn't matter all that much if you never actually use UT3. What is more important is that you show that you can work with something and are familiar with concepts and whatnot. That pretty much applied to most things you can study.

Edit: also to answer you question, I would probably go with the Engine and Modelling courses.

 

[Anarchemitis]

Narratology is a fascinating study. Go for it the whole way, man.

 

[Penguinness]

I am a student at a university studying a course known as "Multiplayer Online Games Design"

That's all I needed to know to realise you go to Staffs Uni. Why aren't you on staffsgamesdesign +_+

This course is a huge jumble of modules that won't do much, except perhaps get you an idea of what you want to do in the future. If you decide that faster, then the more beneficial it'll be for you I guess. It would help to know why you picked MMO Games Design and what you plan to do with it.

Though it's too late to change modules, I do wonder what you picked. In fairness it doesn't matter all that much as there's engine, modelling (maybe) and narratology modules in the later years (I didn't do the first Narratology but aced Advanced, now doing MMO due to easy marks. I do the normal games design so I don't get the same set of modules as you, plus they update the course yearly).

 

[Snork Maiden]

Spoiler: My Original Post

I second what burningdragoon and SturmDolch say: game engines would probably be the most useful, especially if you don't wanna do 3D modelling. I'm looking for jobs right now - I don't wanna be a games designer but out of curiosity I had a browse through some listings with games companies, and more than a couple had "experience with a game engine such as the Unreal engine or Hammer," so learning the UT3 engine can only be a good thing.

I'd absolutely avoid narratology. I'm sure it's fascinating, but I'd say your veering rapidly into modules that arne't helpful from a career point of view. Assuming you want to be a programmer or something almost every place I've applied to or seen doesn't give a fig about soft skills like that as uni modules. Having an interest in Narratology might give you a tick, but taking a module in it won't look as good or be as useful as almost anything else.

I personally think Audio Engine Design *sounds* fascinating, but I don't really know what it actually entails. I just liek music ^^

EDIT: HAH I need to learn to read dates. Advice coming in here WAAAAY to late to be useful.

 

[Mad1Cow]

I happened to pick Games Engines & Physics 1b at the end of the day for all those I've left hanging. On a side note...

I am a student at a university studying a course known as "Multiplayer Online Games Design"

That's all I needed to know to realise you go to Staffs Uni. Why aren't you on staffsgamesdesign +_+

DUDE!!! WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!!! I bet I've passed you several times now or what would be even creepier is if I'm already good friends with you...highly unlikely though...

Anyway, YEAH WHO ZEE HELL ARE THEE!?!

 

[Penguinness]

Yeah probably not, don't think I know any first years =P