Hi, I'm really interested in pursuing a major in video game development. Does anyone have any suggestions for colleges that offer this major? Also, any advice on how to prepare myself for this field during high school would be super appreciated. Thanks!
Hi! It's awesome that you're interested in pursuing a major in video game development. There are quite a few schools that offer game development programs, and here are some to consider:
1. University of Southern California (USC) - Their program in Interactive Entertainment is highly regarded.
2. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) - They offer a Bachelor's program in Game Design and Development.
3. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - They offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development.
4. NYU Tandon School of Engineering - While not a major, their Game Engineering minor combines computer science and game design and would be a valuable addition to your major in another field like computer science.
In terms of preparing yourself for the field during high school, I recommend the following:
1. Build a solid foundation in math and computer science - Take courses like calculus, physics, and computer programming, as they are critical skills for a game developer.
2. Create a portfolio - Start developing your own games or modding existing games. Document your projects and create a website to showcase your work.
3. Participate in game development clubs - If your school has a game development or programming club, join it. If not, consider starting one!
4. Attend game development events - Participate in game jams (where developers create a game in a short amount of time) and attend conferences if possible, to listen to leaders in the field discuss their work.
5. Learn game engines and programming languages - Get familiar with popular game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine, and learn languages like C++, C#, and Python.
6. Network with professionals - Reach out to game developers on social media or through email to ask for advice and learn from their experiences.
Good luck in your pursuit of a game development major, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.