May I have a little professional advice too?
by Mariah Osmundson · in General Discussion · 02/19/2002 (12:33 am) · 4 replies
Hi, my name is Mariah, and I'm 20. I am a little new here, but I did have some pressing questions to ask the pros like Jim there did.
This may sound weird, but Jeff Tunnel here is one of my heroes, I loved his games. I like to think I was raised in the "Golden Age of Computer Games". Sierra (and obviously Dynamix) games were my favorite. Games with real heart. Those are the kinds of games that I want to make. Games that actually were good. I think it's sad, some of the junk that's out these days.
I had to ask you guys, how did you make it into the gaming business? Is it unrealistic to dream of being the person in charge of creating a game? To have an office, good health insurance and a reliable paycheck? I wanted to be (And still do) the next Roberta Williams.
I also am enthralled with computer animation.
So I ask, do I go to college? Do I get a Computer Science degree? Do I HAVE to know codes and C++ to be a game designer? Do you think I should go for the computer animation degree, even though it's $50,000 more than the Comp Sci degree?
What I do know, is that it comes down to your passion for the medium. And I have the strongest passion in the world to make good games, and computer animate.
Does passion mean you can't worry about the 50 grand you don't have? Or supporting children you may have in many years from now?
And how do I get an internship and a good repoir with a gaming company without college?
What do companies look for? Do they hire on your degrees you have, or by merits alone? Is it better to work for a company, or start your own? Should I represent myself AS a company like so many people do on Garage Games.com? I know I am overloading you with questions, but I have such a passion for computer games. GOOD games like Willy Beamish, King's Quest, Space Quest, etc. I wish they made games like that still today. I want to be part of bringing them back. Do you have any advice to give?
Thank you for your precious time.
-Mariah Osmundson
This may sound weird, but Jeff Tunnel here is one of my heroes, I loved his games. I like to think I was raised in the "Golden Age of Computer Games". Sierra (and obviously Dynamix) games were my favorite. Games with real heart. Those are the kinds of games that I want to make. Games that actually were good. I think it's sad, some of the junk that's out these days.
I had to ask you guys, how did you make it into the gaming business? Is it unrealistic to dream of being the person in charge of creating a game? To have an office, good health insurance and a reliable paycheck? I wanted to be (And still do) the next Roberta Williams.
I also am enthralled with computer animation.
So I ask, do I go to college? Do I get a Computer Science degree? Do I HAVE to know codes and C++ to be a game designer? Do you think I should go for the computer animation degree, even though it's $50,000 more than the Comp Sci degree?
What I do know, is that it comes down to your passion for the medium. And I have the strongest passion in the world to make good games, and computer animate.
Does passion mean you can't worry about the 50 grand you don't have? Or supporting children you may have in many years from now?
And how do I get an internship and a good repoir with a gaming company without college?
What do companies look for? Do they hire on your degrees you have, or by merits alone? Is it better to work for a company, or start your own? Should I represent myself AS a company like so many people do on Garage Games.com? I know I am overloading you with questions, but I have such a passion for computer games. GOOD games like Willy Beamish, King's Quest, Space Quest, etc. I wish they made games like that still today. I want to be part of bringing them back. Do you have any advice to give?
Thank you for your precious time.
-Mariah Osmundson
#2
As for college, Experiance will often outweigh courses, but dont let that stop you from going if there is something you really want to learn.
Well I've babbled enough. In short, If you want to create games, get a vision and go for it.
Just my opinion and the way I feel about games. I too miss the Kings Quest, Space Quest and Ultima type games. But they are gone and the only thing in the future is what we make now. And that can be anything we imagine.
Bruce
02/19/2002 (3:51 am)
While I am not a pro, here is my opinion, You have a vision and a passion. If you want to be in charge of making a game you can be. Create your world on paper, flush out your vision and then find people that are interested in helping you make that vision into a game. Chances are there are people looking for the kind of game you want to make. Find people wanting the same kind of game, figure out what skills they have and work with it. There is alot of talent here at Garage games and an excellent community. Keep them focused on your Ideas and let them add thier own. As for college, Experiance will often outweigh courses, but dont let that stop you from going if there is something you really want to learn.
Well I've babbled enough. In short, If you want to create games, get a vision and go for it.
Just my opinion and the way I feel about games. I too miss the Kings Quest, Space Quest and Ultima type games. But they are gone and the only thing in the future is what we make now. And that can be anything we imagine.
Bruce
#3
I belive you (anyone) can do anything you put your mind to. If this is what you want to do with your life then it's possible only thru hard work, time and a little luck along the way.
Calvin Coolidge said "persistance is omnipotent".
I live by that.
Best Wishes
Randy...
P.S. I heard of a place called full sail, it's a game training facility. Check them out maybe. I don't have a URL but I am sure you can search for them.
04/18/2002 (11:04 pm)
You said you wanted a reliable paycheck. That mean working for an established firm. That means you will need to pick a specialization. Such as Artist, concept, 3d, programmer, writer, or other. Then you will need either formal education or experiance.I belive you (anyone) can do anything you put your mind to. If this is what you want to do with your life then it's possible only thru hard work, time and a little luck along the way.
Calvin Coolidge said "persistance is omnipotent".
I live by that.
Best Wishes
Randy...
P.S. I heard of a place called full sail, it's a game training facility. Check them out maybe. I don't have a URL but I am sure you can search for them.
#4
I myself am a university student in project and company management. When I graduate I hope to get a job at an established firm here in Europe. Project managers are really needed in order to manage the entire game making process on a medium to large scale.
Point is, besides all the designers/programmers/etcetera there are many other kinds of people involved to make a succesfull game. Maybe you like marketing. Snoop and ask around and see what kind of function fits you best. You're only 20 so time enough to study for it if required :-)
Happy hunting!
04/19/2002 (1:56 am)
If you really want to make it in the gaming industry but you cannot code/design etcetera, look for other functions that are needed.I myself am a university student in project and company management. When I graduate I hope to get a job at an established firm here in Europe. Project managers are really needed in order to manage the entire game making process on a medium to large scale.
Point is, besides all the designers/programmers/etcetera there are many other kinds of people involved to make a succesfull game. Maybe you like marketing. Snoop and ask around and see what kind of function fits you best. You're only 20 so time enough to study for it if required :-)
Happy hunting!
Torque Owner Matt W
Now, if they rereleased those games I doubt they'd be met with much praise. Looking back compared to what we have now, they were more "progressive" games than anything.
Hopefully, if Deus Ex is any sign games with solid gameplay and a great storyline will become the norm. Those "old school" games really had dull gameplay... I mean look at every sequel to all those games. Similar puzzles, identical gameplay... either way, it was the story and characters over the gameplay.