College

#1 You should probably think about what you want to specialize in. Most university/colleges are known for different degree programs, and sometimes even specialties within degrees. I'm a little out of touch with this, but for example, if you were into programming computer graphics, the University of Utah used to have top notch faculty doing research in computer graphics. If you were more into AI programming, Utah might not be the place for you.

#2 I'm of the belief you can get anywhere if you try hard enough. For example, Richard Garroit never went to college and made the first (arguably) first person game, Ultima Underworld. Do your math, do your physics, read up...and just program.

Of course this is just my opinion. I go to RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) and am going for a degree in Software Engineering.

#3 Another thing to look into is colleges focused specifically on game development. I added the only two I know of to the resource section. They are Full Sail and DigiPen. I believe DigiPen is connected with Nintendo.

-Bryan

#4 Speaking as someone who teaches at university (not in computing BTW), I think you should aim for a college with a good (well-funded) computer science department.

Basic programming skills are a must. You should find most colleges with serious computer science departments will be able to teach you all kinds of theory. Theory might seem silly as you are learning it, but you will thank yourself for the effort many times over if you learn the detail early.

I always separate practice from theory. If you want to become a games programmer, get practice. You get that from fiddling, joining mod teams and trying to write your own games.

College should ideally arm you with the techniques that will make you a great programmer. If you learn how to write fast sorting algorithms, handle complex data structures, and do computer graophics theory, then it will give you powerful tools that will allow you to think and code fast.

I'm not saying college is the only way to go... but it's a great way to get lots of stuff into your head fast, and it saves you a lot of pain later.

But remember, college just gives you the tools. It's up to you what you do with them. You can be a game programmer without college - a good one even - so why not take the best of both world. Code games while at college!

#5 also game companies prefer if you have a degree in some sort of computer science or something similar. i am not a programmer, and probably won't become one either, but i have read that you have a better chance on goin in with a degree, than without, unless you are super spectacular and can wow them with your mad progamming skills. then you might have a chance.