I'm in high school and was wondering what degree would be best for some of the engineering positions at companies such as Bungie.
Thanks!
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Go for a Computer Science degree. I'm one year in and loving it. Whatever your school teaches, make sure to familiarize yourself with Java and Javascript. They're very marketable languages. My school puts the emphasis on C++ which isn't as common as it used to be.
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4 RepliesEdited by Iz SnIpERBaiT: 4/30/2013 12:40:38 AMJust started in computer science, and currently on exam week of my first year in college (hard to believe it went by so quick) I'm interested in building games, but I've found that, since those early days, I've come to enjoy coding just for what it is, and I don't feel reliant on games as an aspiration to point my code at, which means, for me, I'll be happy with most any programming job, and there are a lot of them. So go ahead and get started with coding now. Somebody mentioned getting a book, but there are a TON of online resources out there that will get you off the ground and on your way to understanding how to build a kick-ass game. I got my start in high-school, and I think it's a good idea to know what you are getting into/have prior experience, so go kick some ass. Here's a couple tutorials I've used and liked. [url]http://gamedevlessons.com/lessons/game-core-tut/[/url] [url]http://xoax.net/cpp/crs/console/index.php[/url] Also, we have a group right here on bnet to talk about programming: [url]http://www.bungie.net/7_Programmers-and-Devs/en-us/Groups/Detail?groupId=39815[/url] Good luck Caboose, and be brave.
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As Hylebos points out, computer science is a great place to start, but be warned: there is a distinction between Software Engineering and Software Development. I'd recommend going into a Software Engineering or Computer Engineering program. The difference between the three, in general, is as follows: Computer Engineering: very low level, you'll have a deep understanding of what the bits you're manipulating are actually doing. This can be very useful when you are working inside a resource constrained system ( like a console ) and need to get the maximum performance possible with the smallest foot print. Computer Science / Software Engineering: slightly higher level, you won't have a nuts and bolts understanding of what's going on under the hood, but you will come away with a solid understanding of data structures and algorithms. You'll also learn about how to estimate efficiency with Big O notation, and will have the skills to create low level frameworks of your own to solve problems ( when necessary ) Software Development: This is usually higher level, focusing on the process of creating software leveraging existing technologies and frameworks. You'll know what some data structures are and how to use them, but may not have the skill to say, build a binary tree from scratch. If you go with the deeper, lower level fields of study, you may never need to work on such a low level, but having that understanding will help you write better code. Finally, the last bit of advice I've often seen given, is don't wait for college, and don't depend on college alone to prepare you. Go pick up a "teach yourself in 20 days" book and get cracking! Write games of your own, simple at first, then bigger and better as you get the hang of it. Start a little indie group of artists and engineers and collaborate to create a portfolio of games. Bust. Your. Ass. Cheers!
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As someone going down that route right now: -Computer Science -Computer Science w/ Software Engineering -Software Engineering Don't ever, EVER do a game development specific degree.
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3 RepliesComputer Science is always safe. Even if you can't get into the Gaming Industry, you can always find a Computer Science Job, the field is so huge and still growing with high demand for people who can code.