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Game-Related Education On the Rise At Colleges
The LA Times has a story about the increased interest in learning how to make video games amongst college students, and the subsequent rise in game-related education as the schools respond to that demand. Some programs are gaining legitimacy, while others do perhaps more harm than good. Quoting:
"The surge in interest has led schools to add games to their menu — but not always to the benefit of its students. Recruiters say they often see 'mills' that run around-the-clock sessions to quickly churn out as many students as possible. Other programs teach specific skills but not how games are pulled together. 'It's a very hot academic growth area,' said Colleen McCreary, who runs EA's university relations program. 'I'm very worried about the number of community colleges and for-profit institutions, as well as four-year programs, that are using game design as a lure for students who are not going to be prepared for the real entry-level positions that the game industry wants.'"
The economy is in total meltdown, and the best our academic institutions have to offer is more video games. When are they going to follow the leads of Harvard and Yale and give us the fine leaders like George W Bush, John Kerry, Ben Bernanke, Barrack Obama, and the head of Lehman Brothers. Running the country into the ground, now that's a REAL degree!
This is my sig.
...those ITT Tech and other TV commercials who advertise making games after 2 years. That's bullshit...
So true, I know a buddy who attended one of these institutions and couldn't even write a simple "Sprite" Class.
Upon inquiring further, when asked what a Sprite was with respect to game programming, he replied "Uh..it's something that moves!"
Needless to say, you wont be seeing his name in any game credits anytime soon.
but I dream of programming a guitar game....
Here's what you tell your friend: First you write your Lemon class and your Lime class. Then after you add the carbonated water, you have your Sprite class. Or if you want to cheat, you can just use inheritance and rip off your 7-Up class. I made the Dean's List easily.