I firmly believe that formal training in the form of certification is really not that important if your abilities stand out. However, let it also be said that formal training is a necessity to a certain extent (don't follow the mass of theory-bashers... because although practical skills seem to have priority when getting a job... you will inevitably find yourself trying to expand the limitations of your brain with some good theory).
The just of it is this... learn your theory... but don't enroll in a school simply because it "certifies" you as an adept programmer. At the same time... you've got to put life into what you've learned by actually programming.
Now if you are serious about becoming a game developer... I suggest you do a few things:
1. Play lots and lots of games (and be good at them). Sounds strange to do this and study hard at the same time... but it's got to be a ying-yang. Knowing what gamers like and what different engines, interfaces, storyline, etc. are out there and how they lure (and addict) gamers will be great when you are in a job interview. Don't simply tell the interviewer that "Yeah... I play a lot of games" but break down your gaming experiences into analytical and comparative ideas (and the employer will be interested in your knowledge of what's out there).
2. Get a programming job... any programming job, but preferrably one that allows you to practice what you plan to use in game development. Who cares if you are a junior QA that simply debugs system applications... you will learn a lot if you allow yourself to... and make sure you learn on your spare time (yes... don't just play games).
3. Keep up to date with gaming technology... time is a constant... and you don't want to waste your time doing something that wasn't worth doing.
It's a constant battle with your own sensibility and judgemental processes. Success comes in making the right decisions and having the knowledge (and motivation) to follow through. Good luck.
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I firmly believe that formal training in the form of certification is really not that important if your abilities stand out. However, let it also be said that formal training is a necessity to a certain extent (don't follow the mass of theory-bashers... because although practical skills seem to have priority when getting a job... you will inevitably find yourself trying to expand the limitations of your brain with some good theory). The just of it is this... learn your theory... but don't enroll in a school simply because it "certifies" you as an adept programmer. At the same time... you've got to put life into what you've learned by actually programming. Now if you are serious about becoming a game developer... I suggest you do a few things: 1. Play lots and lots of games (and be good at them). Sounds strange to do this and study hard at the same time... but it's got to be a ying-yang. Knowing what gamers like and what different engines, interfaces, storyline, etc. are out there and how they lure (and addict) gamers will be great when you are in a job interview. Don't simply tell the interviewer that "Yeah... I play a lot of games" but break down your gaming experiences into analytical and comparative ideas (and the employer will be interested in your knowledge of what's out there). 2. Get a programming job... any programming job, but preferrably one that allows you to practice what you plan to use in game development. Who cares if you are a junior QA that simply debugs system applications... you will learn a lot if you allow yourself to... and make sure you learn on your spare time (yes... don't just play games). 3. Keep up to date with gaming technology... time is a constant... and you don't want to waste your time doing something that wasn't worth doing. It's a constant battle with your own sensibility and judgemental processes. Success comes in making the right decisions and having the knowledge (and motivation) to follow through. Good luck.