A huge dilemma that decides the next 4 years and a degree.

[Nivlacart]

Currently, I'm serving time in the army. My 2 years of conscript service is about to come to an end, and throughout the depressing journey I've had hopes that once I finish, I'll move over to Japan, Tokyo, find a game company, get my foot in through the door and work from the ground up.

My other option is to get a Bachelor's degree in Game Design, of which the university I visited today for a question and answer session.
When I expressed that I love game development, but I've already wasted 2 years of my life in the army and I'm not sure whether it's worth spending another 4 years to get a game design degree in an industry that... arguably doesn't seem to look at papers so much?

They gave me some sound advice that didn't sound like pandering to make me join their school, but just... advice.
They said things like there's so many game devs out there right now, if you don't have a huge skillset, you won't make it. A skillset that a university with professionals from the industry can provide.
That if my main goal in the long run is to work in an overseas company, especially Japan's, paper qualifications are more important than I think, because I'm going to have to convince them to hire me over a local which is much more readily accessible and cheaper to hire.

But if I finish this degree, I'll be 28. It might not be that old but... I feel like, this is the job I've wanted my whole life, what's the point of knowing what I want to do early on in life if I can only start at 28 years old...? I want to hurry and get out there, learn on the job what exactly I need to know. But they're saying I won't be able to even take the first step unless I'm incredibly lucky.

I only have one game released under my belt, and I know I'm lacking in many things, but these many things I expected to only be able to learn in the workplace. Would it be worth 4 years to learn more than I have to in a university?

I'm really stuck. I really need some advice on this from fellow game devs or people who've been there, travelled to another country to find work and have had the same problem.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bgillisp]

First, 28 isn't that old. I graduated at 30, so you're still 2 years behind me.

Second, have you thought about going part time for a while as you sort this out? As in, take a couple classes and work at the same time? Sure it will slow you down, but this way you can see which you like more.

 

[Milennin]

For me, definitely work. I've studied for years, but somehow ended up with completely different work regardless (actually got the kind of job I really wanted), so basically all that time I've spent studying has been pretty much for nothing. With something like game design, I'd think being able to show solid results from having done something within that field of profession is much more important than studying for 4 years but have nothing besides the papers to show for it - but what do I know?
You could study for 4 years, and then find out it's not really what you wanted after all that time - that you'd rather be doing something different, and you'd basically have done nothing but waste your own time. Or go to Tokyo now, try to get into a company and start doing the stuff you've always wanted to do. And if that doesn't work out, well, at least you didn't lose 4 whole years on it.

 

[Hudell]

If you have already released a game by yourself, then you're already much better than most people. Having finished a game weights more than having a degree.

 

[Llareian]

First of all, I'm not going to vote on your life decisions. That's...just asking for trouble. I'll give you some things to think about, though.
Secondly, I don't work in the industry, so take what I have to say about it with a grain of salt.

As bgillisp has said, 28 years old is nowhere near old to be starting something new. You'll look back and laugh when you get a little older that you actually said the phrase "2 years of my life" as if that's some kind of monumental thing. I know it feels that way now, because you're young, but 2 years is a very insignificant amount of time in the long run. Maybe things are slightly different in Singapore, but in the US, people START new careers in their 30s and 40s all the time.

While that university is definitely trying to sell you their product, they also have a point. The industry is SO saturated with people who know they can be great at making games, if only they're given a chance! Most of those people are wrong. Most of those people have no idea what actually goes into making a game. Going to university is a way to prove to a future employer that you're serious about this. You're not just another kid who loves video games. You know this is going to be hard work, it's not going to be fun and games, and you've actually seen what the industry looks like and you still want to try to get in.

Also, my brother is a programmer, and his employer out of high school sold him on the idea that he didn't need a college degree; he could get all that knowledge with on-the-job experience. However, five years later, he was still working the entry level jobs because they only promote people who have degrees...they can afford to, because so many people do. He's now almost 40 and has only recently found a job where they appreciate that his talent is far beyond what he could have gotten with a degree. Programming in the US and game development in Japan may not be the same thing, but just take it as a note of caution; just because you can get your foot in the door without a degree doesn't always mean you can be successful without one.

If you just want to make games without dealing with corporate businessmen and answering to someone else's demands and deadlines all the time, you're not going to accomplish that in the big games industry, and you might be better off starting an indie company by yourself. But even there, both a college degree and work experience in the industry can help you.

I agree with @bgillisp that you should try a couple of classes to see if college is for you. See if you can get an internship at a game company to see if working right away is right for you. And definitely do what you're doing now, and try to seek out the advice of people who actually WORK in industry. Check out Extra Credits on YouTube...they're a group of people who've worked in the industry for years (in the US). They do lots of videos about seeking employment, and they also answer email questions.

Good luck!

 

[metronome]

First of all: I played your game. And hey, I played it to the end in one go. It was great experience! I remember it being one of the IGMC2014 winners, isn't it? Congrats!

Before we are moving on to your inquiry, I will have to tell you that: No matter what I say, you will have to promise me that you will be the one that make the decision, not me, nor the others who tell you their opinions. Your life decision is not democracy. By reading further beyond this sentence, you agree that my answer is just a mere opinion of mine and your decision is your own responsibility alone.

Okay. Here is what I think:
1. If your LIFE goal is working in a company (doesn't matter if it's a game company or not), then getting a degree is a pretty good idea. You will need it, be it as a "stepping stone", "insurance", or "certificate of self-quality". Remember that you do NOT always need Bachelor degree in game design to actually work (and be successful) in a game company.
2. If your LIFE goal is making games, then you should consider taking "fast track" Bachelor degree (eg. 2 years bachelorship program) and make sure you get another game out (and published) before you graduate. Forget Tokyo for now.

Judging from your inquiry, I know my answer won't be sufficient, so if you are willing, I would like to know one thing: "Why Japan?". You don't have to answer that question if you do not want to, but I believe it will give us more insight on your inquiries.

 

[Nivlacart]

Thanks everyone, of course I'm not being pressured by anyone to stick to their advice and make my decision based off it.
I'm trying to get as many opinions as I can before I make it a decision. It's really tough to decide.

And thanks to everyone who's said they enjoyed my game, that's always the greatest, happiest feeling ever every time I read it. It's what made me decide this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
I chose Japan, knowing full well I could be grouped with the weeaboos; but my reason was purely that most of my favourite games are from there, and I have a Game Designer idol (Kazuya Niinou) that I would someday love to meet and perhaps even work with. I don't think I respond well to the heft of huge western games XD

 

[Kyuukon]

And thanks to everyone who's said they enjoyed my game, that's always the greatest, happiest feeling ever every time I read it. It's what made me decide this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
I chose Japan, knowing full well I could be grouped with the weeaboos; but my reason was purely that most of my favourite games are from there, and I have a Game Designer idol (Kazuya Niinou) that I would someday love to meet and perhaps even work with. I don't think I respond well to the heft of huge western games XD

Based on what you wrote, I understand you love making games (inspired by eastern media) and want be recognized as a prominent figure in the industry and make a living out from that. Well... that's not uncommon, right? However (this is my personal opinion), I don't think your plan is quite... good.
Spend 4 years in college (that's probably not free) and then... move to Japan to try your luck at the industry? and if you're lucky enough to get hired by some gaming company then what happens? Spend the next years as a code monkey (because that's what they mostly look for) without a saying on how the direction of the games you work on goes? I don't feel that's what you're looking for at all.

Let's not dwell into the past too much. You've got some experience in making games and you're young. That means you're not completely starting from the ground up.
If I were you (which I'm not) I'd probably work for a few years leveling up my skills while working part-time (if you need to) and making more gamez. Then, if you still feel like it, I'd use the money you've saved to move for a few months to Japan and test the waters. But honestly, I wouldn't expect much from Japan lol. I believe you're dreaming a bit too much o.o especially the part where you mention you'd like to work with your idol (which is fine... to some extent...). But you're picturing Japan like the dream land, basically how most weeaboos do -I was one of them-, no offense.
I think your life goals (which seem legit so far) can be more likely be accomplished by setting up your own indie game company where you live (even if you fail because it isn't easy) and from time to time visit your "dream land" and see if you can get lucky and form some kind of partnership with a portfolio under your belt. But then again... you'll also need to learn japanese for that lol.

Good luck!

Edit: I voted "Work" but I think you should delete that poll. This is not a democracy, this is your life lol!

 

[LRDean_Socks]

I'm only 23 so my life experience is not large by any means. O_O And I have no idea what would be the correct path for you, but I can relate to wanting to hear from others and gather information before making a decision. I did the same right before I went to college. You know lots of googling "Is art college worth it?" kind of stuff. However, I can explain my experience and advice and see if it will help in your goals.

My college experience
I went to college for 4 years for art. I am a year out now. During that time I learned there are hidden values in college/ university I did not come to think of before starting. First I didn't go to a "Art Specific" college, because art colleges want all your money (There expensive O_O) I simply chose to get a degree that was "close enough" to what I wanted. I was worried not having a degree the was exactly specific to what I wanted to do would cause me problems, but I have sense seen benefit from having a vague yet broad degree. Not to mention it saved me money in the long run. However, besides the piece of paper and the education itself I found the "networking" experience to be the most benefical. Thanks to the people I met and the opportunities I took while there, I was able to become part time at a Museum....a job I never thought of myself having or enjoying. Though its not digital art, I've come to be able to work on art on the side as well as have a job to pay bills.

For you, or anyone else you never know what kind of opportunites you might come across when attending a university. So, if your looking at a college, I would delve deeper than whether they simply have the degree you want and look and see what programs and opportunites they offer that could benefit you career wise. Perhaps they have a close internship program with a company? Or there are professors with great connections, or perhaps a foreign exchange program where you could experience a year in Japan before moving there. Maybe see if they will let you do "independent studies" I did two. You basically get a teacher and make up a class the school doesn't offer because you want to study something specific, and your sponsoring teacher determines how to grade you. Thinking of exchanges I talked to another schools college professor and they had a student interning with an actual mangaka, he found the opportunity himself and I think was able to manage it throught the school. So, that also kind of shows how some choose to make there own opportunies as well, even if they are not available traditionally.

Some advice.
I would continue to collect information. You could go visit more colleges or talk more to the college you want. See if they have an "Alumni conection program" where they can connect you to a alumni of a similar major and see how there experience was. Maybe ask what skill sets would that college offer you toward your resume and determine if you feel the amount of benefits balances out with the cost of 4 years. Compare the skill sets needed for the different jobs you would want and determine if there are avaiable to gain there.

Its all about gathering data to make an informed decision I feel. I think asking here was apart of that and a good choice on your part. You've already talked to a college so it's obvious this isnt your only point of research. I wish you luck on everything.