You’re considering taking a game development course. What are the most important things to keep in mind?

If your aim is to learn up-to-date skills, you'll likely have a better time learning from free online tutorials. The quality is generally as good if not better, but more importantly most of your lecturers won't have worked in the industry for years (if at all), so the information will be far more up to date. Most importantly, when you finish nobody hiring in games will be interested in where you went to university or what certificate you have, they'll only care about what you can DO, regardless of how you learned to do it.

Depending on your objectives, you might need a different level of depth, duration, and feedback from your course. Make sure you check the syllabus, the learning outcomes, and the requirements of each course you’re interested in.

I think an important thing is to keep an open mind to all aspects of the learning. Having just finished a course I can safely say that: 1. It was nothing like I expected 2. There is so much to learn in so many different areas 3. What I thought I wanted to do and what I ended up doing are 2 different things Your objective should be to explore all the options the programme will make available to you, and decide when you have had a taste of what actually is involved what you might be interested in pursuing.

If you're setting your sights on becoming a gameplay engineer, start by getting comfortable with Version Control systems like Git and Perforce, they're pivotal for team collaboration and code management. Dive into programming principles to form a strong foundational skillset and practice with small-scale projects. Practicing will gradually build a portfolio that showcases your progress and capabilities. Lastly, continuously aim to improve your coding skills; it's not just about writing more code, but about writing better code. Aim to learn from industry experts and hone your techniques. This focused approach will be your roadmap to success in becoming a gameplay engineer.

Try reaching out to alumni of courses to find out if the contents really helped them in the long run. Does the content actually reflect the goals you have?

While a paid course might seem attractive, often they're not any better than just using YouTube. But if the cost doesn't bother you and you'd like a straight forward process, it isn't unreasonable to take one. Even with that being said, *do not* take any of the really expensive courses (for example, Full Time Game Dev). You do not need to spend that much money to learn how to make games. (You don't really have to spend anything at all.)

Embarking on a journey in game development means diving into a world where various skills intertwine - from math and logic to art and music. Before choosing a course, take a good look at your current skill set and passions. Identify what you're already good at and pinpoint areas where you need improvement. It's crucial to find a balance in the course you select; it should align with your existing knowledge while still pushing you to grow. Opting for a course that's too simple could lead to boredom, while one that's too advanced might cause frustration. The ideal course should challenge you just enough, providing a blend of support and stretch, ensuring a rewarding learning experience as you step into the exciting realm of game development.

Definitely one of the most important things is to build your community. You will never become an expert in everything to do with Game Dev, building that community will allow you to tap into the skills and experience of others most more knowledge in areas you are not as skilled. I have found having a pool of friends I can call on to help solve problems invaluable. It also helps should the need arise to have a good network when looking for a job

The journey through game development is significantly enriched by the people you meet along the way. Interacting with those who share your passion and goals isn't just enlightening, it's essential. A game development course with a vibrant, active community of learners and teachers can open doors to invaluable networking, collaboration, and feedback opportunities. It's not just about absorbing information from instructors and mentors, but also about exchanging ideas, challenging concepts, and growing with your peers.

The ultimate aim to enter the games industry is to build a portfolio. While all the tools and resources are available online (YouTube, sites like Flipped Normals and Artstation Learning), attending a course offers external pressure and structured learning. Look for a course that includes multidisciplinary projects that allow you to collaborate with others and build portfolio pieces that would be challenging to achieve alone. The deadlines, assignments, and peer pressure from cohorts push individuals to accomplish more than they could in isolation using online resources. While self-learning is possible, a course provides a structured environment that can be more effective for some individuals and enhances your chances of succeeding.

Jumping into a game development course isn't just about leveling up your skills and knowledge; it's a golden ticket to building an impressive portfolio. This portfolio, a showcase of your finest creations, is your personal billboard to the world. It's what you'll use to wow potential employers, clients, or investors, demonstrating not just what you know, but what you can do. Look for a course that doesn't just teach you the ropes but also gives you the space to craft original, polished games. These projects are your chance to let your creativity and technical prowess shine. It's also crucial to pick a course that guides you on how to present and promote your games.

Some courses or programs can even offer you the opportunity to work with other disciplines and with that greatly enhance your portfolio and give you a little bit more insight into the actual work environment.

Your passion will help motivate you during the tough times when nothing works and no solutions come to mind. The fact I am making games keep me going a number of time where I think if I was studying something else I might have given up.

Do not forget ever that programing is a logic first, then a language. Exercices are intended to teach you principles, processes or syntaxes. No matter what type of app or game your end goal is, it can be divided in small chunks. If you fail developing a chunk, you either have to work it or find another way to obtain the same effect. Practice basics until you understand where to use it. Go simple, iterate, complexify, regress... do it again.

When considering a game development course, it’s important to complete one course at a time. Choose a course that aligns with your interests. Many courses offer free samples, so watch those to see if you resonate with the instructor’s teaching style. I would advise starting with shorter, simpler courses as they are easier to complete and provide a sense of accomplishment. This can motivate you to tackle more advanced game development courses in the future.