Game Design Schools

[GRINACE]

I'm not sure if anyone has brought this up but I'm looking into colleges for video game design and I really don't know what I should be looking for in a school. So far I've looked up the art institute of Pittsburgh, which is a couple hours aways from me. Theres the art academy in San Fran which i hear is the best place to go to. then full sail which I'm not really gonna think about. lastly i found a place in Chicago. I don't know, any thoughts on those places or any recommendations? I'm mainly looking for animation towards games...

[Philip K Dick]

Rap is the Soul of a Man! Go Beyond the Impossible and Kick Reason to the Curb! Perk Up Your Earholes and Listen REAL Close to the Theme of Our Team Dai-Gurren!! (Short Start Edit)

[billy]

Go to Digipen and don't fail/drop out

[GRINACE]

Meh, Im not really planning on going across the country but i will look into digipen.

[Hnilmik]

Dang it, my sister was checking out the Art Academy in San Fran we were up north just a while ago, but I wasn't sure if she was looking into game design (she's more interested in illustration, with game design being a side interest)...

I will say from what I remember though, as a private school, it's kinda pricey and its buildings are scattered throughout parts of the area. Fortunately, they have a private shuttle system that can take you to and from the buildings you need to go to (having a car in San Fran sounds like murder). Their dorms are part of the tuition, I think is what it's called, so a chunk of the pricey-ness is pretty much where you're staying if you choose to stay there. Since that school is pricey to go to in person, they do offer something like a years worth of online courses you can take. They only transfer so many units from another school; less than most universities, if I recall correctly.

I wish I remembered more...

[rtil]

digipen is the only real school in the country geared towards "video game design", and if not that then it was the first. things have been kind of rocky the past few years, however the program is getting stronger. the students there now are much stronger in 3d than i ever was.

also, it's much cheaper than your typical art university

[SHADOWFOX2]

I can imagine San Fran's more expensive not just because it's private, but just because California's where the main gaming industry is in America
That being said, people in that industry who are hiring are most likely to be familiar with that academy and then spread out to Digipen and everywhere else
Of course after you're seen coming from the Academy of Art, you may be looked at with higher priority, but you still have to have the skills to back it up.
That place seems to have everything you like to do from what I've seen, but you have to go where you can afford
Online classes are great, but they're no substitute for face-to-face networking, which is what I've been doing to get my foot in the industry
...go Grin!

[Hnilmik]

I heard that there're a LOT of voice acting auditions for video games in San Francisco and according to the folks at the Art Academy, it's mostly working professionals who are teaching. I know there's a 2K Games is in San Fran, but is it, like, a hot spot for game design there (more or less like Washington being a hot spot of sorts)?

'Cause SHADOWFOX2 does have a point with face-to-face networking and aside from universities/colleges/conventions, I can't quite think of many opportunities to meet other game developers and whatnot.

[ghostinglostfan]

I go to community Collage, I dont now if they offer video game class