Art and design courses vs computer games

[Greenship]

Ds is in S6 (Scotland) - loves computer gaming (has taught himself coding and takes part in games jams) but is also very creative and good at art, particularly design such as graphics.

Is interested in a computer games design course but is concerned this might be too narrow as whilst ds enjoys this he isn't sure if this is what he wants as a career.

Have been looking at art degrees but not sure these really fit - part of the problem is that art at school hasn't really helped him explore different mediums widely. Is thinking that maybe an art degree with a big computer element could then lead on to postgraduate games design if he's still interested in this.

Anyone got experience of these areas/courses? Any useful advice?

My son did computer games design at a leading uni for this course. Prior to that, he had had success online with a top ranking game on Roblox. He got a first for his degree and won one of the year group prizes. After a further couple of years of working for himself online, he has been applying to computer games design companies. There is a lot of shrinkage in the area, meaning that qualified and experienced people are also in the running for jobs. He has applied for a great many and although getting through to interview stage out of 400+ applicants for each job, still no joy. He’s looking elsewhere for a job whilst continuing to work on his projects in his own time (his online income no longer brings in the money it did as popularity of games fluctuates). It’s hard to see him not to be able to pursue his dream - where he clearly has the skills and talent.

Whatever your ds studies, make sure there are job possibilities in the field after the pleasure of training.

Thank you Bimbles. Job availability is definitely one of my concerns - must be hard for you to see that with your son, particularly given his talents. I would have thought this is an issue across art and design as well but ds definitely not wanting to do a degree that has greater employability despite definitely having the ability.

My son is interested in this however is looking at more of a Computer Science degree. My concern is job prospects following graduation, since as the PP says there seems to be shrinkage in the sector and a lot of competition. I expect that AI is also causing a shift. I think that some unis are offering these degrees as a seat filler with low entry requirements so would approach them cautiously. Graduate employment prospects are important particularly given the climate that many graduates will be facing in a stagnating economy.

I've sent a private message.

My DD considered Games Art at Abertay (amongst other places) but ended up doing an Illustration degree elsewhere. Mind you, as of a month ago, she's an unemployed art-school grad looking for a job...

If you're interested, I put together a lot of the things I found about Art/Design in this thread, and there are some really useful posts from other people there too!

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/higher_education/4795276-art-and-design-at-university-for-past-present-and-future-students-and-parents?page=1

Thank you PhotoDad! Will take a read through the thread later.

There are reputable universities offering degrees in this wider field, however this would be an example of where some are offering more ‘bums on seats’ options. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c203dq6864zo.amp