Looking for a game design course

[DevilsFruit94]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum so i wasn't sure where to put this thread. Anyway, I am looking at several institutions that offer 1-year game design courses such as Learn3d and Friends of Design. I was wondering if these institutions are well reputed and if you guys have any other recommendations yourselves.

As a last note, i am situated in JHB and that might make a difference as to where i enroll.

Thanks everyone for your help!!

[PsychoFish]

Don't waste your money, do a 3/4 year degree or diploma first and then do something additional and shorter to assist in your journey.

[Mister 44]

Yeah, I think I agree with PsychoFish. If you are into graphics, do a graphic design course first. If you want to program the engine, go study programming. It's much more boring than just diving right into the fun stuff, but it will give you much more of an edge in your work and help you develop your own style. Nothing is stopping you from doing some online gaming specific design courses while you study either.

[Solitude]

I agree with PsychoFish. By studying something specifically for games you are limiting yourself tremendously without gaining any advantage.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by game design since neither of the two institutions you mentioned seem to have specific game design courses.

If you want to become a game artist then those courses may be for you because I'm not sure if universities offer 3D modelling and animation courses. If you want to become a game developer then rather go for a Computer Science degree.

*edit*
Mister 44 beat me to it while I was googling things.

[brendanvb]

Are you looking specifically at correspondence study? If not, I'd suggest having a look at The Animation School (http://www.theanimationschool.co.za/...esburg-campus/). While not specifically game design (the focus is on CG films), most of what you would learn is used in that field. Their courses are very expensive however, but I've heard great things about them and one of my friends was placed at Triggerfish Animation Studio (they made Zambezia and Khumba, among other things) following the completion of her studies.

[Josh78]

I think you should go to college or find an advisor in this area. Because game design requires you several skills that need not only theretical knowledge but also practicing, which college will help you out.
Or you can learn bingo yourself by joining online course or forum about this area.
Good luck!