WITS to introduce degree in game design

I WISH I could enroll for this =) Games development was the whole reason I went in to software development in the first place, obviously that's not what I ended up doing.

It would be a great opportunity to grow as a developer. You often end up picking a few "specialisations" as a developer (or pigeon holed into). Like a lot of other people I ended up focusing on web technologies, desktop and the enterprise stack because there's lots of work for it in SA and there's only so much time in the day to keep up to speed with everything you need to know. To spend some time growing in the games related specialisations would be awesome, I've only really scratched the surface by myself.

Can I substitute a software developer CV for a good matric maths score? =)
 
Hmmm, wonder if it will be internationally accredited. Would be awesome if you can study through WITS and go work in the good US of A.
 
Oh hell yes! How cool would this be? I remember that Maties also had some research projects where they paid you to play video games. Also gave some short courses. Will look into this, still busy with my BCom.
 
Fabio said:
Hmmm, wonder if it will be internationally accredited. Would be awesome if you can study through WITS and go work in the good US of A.
Click to expand...

Why not just go and study in America, they have similar courses there, a friends son is studying there.
 
This is so awesome, I think it'll help the industry grow here in SA. If you'll have your portfolio of games when you re done, I bet many of those students arent just going to waste that degree and not work in anything game related. Wish courses like this existed before I finished High School.
 
Blackhand said:
I WISH I could enroll for this =) Games development was the whole reason I went in to software development in the first place, obviously that's not what I ended up doing.

It would be a great opportunity to grow as a developer. You often end up picking a few "specialisations" as a developer (or pigeon holed into). Like a lot of other people I ended up focusing on web technologies, desktop and the enterprise stack because there's lots of work for it in SA and there's only so much time in the day to keep up to speed with everything you need to know. To spend some time growing in the games related specialisations would be awesome, I've only really scratched the surface by myself.

Can I substitute a software developer CV for a good matric maths score? =)
Click to expand...

Was wondering the same thing would having a IT degree give one any credits for the course?
 
Weasley said:
Was wondering the same thing would having a IT degree give one any credits for the course?
Click to expand...

Perhaps you should check the website or phone someone at the University. They will be able to tell you. Would be nice if you can just gooi some creds in there and focus on the new stuff.
 
Sounds suspiciously heavy on graphic design and very light on actual game development.

Looks fun...not too sure I'd want to be looking for a job with that degree in hand though.

Blackhand said:
I WISH I could enroll for this =) Games development was the whole reason I went in to software development
Click to expand...
Are you sure you have read the article? Because this isn't a game development degree.
 
Last edited:
Tincan, perhaps it could be beneficial to check with Pippa from Verge regarding her opinion on this course. I recall her being a lecturer at Wits for animation etc.

It might be an interesting follow-up.
 
Hi All,

I thought I would jump in to answer a few questions...

@Weasley
People with previous qualifications are welcome to apply. You would have to speak to the Student Enrolment Centre about which courses you will be able to get credits for. You can find them here.

@HavocXphere
I'm glad you think it looks like fun, I hope that it will be! In terms of graphic design and game development, its important to remember that there are two separate degrees: one for the Arts, and one for Engineering. Game development would fall under the Engineering side, where the focus on software dev is very strong. The Wits electrical engineering department has a strong history of software engineering, and that degree would be technically very chalenging. Unfortunately we don't offer graphic design at Wits at all, students coming through the arts would focus on either Drawing, Music, or Writing to complement the core game design courses. Eventually they could choose to specialise in 3D modelling and animation, but that is only in the 4th year and postgraduate.

@Voicy
Pippa was instrumental in designing and championing the course while she was here. She taught animation in the same division that I am in - Digital Art. She really helped to make this all possible.

I am very excited about the opportunities that these degrees offer. Working on the courses has been a wild ride and promises to only get better from here.

Anyone is welcome to contact me to ask more about the degrees, or even just to talk games :)
 
Last edited:
Great to see someone pop in to answer a few questions. Bit late for an old timer like me, but the biggest question on my mind is, is there really a market for graduating students in SA?

It's probarly the worst feeling, having a degree and yet struggling to find work.
 
I've just graduated in comp/elec engineering and I'm doing software engineering at the moment, but would loved to have had some courses on game design/programming. It's gonna be a home grind instead. Would also help if there were South African gaming companies.
 
SephirothDVR said:
Great to see someone pop in to answer a few questions. Bit late for an old timer like me, but the biggest question on my mind is, is there really a market for graduating students in SA?

It's probarly the worst feeling, having a degree and yet struggling to find work.
Click to expand...

That actually is the problem - there isn't many opportunities in SA

However, having jumped into information engineering and obtainined 2 degrees in 5 years you keep your options open :) Never know, maybe something will come along in the future
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top