UDXInteractive

Hello, thanks for your question! My attitude towards post-secondary education has changed over the years and from the time I went to university to now the programs have changed.

I think getting an education in this field is very important for many reasons, the type of analytical, business, technical, creative, thinking needed is best suited to education from a post-secondary environment.

When I went to school there were no "game design", "game development", etc programs you went into a general program and then had to learn the rest on your own. With today's program offerings, I think post-secondary is a great choice for getting into this field.

With that said, I find that most post-secondary education does not teach students about the reality of business. If you're looking to open your own studio you will need to know things like how to do taxes? How do you manage cash flow? How do I negotiate the best possible rates or contracts? How do I handle employee conflicts or issues that can arise? How do I set non-toxic, inclusive policies? etc. I find post-secondaries teach students how to be "workers" not business owners (at least in my limited experiences)

As well as focussing on industry-specific knowledge such as game engines like Unreal or Unity it requires those wanting to be in this industry to learn tech on their own. So as with many things today, it requires extra work "a side hustle" if you will allow it. This industry changes and there are so many things to learn. I think university helps but it isn't the only thing you need.

TL;DR

I think university is important as a part of a balanced game developer's career, but only a part.

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Thanks for your question!

Hi there, Thanks for your question!

I'd say gamers that enjoyed retro rpgs would like it the most. This is our first game as a studio, it isn't a game-changer (yet) we are learning. It's a fun 10 hour RPG that has a cool AI that changes things in the game. If we are successful we hope to continue to iterate on this genre and really make something crazily different. We already have designs for a much larger game changer game for this series. This is our first step on our way to that.

Keep in mind that RPGs are the most expensive and difficult to make of the games, it needs a story, graphics, gameplay, everything. Usually, it requires a lot of iteration to get the game right. Look at Final Fantasy as an example compare the first one to VII remake. It takes time to do it right, but when it's done right it's magic.

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Thanks again!

Hello and thanks for your question!

My history is a little odd I didn't get into game development in a "typical" way. I started out as a software developer, moved to project management for professional services, got a "lucky" break to get into a studio, learned the craft as a PM, then moved to produce.

So I learned how a studio ran based on another studio that took about 5 years. Then one day after having earned that company a few million dollars, I realized I could do this on my own.

I incorporated my studio and applied for government funding (I'm from Canada and we have highly competitive programs that allow game developers to fund their projects with help from the government). I put all the knowledge I had gained into one application and won. We have won a few and lost a few.

The MOST important part about this: It comes with highs and lows. Don't go crazy spending your money on the highs... and don't give up on the lows. When I say don't give up, at the lowest points we had to come up with new ideas, and think how we could change "lemons into lemonade". (Sorry for that reference).

It's about keeping a balanced approach and looking for solutions to what seem like company ending problems. There are times I said to myself I'm just going to shut this down. Yet I'm still here.

The next important part, Imposter syndrome it's real and gets to most of us. Don't let that feeling bring any of us down or cloud judgment.

And one more: There is a purveying attitude in new indies that "my idea" is the next big thing and people want to keep their ideas quiet. While it is important to protect IP (with NDA's, etc) Asking for help, discussing with others in the industry, and forming partnerships are how this industry succeeds.

so to summarize:

1) Get experience

2) Learn, Learn, Learn

3) Figure out the cashflow, the best you can

4) Don't try to build outside too far outside your means (2 people do not build an MMO like WoW or ESO)

5) Keep balanced in your decisions.

6) Don't let fear, stubbornness, or commitment to a singular game or idea hold you back. Be willing to change, adapt, and survive.

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Thank you for the question!

I learned by working in the field and observing how a successful mentor did it. Don't be afraid to learn from mentors or advisors! It's really one of the keys to success in this industry. I talk with my mentors at least 1x a month and I have one or 2 for each of the important parts of my business.

Thank you, and don't worry about messaging your mentors or anyone really, your persistence and intelligence will impress people and open doors. But definitely learn where the boundaries are! I've stepped over them a few times and it isn't pretty lol. I wish you the best of luck in you endeavors and write me back when you've achieved your success! I'd be happy to be the first to congratulate you :)