Advice to students studying or intending to study the Bachelor of Digital Game Design should focus on the unique qualities and challenges of the program. This is a dynamic and constantly evolving field where creativity and technical skills are combined. In this context, advice for students can be listed as follows:
Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Technology and the gaming industry are constantly changing. It is important for students to keep abreast of industry trends, new game engines and programming languages to stay current. This requires them to proactively manage their own learning process and continuously acquire new skills.
Developing Creative and Technical Skills: It is important to focus on both the creative and technical aspects of the program. Students should develop their design and artistic skills while at the same time strengthening their programming and technical skills. This balance increases the chances of finding a job after graduation and offers a wider range of careers.
Portfolio Creation: Students should create a portfolio of their own work throughout their studies. This portfolio provides a great advantage in job applications after graduation. Displaying their projects, designs and games in this portfolio shows potential employers their skills and creativity.
Teamwork and Communication Skills: Game development is often a team effort. Students need to develop communication and teamwork skills to be able to work effectively in a team and express their ideas clearly. This plays an important role both in student life and in their professional careers.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: The challenges faced in game design and development require the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students need to think about the user experience and mechanics of games and come up with creative solutions.
Internship and Industry Experience: It is important to do internships and gain industry experience as early as possible. These experiences give students real-world experience and increase their chances of finding a job after graduation.
Working on Personal Projects: Working on their own game projects outside of class is an excellent opportunity for students to develop their skills and showcase their creativity. These projects both strengthen their learning process and contribute to their portfolios.
For students studying in the Digital Game Design Undergraduate Program or considering a career in this field, these recommendations can help them overcome the challenges of the program and graduate successfully. The difficulty and competitive nature of the program requires students to pay attention to these recommendations and be proactive in achieving their career goals.