Continuing Education Options

[Saffy]

As many of you know, I have recently graduated from university with a degree specialized in Game Design. While I am happy with this degree, I am very interested in continuing my education. In particular, I would love to get into Creative Writing and hopefully at some point combine my two passions.

Would anyone happen to have any advice for such a situation? Should I be attempting to go for a Master's degree, possibly with a minor in Creative Writing? Or should I go down the road of having two Bachelor's degrees? One would be in Game Design and the other in Creative Writing. Should I just hold off for now altogether?

The last year of my life has been spent trying to find work in the game industry which has progressed slowly. While I do believe I could work on my portfolio and eventually get a job, I simply cannot stand this state of nothingness. I've wanted to get into writing for some time and I feel I have an opportunity to do so. Of course there are major issues such as my already pending student loans and the fact I can't afford more. Yet it's probably better to open more options now or even take on more debt now while I'm still young. I don't know.

Also, I'd love to use this opportunity to move to British Columbia.

[Guitar Smasher]

I'd go for a master's, not necessarily in game design though. Once you do get a full time job, you'll get paid better and that will help with your debts. Another bachelor's would take more time, and I don't think you'd be compensated as well. From my perspective, a person with more expertise is more desirable than a person with more 'rounded' abilities. I'm sure your first bachelor gave you enough of a rounded education to get you by.

If you're trying to get into the game industry, I don't think creative writing will benefit you much. You probably are more familiar with the scene, but I imagine they're mostly interested in technical skill and experience. Of course it's probably something worth listing as an interest on your resume.

As an aside, I'd like to say that the game industry needs less 'story' people. Game stories are always bad, and there isn't any 'potential' for improvement in the industry, unless they actually hire real writers.

I understand your feeling of needing to get out, so I want you to apply to something before the deadline. I don't like the idea of you feeling stagnant for a whole new year.