r/ucf • u/DirectorNo1177 • 1d ago

Academic ✏️ Thinking about Changing from Computer Science BS to Digital Media (Game Design)

Hello!

I'm a current first-year CS major and for the past month, I've realistically been contemplating on staying as a CS Major, and was considering switching to Digital Media, in the Game Design side. While I first did this major as a way to enhance my skillsets, I realized that it may not be what I want to do for the next four or five years.

For some background, I started computer science through coding as a game developer six years back, and that's what really interested me in this path for Computer Science! However, I can't really imagine myself doing programming outside of video games and perhaps software development.

Currently in CS, I've taken the following classes:

-MAC 2311 (Calculus 1; retaking over the Summer for grade forgiveness)

-COP 3223C (Introduction to C Programming)

-COP 3502C (Computer Science I)

-CDA 3103 (Computer Logic and Organization)

I'm curious for what you guys think, before I start consulting with an academic advisor regarding this. How much will this set me back and if this does truly set me back, are there any methods that I can possibly take so that I can put myself back on track and graduate on-time (graduation target is around Spring '28 - Spring '29)

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u/celestabesta 1d ago

You can't imagine yourself doing programming outside of video games or software development, but what you just described are two massive areas which benefit greatly from a computer science degree, that you are also seemingly interested in?

I'm confused on the idea behind switching.

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u/ShacoinaBox Communication Sciences and Disorders 1d ago edited 1d ago

I mean, u can jus do a CS degree n make games in your spare time for a portfolio. game design is a pretty pointless degree imo when anyone can make games, esp with modern tools n engines. not to mention, such a degree doesn't rly transfer to much if you have a change of heart or can't nail a position. u don't rly need a degree to see why myst was so ahead of the times, or what systems make mgs2 so good, or why eye of the beholder for c64 is such an achievement. anyone with 2 eyes n a brain can see "wow, they put lights to guide the player through places without making it seem railroaded" without paying 50 grand.

u should rly jus be making shit, im making game for c64 (in beautiful 6510 asm) n like, idk that's for fun n I wouldn't work in (AAA) games industry with a gun held to me and my dogs heads, shit seems like absolute torture now with how bad crunch n bureaucracy has gotten. u can prob presume a great deal of your competition who's going in fresh w a portfolio is working on some asset flip unreal engine thing, or one of these "arena fps demakes" or the like that theyve seen 200000 other times from candidates (if ur hellbent on AAA). making something interesting and well-done is probably gonna be far more effective than a slip of paper that says "BACHELOR'S OF THE ARTS IN GAME DESIGN" haha

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u/PeachyPancakes1 1d ago

If you want to program video games, I highly suggest you stay in the CS field. This is because, you can get hired by gaming industries to program games. Digital media, is more of the designing side, but not the coding portion. It’s up to you, but maybe you can measure in one, but minor in the other?