GrandMaster B. (a.k.a. Brian Hook): Is one of the programmers for Id Software and was instrumental in the developement of Quake II and Quake Arena. Another one of Brian's most notable programming talents was the development of the first version of the proprietary 3dfx 3D graphical API, "Glide". Brian posts a column called "Ask GrandMaster B" on a website hosted by Billy Wilson, Voodoo Extreme http://www.voodooextreme.com. The discourse is fairly technical and sometimes brash and humorous.

Brian's answer to the question of what is a good programming school was the most eloquent answer I have heard as to why to go to college. My reason for going back to school was exactly as Brian stated you need to have drive and ambition to get the most out of it

I have reprinted the following without permission from Billy Wilson or Brian Hook.

December 23rd, 1998 - (2:00am MST)

A while back someone asked you what types of classes they should take at a university to prepare for game programming. I'd like to know if you recommend any schools in particular. What do you think of Digipen, would that be something that people should consider or do you think it's kind of gimmicky. Would you even recommend that someone go to school if they wanted to make games or would you think they should learn more on their own.

Thanx,

Brandon Hodgins

Brandon,

What classes you should take depend entirely on what type of programming that you will be pursuing.  For the most part, heavy engineering and programming classes will be the ones you want to take -- math, physics, that kind of stuff.  You'll also want to take classes on data structures and algorithms.

I don't have any recommendations for schools, since I only went to one (University of Florida) and subsequently dropped out.  I'm not familiar with Digipen.

EVERYONE should learn more on their own.  A school isn't going to do much for you if you don't have the drive or ambition to learn on your own.  At best a formal education will amplify your own innate abilities.  It will not make up for a lack of ambition, fire, or talent on your part.

My suggestion for formal schooling is this: go to school unless you have a REAL strong reason not to.  Formal schooling gives you some education into things you may not normally pursue during your regular course of home studies.  It also provides a very unique life experience, a way to meet other people with similar interests, and something useful to do while you're figuring out what you really want to do with your life.

So in the end I don't think most schools are all that useful, but I do feel that they are worth attending if for nothing but the ancillary experiences.  No amount of education will ever compensate for lack of talent, drive, or imagination.

 

The opinions expressed here are of "GrandMaster B", Brian Hook, and do not
necessarily represent those of Voodoo Extreme orid Software.

used without permission

Copyright 1998 Billy Wilson. All rights reserved