Can't Decide!

[Rybo5000]

My lifelong goal is to open my own developmen studio, before then I intend on working for another company for experience.

What would be best:
A degree in business with a part time games course on side.
A games degree with a part time business course on side.
Or try to find a double degree (not many)

[tsloper]

"Best" is subjective -- nobody can tell you what is "best" for your individual and unique situation and criteria. Study that which you are passionate about and that which you need to achieve your goal. If you want to get a game job, then you need to learn the skills to make you hirable. A "game degree" may not be what you need. Read:
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson7.htm
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson34.htm
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson40.htm
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson44.htm
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson25.htm

[Rybo5000]

My problem is that im passionate in both. I wondered if either option would be more beneficial to my goal.

I wasn't looking for answers, more opions to help me.

[Adrir]

It doesn't matter. Either way, the important thing is for you to develop all the skills neccessary for you to follow your desired path in your own time. Neither option will provide you with everything you need. It is up to you to familiarise yourself with the advantages and the disadvantages of each approach. It is also imperative to factor in your individual circumstances. Nobody can understand these as well as you can.

Would I be correct in assuming that you are interested in a role as a producer before forming your own company? Although it isn't an entry-level position, it is a role in the games industry that involves business and management.

[Rybo5000]

Sloperama is very useful, helping me make decision sheets.

As for first job? Producer would be ideal yes but as you said it's not entry level so I'd probably program.

[tsloper]

Originally Posted by Rybo5000

1. Sloperama is very useful, helping me make decision sheets.
2. As for first job? Producer would be ideal yes but as you said it's not entry level so I'd probably program.

1. Good!
2. If you want to break in through programming, what you really need is a Computer Science degree. You can try the game school if you want but that's better as a follow-up program, rather than as your first foray into advanced education, speaking generally.

[Rybo5000]

Originally Posted by tsloper

If you want to break in through programming, what you really need is a Computer Science degree.

Would this lessen my possible future business though? Or perhaps a short future course in business to coincide with a main programming degree?

[tsloper]

Originally Posted by Rybo5000

Would this lessen my possible future business though? Or perhaps a short future course in business to coincide with a main programming degree?

You are of the mistaken notion that a degree that you get now predetermines what you will be able to do later in life. Get over that notion.

A business course would absolutely be beneficial should you manage to become a producer.
A programming course won't teach you about business, but taking a programming course doesn't prevent you from taking a business course also.
You should make a decision grid, and if that doesn't show you a decision, then go with your heart, your gut. http://www.sloperama.com/advice/m70.htm

[Rybo5000]

It's surprisingly a difficult decision.

I'm worried a game course (whether it be design/art/programming) will restrict my potential in the business world opening my own studio. But I also don't want business to dominate and restrict my creative input into the games.

I have made a decision tree but even then it came out very close, 7 to 6 in favor of business course which isn't exactly a significant win. I'm currently making stricter decision sheets on individual courses from each uni, hoping that'll help.

[tsloper]

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you. Good luck making that decision. (Hint: it'll be fine either way.)