Topic: What do I do?

I've got a massive choice to make. I've basically gained a BA and an MSc but this has led nowhere except further study. I have a chance of starting/ continuing a PhD (which I'm quite sure that I'll never finish), or starting all over again and doing a level 3 Video Game Art course (I do want to make games or help making games but I have no experience of actually creating this content). What the hell do I do? I'm 31 years old.

What am I thinking, of course I have to do the PhD. It's way too late to change paths now.

What subject is the PhD in, if you don't mind me asking? Is there any connection you could make between your studies and video games?

In general, I would say it's definitely not too late to change career, this is becoming increasingly common (I'm considering it at the age of 42).

@BongoBongo123 I changed careers in my late 30s - Graphic Design to Electrical & Electronic Engineering - so it's never too late. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy and basically had to spend most of my free time studying while I worked full time, but it was definitely worth it.

Presumably you're quite creative despite having no specific video game art experience? Video games art isn't really the type of thing I'd expect someone to go into when their only artistic experience is knowing which end of the pencil is the drawing end 😂

@BongoBongo123 Why 'of course continue with PhD' if you don't think you'd finish it? If you're not into it and it's not in a subject that you're digging anymore, what's the point?

Your career change is inspiring, thanks.

Loool, I am artistic in certain ways, and I know videogame structure (if that even means anything), but yeah I don't have any mandate in this area. I was inspired and helped by videogames as a kid, and I want to help future kids through my videogame design that's why I want to gain the skills to develop games.

Guess that's a good reason?

Studying is basically all I know. It's all I've done since I was like 17. Except for getting paid to stand around in museums.

@BongoBongo123 In my experience, any course involving creative art usually want to see a portfolio of past work before they even consider you for a course, so you might find it tough to get into if you've no previous experience/nothing to show.

Any reason in particular that you want to go with game art rather than, say programming, QA testing etc?
Back when I was studying Graphics in the 90s I had a part time job in a DIY store, and one of the guys there left to become a QA tester with Codemasters IIRC (he had just finished studying Accounting & Finance and couldn't get a job as an accountant). Haven't kept in touch, but a while back I heard he'd been working on GTA online for Rockstar as a producer of some kind.

This.

@BongoBongo123 I'm a little confused on the "starting/continuing" part. Have you started your Ph.D. or not? As someone who is currently working on their Ph.D. dissertation, I will give you the one piece of advice I got that is completely true. Absolutely do NOT go for a Ph.D. if you are doing it to continue studying or because you like learning. Only do it if you feel called to that path in life, or it will wear you down and you will never finish.

As someone who has finished their PhD but did so with much pain (and considered quitting multiple times), I second this.

Doing a PhD is stressful as is, and it will be all-the-more-so if you feel bitter about not taking the leap and going for what you feel passionate about.

Did you mention your PhD field? I would only suggest doing the PhD if it supports your career goal in any way. There are some PhD fields that might be useful towards the gaming industry in general as a career path, but I'm not sure about video game art.

@Royalblues Yeah I remember the wait for BOTW. I actually didn't think I'd live to play it. Can't believe its been out for over 5 years now. I'm passionate about games. I think they help kids get through the transition to adulthood. I've written articles for thenerdstash.com and other sites. I just have no experience in the actual development process.

I've got videogame wiriting experience. But that's it. Guess you've got to start somewhere. Also, I used to work in Gamestation about 10 years ago. Not that that will help too much lol.

Basically I was doing an Archaeology PhD, that was all theoretical, so basically only making use of others writings, such as journal articles, with no empirical component. But, I got into some trouble at the uni (the uni was top 15, I'm kicking myself for letting the opportunity slip) and also failed my one year thesis advisory panel meeting. They gave me 6 months to improve but I just dropped out.

I've now got into a 'not so good university' to start in September, studying the same thing. My field is human origins. So I look at material evidence from the Mid Palaeolithic to the Neolithic and try to deduce what was going on in the people's minds who created said material culture. So the field is Cognitive Archaeology.

I do like my subject, and I'm keen to work hard. My new supervisors will guide me in a different direction to my previous one, so I think I have a chance of passing.

The thing is, will I regret not trying to gain the skills to make games? If I leave it even later I might really regret it? I'm also writing a book, again on human origins, so I could be doing that while I study videogame art.

@BongoBongo123 If you think you'd truly enjoy both paths that makes things easier. Changing fields is tough, but assuming you're young and free of any dependents, there's plenty of time in your career to try out one path and then go for the other if it doesn't take your fancy.

It's quite cliche, but I'd say go with your gut. As in, what you feel will genuinely make you happiest - regardless of any expectations you or others have put on yourself, or any preconceived notions of what you think your career should look like. It's important to be as honest with yourself in this decision as possible.

But I'm no career advisor. I suggest you see one, actually - professional advice on these matters can be very helpful.

It's definitely something that you need to consider deeply as it's a huge decision.
A PhD is such a huge commitment but it absolutely opens many doors, even in unrelated fields, as the PhD process itself is the main skill base in a lot of people's eyes rather than the specific topic.

I can see that your profile says you're in the UK so you shouldn't have too much issue if you ever wish to emigrate but a PhD lets you apply for many VISA applications as an "Alien of extraordinary ability" and other similar designations with different countries.

Is moving into the Video Game Art field something you specifically want to be your career and main source of income or would you rather it be your passion project and hobby that you work on and perfect over time while other things cover the bills?

I really wish you the best of luck with your decision and how things go forward for you

Being 'an alien of extraordinary ability' sounds attractive, and I am interested and passionate enough to get a PhD eventually. A problem is that I struggle with my mental health and also addictions. I wake up so depressed most days until I take prescription medications which make me feel better. I think I should just accept that I have no career at the moment, and take things easy. The PhD will be part time. I've decided I probably won't make the career change. But might still write and (obviously) think about the games I'm passionate about. I should just be happy with what I've got and what I've achieved.

Honestly, you don't need expirience to make games. I'm 12, but I make visual novels. If you wanna do it, do it.