At this point I'm pretty sure that I want to major in Software more so than any of the other engineering strands, and right now I'm torn between Game Design and Embedded systems. I know I don't want management since I failed pretty hard at that business club "Deca" in high school and am generally not interested in business all that much.

So my question is, what are the differences between embedded systems and game design? I originally wasn't really considering game design, but at the software seminar thing professor Mohrenschildt said that game design isn't exactly about games entirely, but more about visualization and human interaction with software. That might be interesting since I like drawing and stuff :p.

Embedded systems, on the other hand, seems more practical. I'm sure that more companies out there need software engineers for integrated computer systems more so than for visualization. I also like playing around with circuits and stuff a little bit, which I understand you get to do in this strand.

Unfortunately the seminar didn't cover much on software and was more about tron, which I am definitely not interested in.

Any input from anyone in software would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Ownaginatios

At this point I'm pretty sure that I want to major in Software more so than any of the other engineering strands, and right now I'm torn between Game Design and Embedded systems. I know I don't want management since I failed pretty hard at that business club "Deca" in high school and am generally not interested in business all that much.

So my question is, what are the differences between embedded systems and game design? I originally wasn't really considering game design, but at the software seminar thing professor Mohrenschildt said that game design isn't exactly about games entirely, but more about visualization and human interaction with software. That might be interesting since I like drawing and stuff :p.

Embedded systems, on the other hand, seems more practical. I'm sure that more companies out there need software engineers for integrated computer systems more so than for visualization. I also like playing around with circuits and stuff a little bit, which I understand you get to do in this strand.

Unfortunately the seminar didn't cover much on software and was more about tron, which I am definitely not interested in.

Any input from anyone in software would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Look at the economy before you choose. Embedded systems are very important to society, everything involves computer and every day computer are becoming more important. As for game design there is good money and need, but look at the economy. If the economy becomes shitter then games designer will loose their jobs as their profession is not that important.

Originally Posted by johnaa

Look at the economy before you choose. Embedded systems are very important to society, everything involves computer and every day computer are becoming more important. As for game design there is good money and need, but look at the economy. If the economy becomes shitter then games designer will loose their jobs as their profession is not that important.

Ya, that's what I was thinking. The thing though is that "game" design is supposedly not all about games. Apparently the name is going to be changed to "visualization" in the future. I was hoping someone in that stream of software could give me some insight...

Originally Posted by johnaa

Look at the economy before you choose. Embedded systems are very important to society, everything involves computer and every day computer are becoming more important. As for game design there is good money and need, but look at the economy. If the economy becomes shitter then games designer will loose their jobs as their profession is not that important.

you should be saying look to the economy five years from now. because that's the market he'll be looking in, not today's job market.

so far, the game industry has kept up growth while many others are falling in the recession. I think a fair guess is that video games serve as a great diversion from problems, same as movies were said to do in the 20s.

my point is games are fun, cool, will never die out and may actually thrive on problems. also the recession could easily be over by the time any of us are looking for a job.

Just make sure you don't forget to consider PURE Software Engineering. That's what I'm in and I like it

Originally Posted by adrian

Just make sure you don't forget to consider PURE Software Engineering. That's what I'm in and I like it

How's that?

Well, theres an option to take just software engineering, without a stream such as game design etc. You can choose this. If you were interested in why I like it, it's becuase that's how I function, I like to focus on one subject at a time...so when I saw all the other classes from the other streams, I was like "if I want do do well, I'd better not do those extra courses", I dunno, each to their preferences.Plus, I don't think I'm on a lower playing field than the ppl who are in the streams.

Sorry for long explanation, I don't know what you were really asking
Adrian

So Software Engineering is the same thing basically, minus a few specialized classes for the stream? Does that mean you get more electives?

Originally Posted by Ownaginatios

So Software Engineering is the same thing basically, minus a few specialized classes for the stream? Does that mean you get more electives?

I guess so...for specifics, go to:
http://registrar.mcmaster.ca /calen...08/sec_201.htm
At the very bottom of the page are the different software engineering things you can take.
Adrian

Wait, hold on. Software is your first choice? Unless you crave for software in your life, dude I thought you were to aim for something higher.

Originally Posted by Bobby66

Wait, hold on. Software is your first choice? Unless you crave for software in your life, dude I thought you were to aim for something higher.

Oh, leave the weak "My program's better than yours" at the door. Everyone makes their own decisions. And Software Engineering is just as much a stream of engineering as any other. Some people see the potential in it, especially because of the fact that it's a *relatively* new field.

Oh and I forgot:
_____________________ ____________

Ironman suit software possible only through Software Egineering!

Wow, you just flamed me to the max. I did not even say anything near "My program is better than yours," I did not even specify what program, for all we know i could be too going to software engineering.

Its not nice to requote one of the top groups in p-world, respect the scene groups.

Originally Posted by Bobby66

Wow, you just flamed me to the max. I did not even say anything near "My program is better than yours," I did not even specify what program, for all we know i could be too going to software engineering.

Its not nice to requote one of the top groups in p-world, respect the scene groups.

Sorry for extremism, calc test coming up