You could spend four years of your life in college learning a trade that ,like many, in the computer sector changes and updates yearly if not monthly. So yes you could learn the basics but in truth if you don't continue you to learn after your education your skills will become null and void, well College doesn't guarantee a job in the game industry anyway. Until now everyone had to work their way in and teach themselves. So I invite you to do the same. Here are a few programs you can download and buy to help you learn the basics and advanced sections of game/level design! I hope these tools will help you as much as they helped me.
This program will cost you some money but in the long run its really worth it. I feel safe to say many if not all computers can run this program and there are a great deal of help forums on the Internet where you can get answers for any question you might have. You may import any sprite you can find and even make your own. With this program you can design an entire story driven RPG, you can even request and share completed games and resources. This program will allow you to design an entire story driven RPG.
Cons:
-It's not free and if you want others to enjoy your game they have to download a program to load your project file.
-Even with help the battle system could have more options.
Game Maker 8 (YoYo games)
This program , like RPG maker, costs money ( the "pro" edition will run you $25) but if you want to just get a feel for the program you can always download the trail version and see if it's what your looking for. This program takes tasks and scripts and makes them building blocks that just need to be placed in the correct sequence of code to preform its correct function. This is most popular in game programs for the public and again there is an option to write your own code and import it into the game.
Cons:
-You wont be making the next blockbuster with this program.
-The trial version is very limited in what you can do once you figure out the basics.
Warioware D.I.Y (Nintendo DS, Wii)
The Big N is sick of making games for you so now it's your turn. This new title in the micro games series is a step in the right direction for fans and indie developers mainly because it gives you a near endless amount of tools to not only make a little game but control the music and scripting of it. There is something for everyone here...whether you are really into making just music or drawing your own sprites this title gives you all that and allows you to package and send your games to other DS and Wii users. This is of course a retail game and one of the more expensive "game makers" but its the charm and easy access that might get most to over look the price and limitations.
Cons:
-you have to have a DS to play and a Wii to download the extra distribution channel.
-You can't really make a full game its mainly 5-10 second mini games.
-No matter how you make it most of the games will end with touch this to win...but again if you have a DS and some extra cash this should be your next DS purchase.
There are also many other programs out there that all offer different things. I didn't list them mainly because I haven't used them but I know Unreal 3 would be the best for modding and even Never Winter Nights if you can run it. both are not expensive anymore and can even be bought and downloaded from your computer. I recommend checking those out as well as the ones I have listed. Good luck and happy creating!
