From my understanding it's better to have a good portfolio and understanding of what your applying for than a degree in something such as "Game Development" I was wondering if after looking at the work and achievements of someone looking for a career in the industry would having a bachelors a masters or an advanced diploma even matter?

Would the difference between a bachelors or an advanced diploma even matter was what I really wanted to ask.

I would say knowing what you are doing and being able to show it counts the most.

Look at the pin heads that rule over us. They probably have masters and doctorates and does it look like they know what they are doing?

I could argue both ways which leads me to believe its really about dedication.

My first gig for EA happened after I accidentally ended up on the phone with the AP of Godfather and pvssyd my way into her office. I just pretended the whole time like I was actually supposed to be talking to her. Ha ha, I was determined and wouldn't really take 'no' for an answer. At the time I had a really solid portfolio but no degree and had to smooth talk every answer. I anticipated every move and quickly balanced my strengths in a way she could quantify. I got the job and the rest was history. Once there though, I busted my butt making sure I was the absolute best.

A lot of Department Heads have told me a lot of there success was being in the right place at the right time. Oh man, ha haa, in some cases, absolute luck! The industry is still a small community and networking will take you places your experience and education won't. I guess it goes for any career, but keep your eye on the prize, be the best, and don't burn your bridges.

If you are not so lucky or don't see the opportunities when they are available, there are sometimes restrictions for recruiters to make sure they are including people with Higher Education levels. This is a complicated process and would certainly favor those with Bachelors. As an individual, it also means you can make more. As a business they want to balance what they pay for you against the reward of having you on their team. There are often incentives for companies to hire fresh college grads. I know of a couple companies that hire 4th year-ers because they don't have to pay the salaries at all, it is instead done through the State somehow. If you almost have your degree, or just got it, these companies are absolutely looking for that.

Once you have the experience and portfolio, there are Pay Rates and Brackets that are often defined by your Education/Experience Level. In general I tend to make more then my piers because I have a related degree. I am also very well versed in a super wide range of game related Subject Matters. This makes me an awesome employee for the Game Industry because I can communicate to both the technical and creative teams. If you are asking because you want to know how extensive your education should be, then I suggest you learn it all...

When I do an interview, it is often expressed to me how obvious it is that I come from a background full of experience. This gives my employers a sense of ease that allows me a little more leverage in negotiating my position. Some days I QA, others I wear a Producer hat, or fill an Art Director's shoes, or help brainstorm with Marketing. Being versatile turns out to be rather common if not required so as long as you can keep absorbing new knowledge you will be good.

Another argument I have for why you might want to get your diploma is that a lot of people in the Industry are hurting with the recession. Sadly, It hurt game sales and closed up studios putting a lot of good talent out of work. These people are all competing to get back in the game. If they can't find work they go back to school making them even stiffer competition for someone with only one because they will in essence have both experience and education.

What I have found to be an easier route in getting ahead in the Gaming Industry, is to get hired within your last year, or your first year out. If you don't get hired then you are almost certainly dead in the water.

@neokinesis, & Twistednuke,
Neo, that very well structured response was both easy to read and to me, makes more than good sense and reason, even I have taken something away from that,
Over the years I have taken many sound statements intended for others, and thought, I can at least use part or all of that to my advantage, for the most part, this has always been a good thing for me, Well what sort of an arrogant asshole would I be, if I assumed that everyone else to be wrong.
Twistednuke.
I cant say much about degrees, diplomas, and the like, I started working at the age of 15, so no further ed there, lmao, but, and I think in agreement with Neo, seeking opportunity is key, this applys to the shovel and spade brigade also, be posative, and confident in yourself, and what you have to offer.
Research the company and what it wants, if you have that, you have a real chance. but remeber "polite" even in todays rat race.
I attended an interview that required NVQ status, having no relevant education, and took the post the following week.
I wish you luck.

Well, the work you produced in a portfolio matters. No matter what degree you've done, your work is what makes you recognized by developers.

It's true that if you really do want to end up in a top quality position in a top quality game developing company, you need to have a high quality portfolio, but also a degree. I don't believe you need a top degree to get a big position, but if you have full dedication throughout your work, or whatever the positions asks/desires you to follow, then a degree seems pointless. But any degree can be proof that you've been learning game development, so that you are a genuine developer/designer.

I hope go be a video game developer in the future...

Good luck! If the company you are applying to has mod tools, I would work hard with that in your free time. This way, the company has works done on their engine so they can see your potential and that you have passion to do this even on your own free time, and it also will help you familiarize yourself with the engine if you are employed. Most companies in the game business will want to see some of the work you have done before they hire you, and if its on their engine that's an added bonus.

also consider creating some kind of website, even if its a free one so that you have an online portfolio that you can easily access

Flamers

@Talon95 I think your point is very valid. When a company like Epic releases the Unreal Editor to everyone, I believe it sets the bar for what they expect from those applying, to know.

I don't think it is any different here. Crytek said, here is CryEngine2 everyone, in learning it you might come away with a bit more understanding of what we are trying to do. Hopefully those serious about CE2 will purchase the Developer Licenses for CryEngine3 and compound their Skill Set and Understanding.

Let's all be honest, Modding is only the beginning.