The State of Game Dev Education? Thread

In the past I've expressed my frustration with game development education.

My main complaint is that universities are running these courses, and after 3 years the students step out of the door with a useless degree and unrealistic expectations. Usually justified with some nonsense like "a big name dev speaks here" or "some famous designers came out of this course" (with no mention of the dozens who didn't go anywhere). The few who have the skill, the talent, and the will to go the extra mile find themselves stuck in a catch 22 of being unemployable due to a "lack of experience", but the only experience that is accepted is getting a job at a big studio, which they can't get due to "lack of experience"...

A guy I follow online went through a course that seemed to be the same old waste of time, however, he recently said that he and the class he was in were being taken to a game studio to see where they stand in terms of being employed. This seems surprising pro-active on the universities part.

Although, I don't know what the course specifically is, and everything else I heard about it is the same old stuff.

I wonder if game dev education has finally figured out how to do it right, or if it's just the same old worthless frame stuffer?

While we're on the subject. What is with game dev courses and None Disclousure Agreements (NDA)? I understand studios not wanting details of a game out before the marketing, but why would a university care if a student shows off a 3D model they made for an assignment? I'm no expert, but I thought building a strong portfolio was important for finding work? Aren't they hindering their students employment prospects by putting their work under lock and key? I'll admit, I'm mostly just interested in seeing what people I like have worked on, but NDAs still seem odd for a educational course.

I think it can be an issue of local culture, both in matters of education and in the consideration of games as "worthy", and not just something fashionable to cheat people into spending lots of money in useless degrees.

I attended a semester of a Game Development course in Finland, where the "indie" scene has been active since the eighties, and, after the 2-hit combo of Angry Birds and Clash of Clans, being a developer is something both socially "cool" and state-funded (through project grants).

As Universities are closely connected with a plurality companies (both independent and AAA) finding places for internships, and getting "real experience", is quite easy.

But still, Finland is a small country with an exploding industry, so this might not be appliable everywhere.

Here in Italy the first course has opened a few months ago, I'll let you know how it goes!